Good morning, Allentown.

Mack Defense celebrated producing its 500th heavy dump truck at its Lehigh Valley facility as part of a $296 million contract with the U.S. Army that calls for up to 683 trucks—production began on a dedicated line in early 2021 to build trucks with strong features for military work.

Rubiel Perez, a 30-year-old Allentown man, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple armed robberies at 7-Eleven stores in March 2023—he stole over $1,000 in two days and now faces a possible life sentence after admitting to felony robbery, attempted robbery and using a firearm in a crime of violence.

A one-character typo delayed a $600,000 vote to fund upgrades at fire training centers when the board corrected the error on March 27—pushing the second reading to April 9.

The fire departments in Allentown, Emmaus, and Whitehall Township will use the funds to upgrade training facilities and build new spaces.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission approved a plan from Executive Education Academy Charter School to build a 126,713-square-foot multisport stadium at 555 Union Blvd next to Coca-Cola Park — officials raised traffic and event-sharing concerns and will review the project again on April 8. The commission also approved two sewage facilities plans — one to extend the north branch interceptor to serve roughly 122 properties and one to replace the Sheridan Drive pump station for 165 dwelling units.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has added two new security K-9s—Dexter, a male black Labrador, and Cisco, a female springer spaniel—trained to detect firearms.

They now make rounds at LVHN hospitals and community events with training from Frank Reda of Stapleton Security.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is stocking 3.2 million trout this season and urges anglers to catch and eat these fish while following the guideline to consume no more than one meal per week due to safety advisories.

The commission also added Darby Creek—extending from Route 13 to the Delaware River—as a do not eat zone because of contamination from past industrial activity.

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.