Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of July.
Good morning, Allentown.
On July 4, a 76-year-old Upper Macungie Township man riding a pedal-assist electric bicycle died when his bike collided with a Chevrolet Malibu near the Schantz—Cetronia roads intersection as police and a task force investigated the crash.
On June 30 at 4:42 p.m., police reported that a dispute at a Park Street apartment led to a homeless man being shot twice in the face and found bleeding on a sidewalk near West Allen—Allentown police said the alleged shooter, Carlos Oyola-Gonzalez, 44, faces charges including Attempted Criminal Homicide, Felony Aggravated Assault, and Simple Assault and was denied bail.
Angel F. Gil, 32, was arrested on felony drug trafficking and firearm charges after police seized over six kilos of cocaine, five handguns, a ghost gun with a high-capacity magazine, and $35,000 from two homes and vehicles linked to his drug trade on Wednesday — his bail was set at $500,000.
ArtsQuest has announced openers for most of the 11 headline shows at Musikfest, set to run from July 31 to Aug.
10 on the Steel Stage—regional country singer Kendal Conrad will open for Darius Rucker on Aug. 3 while chart-topping punk-pop group Boys Like Girls will support Third Eye Blind on Aug. 8.
Muhlenberg College was reaccredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education after a detailed review that included a site visit and discussions with faculty, staff, and students.
The review praised the college for strong fiscal management and academic quality (with only modest recommendations) and confirmed its accreditation that began in 1921.
The Parkland School District Board approved a $248,755,101 general fund budget for 2025-2026 on June 17, and property taxes will increase 4% from 17.12 to 17.80 mills plus a $5,507,303 appropriation from the fund balance will cover the revenue gap.
Residents at the courthouse raised concerns Thursday about ICE after some claimed that people detained by agents have disappeared, urging county commissioners to act.
County Executive Phil Armstrong said that ICE is not controlling the courthouse — security is handled by the judge and sheriff's department under federal law.
At its regular meeting on July 2, the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners received a midyear financial update showing the general fund at nearly 63% of revenue and balanced fire and water funds.
The board approved measures to raise township indebtedness by $1,330,011.51 for public safety radio equipment—offering a 5-year plan at 0% interest or a 10-year plan at 5%—and authorized PPL Electric Utilities a right-of-way for utility improvements at Davis Smith Open Space.
At its July 3 meeting, Upper Macungie Township supervisors reviewed a draft comprehensive plan for parks, recreation and open spaces—gathered with input from over 1,120 residents—and set a vote on formal adoption next month.
The board also approved a school resource officer agreement for a local elementary school while honoring retiring Finance Director Bruce Koller and addressing urgent safety concerns over a dangerous railroad crossing after a June 19 near collision.
A RentCafe report showed that the Lehigh Valley rental market is the second most competitive among small U.S. markets with 15 renters per unit—96.2% occupancy drives high demand in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
New apartment supply has risen but has not eased the leasing challenges for local renters.
Brass Transit Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Tickets available — Experience the nostalgia of classic hits performed flawlessly by Brass Transit.
Laughs on the Blvd
8-9:30 p.m. — Tipsy's Bar & Lounge — $28.52 for General Admission — Experience a night filled with non-stop comedy and entertainment.
Drive By Truckers Concert
7:00-9:30 PM — Archer Music Hall — Ticket prices vary by seating — Catch the Drive By Truckers live in Allentown for an unforgettable night.
Das Awkscht Fescht
2-8 p.m. — Macungie Memorial Park — Admission details not specified — Experience one of the nation's largest showcases of classic and antique cars in a vibrant summer setting.
DCI - Drum Corps International
7-8:30 p.m. — J. Birney Crum Stadium — Use promo code CAROLINA to support Carolina Crown — Experience an exciting evening of competitive drum corps performances.
Thursday Concert
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Thursday in the heart of Allentown.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Allentown.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.