Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Allentown. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Six Flags reported a 4% rise in Q1 attendance to 2.9 million guests and improved per capita spending helped boost its stock by over 17% at open + CEO John Reilly said the company will build on these gains for a promising summer. 69 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Thomas Jefferson University is expanding its health education programs in the Lehigh Valley to strengthen the local workforce. Starting this fall, Jefferson College of Nursing will offer an onsite nursing program at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Center for Healthcare Education in Center Valley—additional programs include online graduate options, a Fall Paramedicine degree, and a satellite lab to support training and a student community in Allentown. Lehigh Valley Business
- ➤ Record nominations for the 24th FREDDY Awards were announced on Thursday at noon, as 31 high schools from Northampton, Lehigh, and Warren counties earned recognition for spring musicals shown from Feb. 26 to April 26; the awards show will air live on May 21 on WFMZ Channel 69. Lehigh Valley Live
- ➤ Pennsylvania community colleges in Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton, and Bucks counties signed an MOU with TradesFutures on National Skilled Trades Day to launch MC3 training—preparing students for high-demand data center jobs statewide. The apprenticeship-ready program aims to build a pipeline for skilled trades. Lehigh Valley Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews responded Thursday evening to a report of a street opening on 15th Street — the same location as the vacant homes left by a January sinkhole — and the City of Allentown is reviewing the situation to plan any needed safety measures. 69 News
- ➤ Exeter Township Police finished a pedestrian safety enforcement with citations & safety reminders as the warm weather draws more people outdoors. Officials noted that new cell phone restrictions for drivers under Paul Miller’s Law will begin on June 5th. 69 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Forty-eight Pennsylvania hospitals, including the Allentown campus of Luke’s University Health Network, earned an A grade in the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2026 hospital safety report. The report shows progress with improved infection reduction & error prevention. Lehigh Valley Business
- ➤ John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. announced Tuesday, May 5 recall of snack mixes branded Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Good & Gather after a recalled dry milk powder was used in seasoning; consumers should return items for a refund, and no illnesses have been reported. Daily Voice
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Hit The Light & Major League Concert
7-10 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience a rock concert with four dynamic performers bringing the spirit of rock to life.
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Cosmic Baseball Spectacle
8 p.m. — Coca-Cola Park — Ticket lottery required — Experience the excitement of baseball lit up by neon lights and unforgettable entertainment.
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Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Respect Graduate School — Includes materials and Turkish tea — Create your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp in a fun and relaxing workshop.
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Motion City Soundtrack Concert
10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — All ages welcome — Experience a full day of music from the renowned Motion City Soundtrack as they take the stage at Archer Music Hall.
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Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders at Lehigh Valley IronPigs
6:05-7:05 p.m. — Coca-Cola Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting Minor League baseball game featuring local teams.
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Seth Witcher Acoustic Show at Iron Pigs Baseball Game
5-9 p.m. — Coca-Cola Park CLUB LEVEL — Ticketed event — Enjoy an acoustic set from local talent Seth Witcher during the Iron Pigs game.
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Ringling Bros. B&B Circus
12-3 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling celebration of jaw-dropping acts at the iconic circus event.
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Miles Minnick Concert
7-10 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Miles Minnick and connect with the Glo Nation community.
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Freddie Gibbs Concert
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying performance by Freddie Gibbs in Allentown.
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The Beach Boys Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — The Univest Performance Center — Ticket prices may vary — Celebrate over 50 years of surf rock with America's legendary band.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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