Good morning, Allentown.

PPL Corporation of Allentown and Blackstone Infrastructure have formed a joint venture to build, own and operate natural gas power plants that will serve the growing demand from data centers in Pennsylvania.

The venture, with PPL holding 51% and Blackstone 49%, has secured multiple land parcels and is working with pipeline companies and turbine manufacturers as capacity shortages are expected between 2026 and 2027.

A former Palmer Township police officer and school resource officer was sentenced to nine to 24 months (less two days) in prison.

On Oct. 13, a stolen Honda driven by a man nicknamed Los Ten crashed into a utility pole on Central Boulevard in Bethlehem and fatally injured Allentown native Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena after the driver fled—prosecutors announced on July 16 that 24-year-old Jose Vladmir Jerez has been arrested and faces charges including felony homicide by vehicle with a preliminary hearing set for July 22 at 2 p.m.

Lehigh Valley International Airport recorded nearly 100,000 passengers in June — falling 34 short of a six-figure month — which shows a strong summer travel trend.

Allentown received $60,423 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program to install eight Level 2 chargers for municipal vehicles—this funding will boost the city's clean energy efforts by reducing emissions and reliance on imported oil.

The Lehigh Valley has seen 22 out of the last 30 days with dew points of 70 degrees or more, making the summer feel very humid.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for today—warning of high humidity that may lead to flash flooding and heat stress risks.

Bethlehem City Council held a hearing on its 102-page Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (first updated in 1975) to discuss changes that include a Climate Action Plan and streamlined processes, with some residents and council members expressing concern that these updates may raise development costs. The amended ordinance will be reviewed again before a final vote (set for Aug. 5).

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.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two

6-10 p.m. — Vault 634 — Ticketed event — Experience the chilling tales of Poe while enjoying expertly crafted themed cocktails.

Roasting Ears of Corn Festival

12-6 p.m. — Museum of Indian Culture — $10 adults, $7 children/seniors, free for kids under 11 — Celebrate Native American culture with music, crafts, and delicious traditional dishes.