Good morning, Allentown.

Area churches will unite on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb.

8, to host soup drives and tailgate luncheons that collect food and donations for local pantries, with Union Lutheran in Schnecksville and St. John’s UCC in Laurys Station leading the effort.

The Lehigh Valley Pet Expo draws families to the Allentown Fairgrounds amid freezing temperatures and runs Friday to Sunday.

The event features rescue dogs, food stalls + live animal demos.

69 News bid farewell to longtime anchor Melanie Falcon on Friday as she signed off after a 14-year career; she chose to step away from the news desk to spend time with her family (her two young sons) and was celebrated by colleagues for her work on the Health Beat report.

The Wicked Chef, known for its inventive sandwiches, closed on Jan.

30 after owner John Walter Moniak announced its end due to personal challenges and a need to sell inventory (the food trailer is for sale at $42,000) in Allentown. It had been a community favorite at 279 Cetronia Road.

Kelly Ronalds, with 16 years at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, will become the first female general manager in 40 years on Sunday, Feb.

1. Outgoing manager Bruce Haines will keep his role as managing partner while Ronalds focuses on boosting local tourism (restaurants, shops, historic sites).

Eli Lilly announced plans to build a $3.5B manufacturing campus on undeveloped farmland in Upper Macungie Township — promising 850 jobs over the next five years.

The project was unveiled at the Da Vinci Science Center in downtown Allentown and is set to boost local growth.

New Tripoli Bank donated $100,000 yesterday to the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation to fund STEM and arts programs in district schools—continuing its decade-long support for local education.

Lower Macungie Middle School hosted a 'Starry Night' dance for about 220 students on Jan.

23. The student council organized the event with staff and parent volunteers, providing snacks, drinks, face painting, and a bouncy house, and will hold a multicultural fair on May 1.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened its first federally funded EV charging station at Blue Mountain Service Plaza on Dec.

22, 2025 and a second station at New Stanton followed the next week. PennDOT’s initiative will add 80 chargers at all 17 service plazas by the end of 2027 + supports renewable energy goals.

City crews plowed main roads in 8-12 hours after a weekend snowstorm brought up to 14 inches of snow and sleet; officials advise residents to clear hydrants and ramps and warn another snowstorm is forecast next weekend (note limited rock salt supplies).

The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners met on Jan.

14 to address local healthcare concerns and support for seed farms with plans to assist residents with Medicare enrollment. The board approved new appointments (including planning commission and retirement board) and contracts in a series of motions.

Forgotten Felines is hosting cat adoption and visitation sessions on Saturdays from noon to 4 at 6022 Mountain Road, Germansville, featuring Ciri, a playful 3-year-old dilute tortie who is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on her shots.

Call 610-760-9009 (option 2) or apply online to meet her.

Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week

February 1-7 — Downtown Allentown — Variety of offers and prix fixe menus — Indulge in delicious specials at local eateries during this culinary celebration.

R&B ONLY

8 PM – 12 AM — Archer Music Hall — 21+ event — Sing, dance, and experience R&B music from past to present.

Simon Mulligan Jazz Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Tickets available — Experience the captivating blend of classical and jazz by acclaimed pianist Simon Mulligan.

Providence Bruins at Lehigh Valley Phantoms

7:00-9:05 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting AHL matchup between the Bruins and Phantoms.

AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty Training Class

Mar 2-6 — Code One CPR Training — $2100 — Enhance your skills with expert-led AWS machine learning training in Allentown.