Valley's 8.1% jobless rate highest since 1986

The Lehigh Valley's jobless rate hit a high of 8.1%, the highest it has been since 1986.  A local economist says that it is going to get worse before things can get better.  He said that he thinks it will be up in the double digits before the end of the year.  The unemployment rate has surged more than 3% in the past year. 

This is bad news for us 2009 graduates.  I feel that most of us are in the same position that finding a job is very tough right now.  Many companies are in a hiring freeze.  I am a journalism major and many newspapers are going bankrupt.  Of course there are other outlets to journalism but it is just tough because no one is hiring.

Grad school or even going back to school to learn another skill are becoming options for 2009 graduates.  

Here's the link:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5jobless.6837154mar31,0,4397824.story

Lehigh football team marches into new season with momentum

I found this article in the sports section of the Morning Call. Normally I wouldn't choose strictly a sports article but I found this one particularly interesting.

Spring football practice started late last week and I chose this story because my boyfriend played football for Lehigh for four years.  He's graduating this year so he is finally done but it is hopefully going to be a great upcoming year, especially coming off the huge win against Lafayette.  

The win against the Leopards definitely made every senior's years (I'm sure) and hopefully it carries through to next year's football season.  Here's the story:

http://www.mcall.com/sports/all-c1_groller.6829333mar24,0,4656452.column

Former WAEB-AM Allentown Reporter Murdered in New York

Longtime radio news reporter George Weber was 47.  He got his start in radio at a Bucks County radio station and eventually worked for WAEB-AM Allentown before moving to Brooklyn to work there.  He was found murdered in his apartment yesterday.  He was found stabbed in the neck when police went to check on him after he failed to arrive for a scheduled work shift.  Police are now in search of his murderer.  

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg gave weekly reports on Weber's radio show.  Bloomberg said that Weber will be greatly missed. 

This is such a scary story.  It is definitely going to be interesting following the case and hopefully the police find leads on it soon.  

Here's the link:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-weber0323-cn,0,4134444.story

President Obama picks Tar Heels to win it all

Here is a more light-hearted story than the last one that I posted.  I like how Obama is 'current' enough to fill out a bracket for March Madness.  I am not sure if President Bush ever did this, but I would be really surprised if he did.  I also liked how he predicted a winner for the Super Bowl.  Obama seems like such a really cool guy.

Here's the link:

http://www.mcall.com/sports/all-obama-espn-031809,0,3247942.story

Upper Perkiomen Middle School Teacher faces charges

Brian Miller, 28, has just been charged with having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female student of his.  He kissed and fondled her on school property and sent her text messages that were sexual in nature.  Miller was noted to be married but has no children.

I cannot begin to say how disgusted I am every time I read a story about a teacher having an inappropriate relationship with a student.  Miller was 28 years old and married, which crosses the line to begin with.  He was cheating and not just with any girl, a 14 year old.  This is unacceptable.  

I feel that Miller should have been smart enough to realize that what he was doing was not only illegal but completely wrong.  He was smart enough to graduate from college with a degree, he should know better than what he did.

This is completely unacceptable and we have to figure out way to stop this.

Here's the link:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-teacher-charges-031609-cn,0,2413459.story

Valley prom couple is now a media sensation

Every high school girl dreams about being asked to the prom by an older boyfriend. For Adriana Nikles, that dream became a reality. Nikles is a sophomore at Central Catholic High School in Allentown. Her boyfriend, Zach Heffelfinger is a junior at Emmaus high School. On Monday, Zach waited outside Central for Adriana to finish school. He had two dozen roses, baloons and a sign that read "Adriana, will you go to prom with me?" Of course she said yes.

Now the real kicker is that this couple is gaining so much popularity because of one little story in the Morning Call. On Wednesday, Zach was interviewed by the Big Talker radio show in Philadelphia.

Adriana's mother, Melany, said that the couple has also been approached by a national talk show. (I am curious to know which one!) The two just went from an ordinary couple on Monday to an internet sensation overnight. I really wish Zach and Adriana the best of luck in the future.

Here's the link to the Media Sensation article:
http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-prom.6813648mar12,0,5877562.story

Here's the original article that started it all (It really is cute, so you should check it out!)
http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-prom-question-0309cn,0,2509070.story

Enjoy!

Mcall Story

I know not everybody is as crazy about cooking as I am. However, I'm pretty sure everybody loves eating. There has been a big buzz in the Lehigh Valley and especially around Lehigh's campus -- talking about the new Bethlehem Sands Casino that is slated to open in May of this year. The casino is going to bring around 10,000 jobs to the Valley and tons of high class entertainment (that is, when they get around to finishing the hotel and entertainment arena!) Bethlehem will be a getaway spot for locals to come and hang out, gamble and have a good time.

Last summer, I wrote for the Morning Call as an opinion writer. I helped translate the views of the editorial board into writing. I'm telling you this because I wrote an article on the casinos coming to the Valley. Us, as the editorial board, had a very positive outlook on the casino.

Ok, so I have rambled a little bit and got off topic, but back to eating. The casino is looking to bring famous chef Emeril Lagasse to the Valley. What a joy this would be! The restaurant would be a steakhouse (which I can only imagine will be very expensive and upscale). Once the project is complete, it will include the steakhosue from Lagasse, 3,000 slot machines, a 24-hour cafe, and an authentic Irish pub.

I know I personally cannot wait for the casino to open so I can enjoy the fun times and good food. Bam!

Here is the link:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-emeril-mar10,0,4167886.story