Good morning, Allentown.

Today, several groups are holding food drives amid a federal shutdown and uncertain SNAP benefits.

A Community Food Drive is at Scott Park near the Larry Holmes statue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—scouts begin collecting at 8 a.m. and the Allentown Rescue Mission runs its drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a local Josh Early Candies location.

Next Friday, November 14, the PPL Center in Allentown will host the 11th annual WFMZ-TV and Lehigh Valley Phantoms Coat Drive—community members can donate new or gently used coats for local Salvation Army programs.

Donations will also be accepted at the Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Nine people were displaced after an overnight fire on the 200 block of North 10th Street in Allentown — crews worked early Friday to put out a fire that began around 1:45 a.m., no injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

Community Bank opened three new branches and acquired seven former Santander locations across the Lehigh Valley; the acquisition closed yesterday and the expanded network will officially open Monday—Santander employees will continue working with the bank.

Giant will open a 68,000-square-foot supermarket at South Mall in Salisbury Township on November 21 to replace its West Emmaus Avenue store, which will close on November 20.

The new store will have an on-site fuel station and create over 75 new jobs while operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day — promising a better shopping selection — with familiar team members continuing to serve customers.

Filmmaker Jiah Peck debuts his original comedy series 'Popcorn Pushers' today at 7:30 p.m. at Emmaus Theatre on 19 S.

Fourth St.—the 13-episode show features local comedians with tickets at $12.24 and was filmed across the Lehigh Valley for a social media premiere in January.

Allentown will ring in the New Year with a first-ever drone show high above 7th and Hamilton and the return of the world’s largest puck drop as free downtown festivities begin at 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 31 — local DJs, dining specials, and street closures will create a night of innovative celebration.

Lehigh Valley International Airport is not on the FAA list to reduce flights amid the government shutdown, but airlines operating through major hubs like Atlanta and Chicago have cut flights and rebooked over 80% of affected travelers.

Passengers should check their itineraries for updates — as security checks may take longer.

An aviation official said federal flight cuts are causing stress for travelers this busy season as flights from Newark and Philadelphia face rising cancellations + delays.

Local resident Olivia Brochu and her family are unsure if their flight to Chicago next Friday will go ahead + travel agents suggest booking flexible flights amid the uncertainty.

Good Shepherd’s Empower+ space at the rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley helps patients learn about assistive tech—like 3D-printed devices and smart home tools—and offers free training and events for improved independence.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:44 p.m. — Vault 634 — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with classic hits from Queen and ABBA in an enchanting candlelit setting.

Allentown Speed Dating for Singles Over 50

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Tipsy's Bar & Lounge — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches and discover the spark in a friendly environment.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

7-9 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular rock opera that blends holiday music with stunning theatrics.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Respect Graduate School — Materials included — Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish tea in a fun and relaxing setting.

Class of 1995 30th Class Reunion

6-10 p.m. — The Fairgrounds Hotel — $25 admission — Celebrate the big 30th reunion with buffet dinner and great memories.

Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Walk

1-3 p.m. — 1869 Luckenbach Mill — $20-45 — Work off your holiday feast with fun runs and a pet costume contest in support of community heritage.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Utica Comets

7:05-8:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting ice hockey showdown between the Phantoms and the Comets.