Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of July.
Good morning, Allentown.
💼 Business
Former Wawa CEO Dick Wood, Jr., who helped expand the chain to 900 stores, died peacefully at his home on Friday, July 10 at age 88 — Wawa will offer free coffee at its stores Monday, July 20 to honor his legacy.
Former Wawa chairman and CEO Dick Wood Jr. died Friday at age 88 after leading the chain for over five decades since joining as general counsel in 1970; he is survived by two children and the company will serve free coffee in his honor next Monday.
📰 Economy
A new NFIB report showed that Pennsylvania small businesses faced tougher hiring challenges and higher tax burdens than those nationally.
The report noted that the state's Employment Index lagged while the Uncertainty Index remained elevated + urging improvements for a more business-friendly environment.
🎓 Education
Thomas Jefferson University announced on Monday plans to open a four-year Sidney Kimmel Medical College campus at One Center Square in downtown Allentown.
The campus will offer more than 54,000 sqft of medical education space and partner with Jefferson Health – Lehigh Valley Region hospitals for clinical training.
The Da Vinci Science Center hosted Big Movie Monday on Monday, July 13, showing In and Out 2 at 11 a.m. along with popcorn, candy, and a hands-on art exhibit at the Painter's Garden.
Therapy dogs from the airport visited to show how they ease travel stress (at the center).
Local school districts asked officials to speed up fund release after Governor Shapiro signed a budget that adds over $920 million in support + $565 million dedicated to adequacy funding to help schools meet current needs.
🌲 Environment
A heat advisory will affect Lehigh and nearby counties from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday (heat index values may reach 104) and residents are urged to drink fluids and stay in air-conditioned spaces.
🏛️ Government
An analysis by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission shows Route 22’s outdated design is straining safety and causing congestion with frequent tailgating and speeding, and contractors will give a virtual progress report at 9 a.m. July 15; the $1 million plan is set to complete early 2027.
LANTA warns riders that fare hikes and service cuts may come as the new state budget flat-funded public transportation (leaving little room for needed improvements).
Harrisburg lawmakers made the decision, putting future transit upgrades at risk.
🎉 Allentown Events
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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.
Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs
5:30-7:45 p.m. — Coca-Cola Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting Minor League Baseball action with local favorites IronPigs taking on the RailRiders.
🏠 Allentown Real Estate
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💼 Allentown Job Board
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📣 Allentown Announcements
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