Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of June.
Good morning, Allentown.
The National Museum of Industrial History kicked off its 250th celebration with a new exhibit (Cheers to 250, Brewing in America) on May 16 that features lectures, tours, demos and brewery tastings; the exhibit runs through March, and the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nonprofit Juneteenth Lehigh Valley is celebrating freedom from June 13 to 20 by hosting events including a Friday IronPigs event at Coca-Cola Park with fireworks (first pitch by Jaciel Cordoba) and a Saturday parade flowing into a music festival at Riverside Park on Larry Holmes Drive.
Lehigh Valley gas prices dropped to $3.93 on June 15 from $4.07 the previous week, reflecting a national decline amid lower crude costs and a U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report).
Cedar Crest College is renovating the Harmon Center to boost technology and leadership training for women by teaching AI + cybersecurity and essential skills; the groundbreaking on June 16 marked the start of transforming the space into a hub for collaborative learning and events.
Saucon Valley HS held a graduation ceremony on June 5 at the district stadium with the theme 'Time,' featuring speeches by Superintendent Jamie Vlasty, Valedictorian Stephan Goudsouzian, and other senior class officers.
Graduates were encouraged to cherish every moment as they step into their new chapters.
On June 8, Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts held its graduation at ArtsQuest-SteelStacks where Principal Jennifer Levernier urged students to be unapologetically themselves.
The ceremony — celebrating student creativity — featured speeches from Lila Dobrowolski and Diana Herrera.
Local school districts plan free and low-cost summer programs to help students avoid the summer slide & keep learning active over break.
Options include academic instruction, physical activity, enrichment camps, and online resources from Bethlehem Area and Parkland SDs, along with library events.
On Tuesday night, Parkland School District rejected a state tax incentive for Eli Lilly's planned $3.5 billion pharmaceutical plant at Fogelsville Corporate Center as the district faced a $15.6 million deficit in its $261.7 million budget, prompting a 3.5% property tax increase and a push for financial fixes.
The Pennsylvania House passed a bipartisan bill that restricts cellphone use in schools by requiring students to secure phones during the school day (except for emergencies).
HB 1814 now moves to the state Senate for review.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and PA Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger visited Lehigh County today with Nokia CEO Justin Hotard to announce the company’s expansion (expected to boost local business opportunities).
Local dietitian Samantha Huber, a mom—who seeks low-sugar options—joined 69 News Anchor Eve Russo in the Sunrise kitchen Tuesday morning to rank ice cream treats for kids, including Jonny Pops, the SpongeBob SquarePants treat, and the Original Bomb Pop.
Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors reported that median home prices reached a record high of $375,000 in May due to limited inventory and strong buyer demand in the region, although the area remains more affordable than the national market.
Whitehall native Saquon Barkley was named an Icon on TIME's inaugural TIME100 Sports list that includes top athletes such as Lebron James and Lionel Messi.
His selection celebrates his impact on the sport and adds local pride to a global spotlight.
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.
Luke Bryan Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of country music star Luke Bryan live.
Monster Truck Show
1-3:50 p.m. — The Allentown Fairgrounds — Tickets $28.50 — Experience thrilling monster truck action with top drivers competing for glory.
Seth Witcher Acoustic Performance at Artillery Brewing
1-5 p.m. — Cedar Beach Park — Free entry — Enjoy a dynamic acoustic set from local artist Seth Witcher in a family-friendly atmosphere.
2026 WWE Summer Tour in Allentown
7:30-10:30 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an electrifying night as WWE returns to Allentown for the first time in three years.
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