Stolen Picasso, New Steakhouse, Alleged Teacher Sex Assault Top Lehigh Valley News

Prosecutors in New York said an Easton man stole $100,000 worth of artwork—including a piece by Picasso—from an estate he had been hired to paint. The man is charged with grand larceny, money laundering and identity theft in two different New York counties, and faces up to 26 years in prison, according to a news release from the Kings County, N.Y., district attorney's office.

Principal Addresses Alleged Teacher Sex Assault

The principal of the Nazareth Area Middle School has sent out a letter to parents in the wake of charges against a drama teacher for alleged repeated sexual assaults of a student over more than two years. Principal Robert L. Kern's letter states that he wanted to "reiterate that the safety and security of our students has been, and will continue to be, my No. 1 priority as principal."

Melting Pot Owners Open Brazilian Steakhouse

The owners of The Melting Pot fondue restaurant in Bethlehem have added another unique dining experience to the Lehigh Valley restaurant scene with the opening of Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse at 2805 Lehigh St. in Allentown.

Bravo! Schools Earn Freddy Nominations

Parkland High School's "Phantom of the Opera" and Freedom High School's "Les Mis" tied for the most Freddy Award nominations—15. Among the other nominees: Nazareth Area landed 11; Southern Lehigh, 10; Easton Area, 6; Saucon Valley, 4; Emmaus, 4. 

A Northampton County jury has found a 45-year-old man guilty of first-degree murder in last year's stabbing of an Easton man.  The verdict means jurors accepted the prosecution's argument about who was the aggressor during a fight on July 3, 2013 on Ferry Street. 

American Sandwich Co. Using Bitcoin Digital Currency

American Sandwich Co. has become the first restaurant in the nation to bring the digital currency called bitcoins to "Middle America."  Bitcoin is a system of owning and transferring amounts of Bitcoins, in a manner similar to online banking, but pseudonymously and without reliance on a bank.

Employee of Cigars International warehouse in South Bethlehem is charged with stealing a box of 120 $100-lighters from his employer, according to court papers.

Bethlehem's Sun Inn is looking for a restaurateur to help write the next chapter of the venue's notable history. The Sun Inn is accepting proposals from experienced restaurateurs with solid financial backing who are interested in running a restaurant on the second floor of the building in downtown Bethlehem, according to The Sun Inn's website.

It's Official! Nazareth's New Mayor Sworn In

It's official. Nazareth has a new mayor. He was sworn in Wednesday morning during a short ceremony in which he took the oath of office from a District Judge

Sinkholes Scaring Palmer Residents

Safety concerns were raised as sinkholes opened up once again on Northwood Avenue in Palmer Township.

Man Admits Role in Dramatic Home Invasion

A25-year-old Philadelphia man pleaded guilty in Lehigh County Court to his role in a robbery and shooting in South Whitehall, according to online court records.

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is urging commuters who use Interstate 78 to get into New Jersey to invest in an E-Z Pass.

Fatal Fire: Nearly $10K Raised for Funeral Costs

The Emmaus community, with the help of Emmaus resident Sue Zacharda and the Business and Community Alliance, raised nearly $10,000 to help cover the funeral costs of the four victims of the fatal St. Patrick's Day fire in the borough.

Is Costco Still Coming to Lower Macungie?

The $140 million Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie—set to feature the area's first Costco—will be up for an important vote at next week's East Penn School Board meeting, according to a WFMZ report. The school board will be the first of three government bodies asked to approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan to help pay for the project.

$1.4 Million For Easton School Security?

The first phase of security upgrades at Easton Area schools could cost $1.4 million, the school board learned Tuesday night. That figure—provided to the board by D'Huy Engineering—is nearly three times larger than the  district officials projected two months ago.

Nazareth Council Pushes for New Pool

Nazareth Council unanimously decided not to spend $61,000 for a temporary fix to get the pool open for part of the summer season. Instead, Council will "explore" the option of a new pool to replace the 74-year-old pool, which has fallen into disrepair and has a damaged pipe system.

A state audit report says paying a former Parkland Superintendent for unused sabbatical leave was 'a questionable use of taxpayer funds.' Parkland says it had been offered to attract and retain the most qualified candidate.