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Articles by Alex Irving
Pump Problem Has Left New Hope Canal Section Dry
Credit: NewHopeFreePress.com Those trekking the Delaware Canal State Park towpath from New Hope Borough to Center Bridge in Solebury Township are being met with the stench of rotting fish and swarms of flies after a mechanical failure has left the waterway dried up.
More Jet Fuel Found In Upper Makefield
The pipeline in Upper Makefield. Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com Officials have confirmed the discovery of jet fuel in another private well in the Mount Eyre section of Upper Makefield Township. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed that a private well tested positive for separate-phase liquid last month. A monitoring well operated by Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Sunoco, tested positive for jet fuel on April 1.
Penn Medicine Appoints New CEO For Doylestown Health System
Craig Gronczewski. Credit: Penn Medicine Penn Medicine Doylestown Health has appointed a veteran administrator and physician to lead the organization. Craig Gronczewski will take over as CEO on June 1, the health system announced this week. Gronczewski succeeds Jim Brexler, who departed after 13 years at the helm of Doylestown Hospital and its network of offices.
New Hope & Lambertville To Host Nine-Day PrideFest 2026
Credit: Marion Callahan/NewHopeFreePress.com New Hope and Lambertville, two of the nation’s most prominent LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, are preparing to kick off the 2026 pride season with a nine-day festival. New Hope Celebrates announced the return of PrideFest, which is scheduled to run from May 9 to 17. The event is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees to the riverfront communities of New Hope Borough and the City of Lambertville.
Hunterdon County Commissioners Propose No Tax Increase
The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners introduced a $132.4 million proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The commissioners said the spending plan maintains a recent tax rate cut and extends the county’s 12-year streak of remaining debt-free. Unveiled during the public meeting last Tuesday, the $132,398,215 proposal holds the county tax rate at $0.306, matching the 2014 level. Officials said the budget centers on fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, and municipal partnerships.
Logistics Firm Leases 1 Million-Square-Foot Warehouse Near Delaware River
An overhead view of the massive warehouse in early 2026. Credit: Nearmap/County of Bucks An automated fulfillment company has signed a lease to occupy a nearly 1-million-square-foot warehouse in Falls Township. Exol, a California-based firm specializing in AI-driven logistics, will fully occupy the South Penn Logistics Center at 2300 South Pennsylvania Avenue in the Morrisville section of the township near the Delaware River.
United Way Moving To New HQ & HELP Center In Bristol Twp.
Credit: Submitted The United Way of Bucks County is will be opening a new headquarters and service hub in Bristol Township. The upcoming move brings the organization’s administrative offices and its HELP Center under one roof in Bristol Township. The facility at 2901 Edgely Road previously housed Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania before that organization vacated the building last year, is designed to serve as a centralized resource for local families.
How Temperature Swings Helped Tearing Up Local Roadways
If your morning commute feels more like a game of Minesweeper, you aren’t alone. The dreaded “pothole season” has arrived and turned local blacktop into a cratered obstacle course. PennDOT’s District 6 office — which covers Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties — has already been slammed with more than 2,100 complaints since the start of 2026. Crews have already used 660 tons of asphalt trying to keep up.
State Pushes To Close Mental Health Insurance Gaps For Responders
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis speaks during Tuesday’s press conference at PEMA. Credit: PA Internet News Service Pennsylvania officials are advocating to strengthen mental health protections for first responders by closing insurance gaps during state-level disasters and highlighting recent reforms. A press conference Tuesday focused on the impact of Act 121, which took effect in October 2025.
State Pushes To Close Mental Health Insurance Gaps For Responders
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis speaks during Tuesday’s press conference at PEMA. Credit: PA Internet News Service Pennsylvania officials are advocating to strengthen mental health protections for first responders by closing insurance gaps during state-level disasters and highlighting recent reforms. A press conference Tuesday focused on the impact of Act 121, which took effect in October 2025.
