Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
Good morning, Allentown.
Volunteers and veterans replaced old flags with new ones at Fairview Cemetery in West Catasauqua on May 16 as Memorial Day preparations, continuing a tradition begun in 1868 to honor fallen service members.
A three-alarm fire broke out at a North 22nd St. apartment building on Wednesday, displacing residents and prompting multiple fire crews to respond+ no injuries were reported as the Fire Marshal investigates the cause and the Red Cross assists five displaced adults.
On Tuesday, May 19, a 78-year-old man from Washington Township and a 76-year-old man from Allentown died from extreme heat inside their homes, the county coroner said while urging residents to check on at-risk neighbors.
Two Lehigh County men died in their homes from hypothermia, and officials ruled the deaths accidental amid high heat conditions that prompted a heat advisory urging residents to stay cool.
On Wednesday, Upper Macungie Township approved preliminary plans for Project Kennedy—a $3.5 billion manufacturing campus by Eli Lilly on 150 acres at Fogelsville Corporate Center (8810-9802 Main St.), and the commission also greenlit a redevelopment plan for a 6,600-square-foot convenience store with 12 gas pumps at 7660 Imperial Way.
A Lehigh Valley company received a $1.67M grant from the MTTC program—announced by DCED Secretary Rick Siger on Wednesday—to boost manufacturing skills, while Valley IBEW743 in Berks County got $295K to expand its apprenticeship program.
Allentown residents will face higher electric bills as their local utility enacts its biannual rate adjustment prompted by increased air conditioning use during the summer heat + officials advise checking the new rate details.
Muhlenberg College held its Class of 2026 commencement today at the Allentown campus (with President Kathleen Harring urging graduates to embrace their liberal arts education as a tool to lead and serve the community).
The speech connected local history to the nation’s founding ideals, inspiring graduates to shape their future.
Former Lehigh County commissioner Percy Dougherty died May 17 at age 83.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved a $3 million grant to support community development projects in the Lehigh Valley.
Officials say the funding will improve local services and resources.
Allentown City Council adopted an ordinance on Wednesday night banning smoking and vaping within 25 feet of playgrounds and sports fields to protect community health — the city will soon post clear no smoking signs near these areas.
A recent spike in e‑bike and e‑scooter injuries has prompted local health experts to insist that helmets are essential for riders in Allentown.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor Joshua Rice stresses that safety measures must be followed to reduce serious injuries.
St. Luke’s University Health Network is the first local provider inducted into the Sturge-Weber Foundation Clinical Care Network, which connects families with specialized treatment for port wine stains and related conditions.
Dr. Andrew C. Krakowski leads the team—expanding local access to coordinated care.
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.
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.
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.
Freddie Gibbs Concert
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying performance by Freddie Gibbs in Allentown.
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.
Journey Concert
7-9 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sound of Journey live in Allentown as they perform their timeless hits.
Mosaic Lamp Workshop
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Respect Graduate School — Includes materials and refreshments — Create a stunning Turkish mosaic lamp in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
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