The Bethlehem NAACP is calling for the removal of certain images chosen by students to identify themselves online. The so-called 'avatars' used by some Southern Lehigh School District students have been called offensive and inappropriate. Students reportedly are using black avatars with exaggerated facial features from the Fortnite video game. The avatars are visible in an image that is next to a student's name on Google Classroom, an online site used by schools. District Superintendent Michael Mahon he isn't prepared to discuss the issue at this point but it happy to engage with the NAACP about their concerns.
It's been 11 years since Musikfest offered entertainment at Payrow Plaza, but that is changing this usmmer. The festival is coming back to Payrow Plaza, which is next to the Bethlehem Public Library. ArtsQuest is trying to figure out what to name the new venue. You can submit ideas for naming the new music spot at the Musikfest website through April 19.
Time to break out masks again in Philadelphia. The city's health department reinstating a mask mandate for indoor public spaces as COVID-19 cases rise, but Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole says the uptick does not have to upend daily life. "We do not believe there's any reason to panic or to avoid activities we enjoy and are important to us. Our city remains open. By wearing masks consistently, we can continue to go about our daily lives and continue to take part in the life of our city without contributing to the increase of transmission of COVID-19," Bettigole says. Philadelphia's reinstated mask mandate takes effect on April 18th.
State lawmakers are putting plans together to make it easier for you to change your name. Several state House and Senate members announced a new group of bills Monday that would help the LGBTQ-plus community change their names. Anyone who wants to change their name in Pennsylvania today has to fill out a publication notice which is sent to two newspapers in the county where they live. People in the LGBTQ-plus community say putting it in the newspaper opens a door for criticism or hate.
A Republican state senator from Erie says he'll soon introduce a bill that would allow medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania to purchase edible medicines. Those are food products that contain pot. Dan Laughlin says some patients see better time-release results in edible form. Currently, marijuana patients in Pennsylvania can purchase cannabis in the form of pills, oils, topicals, dry leaves and liquids.
Pennsylvania residents, like millions across the U.S., love their pets. Google Trends this week is sharing the most-searched-for pets in each state aside from dogs and cats. In the Keystone State, the most googled pet, apart from canines and felines, is the guinea pig.
State legislators in New Jersey are giving their ok for seven medical marijuana facilities to go greener. In the near future, the seven approved facilities will be able to sell marijuana recreationally as well. Those facilities must still pass a regulatory inspection and get a new license before they can start to sell pot for recreational purposes. Gov. Phil Murphy calls the approval a monumental step to create a new cannabis industry.
While the Phillies pulled off a big comeback to beat the New York Mets 5-4 Monday night, third baseman Alec Bohm had a rough night in the field. Bohm committed three errors in the first three innings. Manager Joe Girardi was asked about it after the game. "Well, he responded. He turned a double play. He made a couple other plays. He got on base three times. It's not an easy game. It's not an easy game," Girardi said postgame. Bohm was seen saying "I (expletive) hate this place" after hearing sarcastic cheers after making a routine play later. After the game, Bohm acknowledged he said it but didn't mean it and that his emotions got the best of him.