Bucks County Playhouse Appoints Veteran Producer & Director For New Era
BT McNicholl. Credit: Submitted The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope Borough announced Tuesday the appointment of BT McNicholl as its new producing artistic director. McNicholl, a veteran director and producer with a resume spanning 12 Broadway productions, will succeed the leadership team of Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, and Josh Fiedler. The outgoing trio previously announced they would step down in June after more than a decade at the helm.
Officers Reflect On Stopping Bucks County Men During Attempted Terror Attack
Chief of Patrol Borough Manhattan North Aaron Edwards, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and Sgt. Luis Navarro on stage at the NYPD graduation ceremony last week. Credit: NYPD When a homemade explosive device landed on the pavement near a crowd of protesters by Gracie Mansion in New York City, NYPD Sgt. Luis Navarro didn’t stop to calculate what to do next. He ran toward the device. “I didn’t have time to process anything,” said Navarro, an 11-year veteran of the force.
Officers Reflect On Stopping Bucks County Men During Attempted Terror Attack
Chief of Patrol Borough Manhattan North Aaron Edwards, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and Sgt. Luis Navarro on stage at the NYPD graduation ceremony last week. Credit: NYPD When a homemade explosive device landed on the pavement near a crowd of protesters by Gracie Mansion in New York City, NYPD Sgt. Luis Navarro didn’t stop to calculate what to do next. He ran toward the device. “I didn’t have time to process anything,” said Navarro, an 11-year veteran of the force.
Firefighters Flare Off Leaking Propane Tank In Lambertville
Credit: Lambertville Fire Department Fire and hazmat crews secured a propane leak that closed down a part of the City of Lambertville. The City of Lambertville Fire Department was dispatched to North Union Street at 4:12 p.m. Tuesday while crews were in the process of clearing a separate marine rescue call. At the scene, firefighters found two 100-pound propane tanks in the rear yard of a local business.
Kayaker Swims To Safety During Delaware River Search
Credit: Lambertville Fire Department Rescue crews were dispatched to the Delaware River Tuesday afternoon after reports of a kayaker in distress near the wing dam. The City of Lambertville Fire Department said they responded to the call at 3:36 p.m. The fire department launched an airboat from the Lambertville boat ramp. As the airboat crew headed south to conduct a search of the river, the kayaker managed to reach safety on his own, the fire department said.
Triumph Brewing Company Closes In New Hope
A longtime fixture of the New Hope Borough dining and craft beer scene has poured its last pint. Triumph Brewing Company in Union Square abruptly closed its doors Monday. The business announced the closure through a statement posted to its official Facebook page. “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the many guests who dined and drank with us over the last twenty three years, and to our employees whose hard work and dedication made it possible,” the post read.
How Winter’s Weather Shredded Local Roads
Pothole repair operations. File photo. Credit: Alejandro Peña If your morning commute feels more like a game of Minesweeper, you aren’t alone. The dreaded “pothole season” has arrived and turned local blacktop into a cratered obstacle course. PennDOT’s District 6 office — which covers Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties — has already been slammed with more than 2,100 complaints since the start of 2026. Crews have already used 660 tons of asphalt trying to keep up.
Two New Dinner Theater Productions Announced For Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village and the Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts have announced the return of their dinner theater partnership with two upcoming productions at the Cock ’n Bull Restaurant. The collaboration will feature the musical celebration The Galway Girls: A Celtic Celebration in March and the return of the interactive comedy Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding in April.
How A Cold Winter Turned Local Roads Into Swiss Cheese
File photo. If your morning commute feels more like a game of Minesweeper, you aren’t alone. The dreaded “pothole season” has arrived and turned local blacktop into a cratered obstacle course. PennDOT’s District 6 office — which covers Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties — has already been slammed with more than 2,100 complaints since the start of 2026. Crews have already used 660 tons of asphalt trying to keep up.
Community College Floral Design Students Showcase At Philadelphia Flower Show
Building on last year’s silver-medal debut, the Bucks County Community College floral design program is returning to the Philadelphia Flower Show starting this weekend. The display is titled “Rooted in Art” and will run from Saturday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 8.
