Good morning, Allentown.

First responders and community members gathered at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest to honor fallen trooper Michael Pahira, who died Wednesday morning after being hit by a commercial vehicle on I-81.

This 4th of July, visitors will gather at the historic home of Catasauqua’s George Taylor to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The event honors Taylor’s role as a local patriot and is supported by volunteers who preserve his legacy.

Muhlenberg’s health professions advisor Cailín M.

Cordon-Waldman was named Advisor of the Year by the HPSA Student Advisory Council at the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, Inc. 2026 Conference on June 27—honoring her commitment to student success.

At a ceremony on April 18 at Jordan Lutheran Church (Orefield), local high school seniors received DAR Good Citizen Awards for service, leadership and dependability.

Maya Williams from Whitehall High School was honored with a personalized pin, certificate and a Liberty Bell honor cord.

Lawmakers are discussing new education funding proposals to close a funding gap and adjust tax credit programs, with Gov. Shapiro proposing $565 million and local Rep. Pete Schweyer noting fewer divisions in education to ease negotiations—officials expect a deal early-to-mid July.

The Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved the 2026-27 budget on June 22 with an 8-1 vote and set a 4.7% property tax increase (adding $2.48 million) to close a budget gap; final approval is scheduled for the July 27 meeting.

Pennsylvania’s Drought Task Force expanded drought warnings to eight counties — including Lehigh — this week amid prolonged dry conditions, and residents are urged to conserve water as local suppliers may soon require increased measures.

The Grand Central Recycling Facility in Plainfield Township was honored by the Pennsylvania DEP with a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence last week in Harrisburg — its only Lehigh Valley winner.

The center, which opened last year, expects to boost recycling capacity significantly.

Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved Jefferson Street Playground at 901 Jefferson St. in Fullerton as the future rec center location in a narrow vote of 4 to 3.

The board will now conduct feasibility reviews and studies before moving forward with the project.

Susan Carpenito Heard's new book, Woman on the Run, tells how running helped her rebuild after losing her son to cancer (she was ten).

She appeared Wednesday morning in Salisbury TWP to honor his wish of supporting the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Highmark hosted a walk at DeSales University that raised over $120,000 for local nonprofits as part of its Bright Blue Futures program (its community wellness efforts expanded to the Lehigh Valley in 2005).

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.

Bourbon & Blues Night with BC Blue

6-10 p.m. — 1812 Piano Lounge — Reservations required — Enjoy a soulful evening of live blues music with BC Blue, featuring the dynamic sounds of Bev Conklin.

DCI: Drum Corps International - 2 Day Pass

6:30-9:30 p.m. — J. Birney Crum Stadium — VIP tickets available — Experience top-tier drum corps performances with exclusive VIP packages.