Good morning, Allentown.

On March 2 in Lehigh County, judges ordered DUI offenders to pay fines, serve license suspensions and join treatment programs—first-time offenders got a chance through ARD while others were jailed immediately—to balance punishment with help for troubled drivers.

Lehigh County recorded 1,750 DUI cases in 2024—a 42% increase over five years—and prosecutors say impaired driving from alcohol and drugs is a growing threat to road safety in our valley.

An Allentown man, Rubiel Perez, 30, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in March 2023 to robbery and firearm charges after he robbed three 7-Eleven stores in Lehigh County; he faced a potential life sentence with a seven-year minimum and was scheduled for sentencing on July 10.

A truck driver from Allentown, Aziz Bello, hit a pedestrian tending a disabled truck on I-80 in Butler Township on Friday afternoon and fled the scene—police later tracked him down using dash cam footage and charged him with accidents involving death or personal injury while setting bail at $250,000.

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation has elected six new board members and named new officers—Stephen Hoff of Crayola is now board chair along with vice chair Richard Reynolds of Olympus, treasurer Susan Larkin of Allied Personnel Services, secretary Dan McCarthy of Lehigh Valley Partnership and president and CEO Don Cunningham, who succeeds retired board chair Ed Dougherty. The six newly elected board members are Rob Albert of B. Braun, Robert Begliomini of Lehigh Valley Health Network, Arthur Dorn of Truist Bank, Kassie Hilgert of ArtsQuest, Benjamin Hussa of Air Products and Chemicals and Nathan Urban of Lehigh University.

Bethlehem Township's Planning Commission approved the site plan for a new 19,580 square foot three-story field house at Notre Dame High School — it will use the current annex footprint for gym classes and some classroom space.

The township Board of Commissioners will decide on the proposal on April 7 — with the new facility planned for the 3417 Church Road campus.

On Oct. 11, 2022, a carbon monoxide leak at an Allentown day care center sent more than 20 children and several adults to the hospital—prompting state Rep. Jeanne McNeill to push House Bill 156 that would require child care centers to install carbon monoxide alarms.

NCAA Men's Hockey Allentown Regional - Session 1

The PPL Center will host the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey regionals, featuring exciting matchups from top teams.

Jessie's Girl: Back To The Eighties

7-9 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Cost Info — Relive the vibrant sounds and culture of the Eighties at this exciting music event.

Lets Sing Taylor - A Live Band Experience

7:30–9 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Admission details not provided — Celebrate the music of Taylor Swift with a live band in a vibrant setting.

Mat Return Open Wrestling Tournament

11:00 AM - 12:59 AM — Muhlenberg Memorial Hall — Entry fee applicable — Compete in the excitement of men's folkstyle and novice women's freestyle wrestling.

Nunsense Musical Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Pines Dinner Theatre — Discount tickets available — Enjoy a delightful night with the lovable antics of nuns in this entertaining musical.

Blue Zones Project Allentown Kick-off

10 AM – 3 PM — PPL Center — Free entry — Explore health and well-being through activities and local resources at this community kick-off event.

Easter Buffet

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM — Slopeside Pub & Grill — Enjoy a festive brunch or lunch buffet in a scenic ballroom setting.

Science Soiree

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Da Vinci Science Center — Tickets required — Celebrate 30 years of science with an engaging evening of exploration and discovery.

Pickle Fest

11 AM – 5 PM — Slatington EXPO Center — Free entry — Celebrate all things pickled with tastings, food pairings, and family-friendly fun.