Bucks County Floral Design Students Showcase At Philadelphia Flower Show
Credit: Submitted Building on last year’s silver-medal debut, the Bucks County Community College floral design program is returning to the Philadelphia Flower Show starting this weekend. The display is titled “Rooted in Art” and will run from Saturday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 8.
Supervisors Greenlight Bidding Process For Newtown Creek Bridge
The plan for the bridge. Credit: Newtown Township The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted at its Feb. 11 meeting to authorize bidding for the Newtown Creek pedestrian bridge project. The 170-foot structure will span the creek at the site of the former Newtown Trolley line bridge. The new bridge will be behind Penn Community Bank between Sycamore Street in the township and the intersection of Frost Lane and Edgeboro Drive in the borough.
Top Hunterdon County Official Says He Wants Tax Freeze
The Hunterdon County Commissioners has proposed a freeze the county tax rate and a new grant program for emergency responders. During the annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 6 in Flemmington, Commissioner Director John Lanza called for the commissioners to maintain the current tax rate following reductions in 2024 and 2025. Lanza, who was sworn into his fifth term and a second consecutive year as director, stated the county of roughly 130,000 residents remains debt-free.
New Hope To Issue Sidewalk Snow Citations Starting Friday
A cleared sidewalk in New Hope Borough. Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com New Hope Borough Mayor Frank DeLuca announced Thursday that borough police will begin issuing citations Friday, Jan. 30, to property owners who have not cleared snow from their sidewalks. The enforcement comes after the recent snow storm that has left walking conditions challenging in the borough.
Newtown Restaurant Closes After Chef’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar and Priya Guru in their eatery. Credit: Submitted Guru’s Indian Cuisine has closed its doors after the diagnosis of head chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar with Parkinson’s disease. Owner Priya Trivedi announced the closure on social media, stating that her husband’s health was the factor in the decision. The couple, who finalized the adoption of two daughters last year, have chosen to sell the restaurant building, according a report in the Bucks County Courier Times.
‘Love Letter’ To New Hope: Bucks County Playhouse Producers Announce Farewell Season
The Bucks County Playhouse. File photo. Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com The trio that has run the show at Bucks County Playhouse since 2014 is preparing for one final curtain call. Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler have announced the 2026 season is their last, but they aren’t slipping out the stage door quietly. The 2026 lineup features five mainstage productions, including a world premiere and several musical revivals.
State Funding To Offset Purchase Cost Of Former New Hope Quarry
The drone’s-eye view of the property. Credit: Primrose Creek Watershed Association Solebury Township has been awarded an $800,000 state grant to offset the purchase of the former New Hope Crushed Stone and Lime Quarry. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant will reduce the township’s net acquisition cost for the 166-acre property to less than $500,000.
What NJ's New E-Bike Law Means For Riders: Licenses Requires & Some Riders Banned
Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Monday requiring all e-bike riders to obtain a license, registration, and insurance. The new law sets some of the strictest regulations for the vehicles in the nation. The law reclassifies all e-bikes, which are a common site in the City of Lambertville, into a single category of motorized bicycles.
PA Turnpike tolls rise in smallest increase since 2014 | NorthPennNow
Pennsylvania Turnpike drivers began the new year with a 4 percent toll increase, which marks the smallest rate hike for the system in over a decade. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the new toll hike that took effect Jan. 4 represents the lowest increase since 2014. Officials noted that the commission is beginning to scale back the size of annual increases.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Receives $536,000 For Preservation
The historic Thompson-Neely House. File photo. Credit: Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park The National Park Service has awarded a $536,330 grant to the Friends of Washington Crossing Park for the interior rehabilitation of the Thompson-Neely House. The funding is provided through the Semiquincentennial Grant Program and the Historic Preservation Fund.
Commission Sets Public Meetings For Washington Crossing Bridge Study
A car prepares to cross the Washington Crossing Toll-Supported Bridge in Upper Makefield Township in June 2025. Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has scheduled two public scoping open houses to gather input on the future of the Washington Crossing Toll-Supported Bridge.
Chambers Announce 2026 New Hope-Lambertville Restaurant Week
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com Restaurants serving New Hope and Lambertville will launch into the new year with the return of the second annual New Hope and Lambertville Restaurant Week. The event, which runs from Jan. 12 through Jan. 25, is a joint initiative between the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce. More than two dozen restaurants on both sides of the Delaware River are slated to participate.
PA Turnpike Tolls Rise In Smallest Increase Since 2014
An open road tolling gantry over the Turnpike. Credit: PA Internet News Service Pennsylvania Turnpike drivers began the new year with a 4 percent toll increase, which marks the smallest rate hike for the system in over a decade. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the new toll hike that took effect Jan. 4 represents the lowest increase since 2014. Officials noted that the commission is beginning to scale back the size of annual increases.
New Hope Company Purchased By John Deere
The new Union Square sign. Credit: David Hunt/NewtownPANow.com Deere and Co. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New Hope Borough-based Tenna, a construction technology firm that specializes in mixed-fleet equipment operations and asset tracking, the companies announced last week. Tenna, a holding of The Conti Group, is based in the Union Square complex in New Hope Borough. The acquisition is currently pending regulatory approval and is expected to close in Feb. 2026.
Rob Reiner’s Early Career At Bucks County Playhouse Remembered
Rob Reiner at a 2013 event at The Commonwealth Club. Credit: Ed Ritger Long before he played Michael “Meathead” Stivic on “All in the Family” or the director behind cinematic classics like “The Princess Bride,” Rob Reiner was a teenager in New Hope Borough learning the ropes of professional theater. “Rob Reiner was a notable member of the Bucks County Playhouse apprentice program in 1964,” Alexander Fraser, the Playhouse’s producing director, said to The Keystone.
$116 Million Second Phase Of Route 1 Reconstruction Finished
The second phase on the Route 1 project in summer 2025. Credit: PennDOT PennDOT and its contractors have announced the completion of the second major phase of the ongoing Route 1 reconstruction project. The $116 million second phase, which began in March 2021, reconstructed and widened 1.5 miles of Route 1 between the Neshaminy and Penndel interchanges in Bensalem and Middletown townships.
When Does University Start in Australia?
Whether you’re thinking of studying in Australia or you’re scheduled to arrive soon, you likely have a lot of questions about how the education system works here. One of the most pressing might include, “When does university start in Australia?” If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we outline the most important timelines you need to know, including Australian semester dates and semester break dates.
New Hope Band Ween Halts Touring
Ween, the funky alternative band from New Hope, announced Thursday that they are ceasing all touring activities indefinitely to prioritize the mental health of band member Michael “Dean Ween” Melchiondo Jr. The announcement comes as the band decided to cancel a highly anticipated 30th anniversary show scheduled next month in Philadelphia. “Despite three great shows this summer, it’s become clear that touring and performing is too taxing on Deaner’s mental health,” the band wrote.
Bristol Seeks $1.5 Million For Dock Expansion Along River
Bristol Borough Council intends to submit a grant application to state and federal agencies in hopes of securing $1.5 million to expand boat docks along the Delaware River. The council on Monday voted to apply for the funding through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe mentioned the benefits of the expansion during the council meeting. “We’re trying to improve that waterfront with more docks.
Newtown Twp. Awaits Approval For Pedestrian Safety Upgrades At Intersections
Plans to enhance pedestrian safety at two intersections in Newtown Township are awaiting final approvals from PennDOT. The planned upgrades are for the intersections of Newtown-Yardley Road and Tara Boulevard and Sycamore Street and Silo Drive. The projects last year were awarded a $326,931 PennDOT grant for the work. However, both projects are still pending final review and approval from PennDOT.
Members-Only Pickleball Club Coming To Shopping Center
The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors approved plans Wednesday evening for a new indoor pickleball club. The members-only club will take over the now-vacant Bed, Bath, and Beyond store at 20 West Road. The decision follows an approval recommendation from the Newtown Township Planning Commission last month. The Picklr, a Utah-based company, will transform the 30,000-square-foot retail space into a state-of-the-art, membership-only pickleball facility featuring 11 indoor courts.
Bristol Concludes Sidewalk Inspection & Repair Program, But Council President Has A Warning Original
The sidewalk inspection and repair program in Bristol Borough has concluded, Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe announced at the council meeting on Monday evening. “It’s over and we’re done with it,” DiGuiseppe declared. The initiative began last May and involved Code Enforcement Officer John Miller and his team inspecting sidewalks throughout the borough for potential tripping hazards.
Developer Presents Updated Plan For 100-Unit Apartment Complex
The owner of The Corners at Newtown Place business center at South Sycamore Street, Richboro Road, and Cambridge Lane is advancing plans to transform the site into a new residential development. BET Investments recently presented an updated plan to the Newtown Township Planning Commission for a parking-core apartment building. The latest iteration of the proposal features 100 apartments, a reduction from the initial 160 units shown last year and the 120 units presented in the winter.
Planners To Hear Proposal For 66 Townhomes Along Woodbourne Road Original
A proposal for a townhome community at the site of the former Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School will be considered by the Middletown Township Planning Commission this week. Westrum Development Company is planned to construct the neighborhood dubbed “Woodbourne Ridge” at the former school site on Woodbourne Road in Levittown. The planning commission’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m. at the Middletown Township Municipal Building. The planning commission is an advisory body.
Randall Avenue Bridge Repair Delayed Due To Amtrak Issues Original
The much-anticipated repairs to the deteriorating Randall Avenue bridge in Bristol Township have been delayed. Initially scheduled to begin on Friday, June 28, the start date has been pushed back to Friday, July 12, due to issues with Amtrak, according to Bristol Township leaders. “Amtrak experienced heat related ET (electric traction) infrastructure issues along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) during the week of June 17th-June 21st.
Repairs To Begin On Randall Avenue Bridge Original
Officials have announced that repair work on the deteriorating Randall Avenue bridge in Bristol Township will begin on Friday, June 28. The bridge, which spans over key rail lines used by SEPTA, freight carriers, and Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor, has been closed since early 2023 due to safety concerns.
Silvi Materials To Reactivate Railroad, Aims To Reduce Traffic Original
Silvi Materials announced plans Thursday to reactivate the railroad branch to the Riverside Industrial Complex in the 7900 block of North Radcliffe Street in Bristol Township. At the Bristol Township Council meeting, Tim Kurtz, vice president of Silvi Materials, outlined the project and said completion is targeted for September. The track was previously removed by Amtrak, but it will be rebuilt to facilitate the transport of materials and reduce truck traffic on local roads.
Bristol Seeks $1.5 Million For Dock Expansion Along River
Bristol Borough Council intends to submit a grant application to state and federal agencies in hopes of securing $1.5 million to expand boat docks along the Delaware River. The council on Monday voted to apply for the funding through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe mentioned the benefits of the expansion during the council meeting. “We’re trying to improve that waterfront with more docks.
Steady Progress For Local African American Museum
The permanent location for the African American Museum of Bucks County at Boone Farm next to Core Creek Park will open in spring 2025. The museum’s launch, which was originally slated for 2024, has been pushed back due to renovations needed at the property. Linda Salley, the museum’s leader, her team of volunteers, and contractors have encountered more challenges than anticipated in preparing the Boone Farm building for its new role. “We’re looking to open spring of 25.
Steady Progress For Local African American Museum
The permanent location for the African American Museum of Bucks County at Boone Farm next to Core Creek Park will open in spring 2025. The museum’s launch, which was originally slated for 2024, has been pushed back due to renovations needed at the property. Linda Salley, the museum’s leader, her team of volunteers, and contractors have encountered more challenges than anticipated in preparing the Boone Farm building for its new role. “We’re looking to open spring of 25.
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