A 29-year-old Allentown man, Matthew Francis, who serves as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' 'manager of fun', was arrested for possessing child pornography after police found videos on his phone showing children as young as five; he has been suspended by the team pending investigation.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks Allentown, PA as the No. 1 most challenging city to live with asthma in the continental U.S., citing high asthma prevalence and asthma-related emergency department visits; the 2026 list also includes Detroit, Rochester, Philadelphia and others, reflecting broader public health concerns in major metro areas.
Chobani will invest about $1.2 billion to build a 1.5-million-square-foot dairy production facility in Allentown, PA, creating roughly 900 jobs over the next five years and producing nearly 3 billion pounds of milk annually. It’s described as the largest private investment in Pennsylvania agriculture, backed by $50 million in PA SITES loans/grants and $127 million in dairy-farm funding; some current employees will be retained while others will be offered positions with Chobani, and production is slated to begin next year. The company is also expanding its Norton Shores, Michigan facility.
Two unidentified minors were arrested after a six-alarm fire at an abandoned Allentown warehouse spread to eight homes—six destroyed—displacing seven families; a firefighter was injured, and the juveniles face arson, recklessly endangering, conspiracy and causing a catastrophe charges as investigators say radiant heat, not direct flames, fueled the blaze.
Two juveniles are in custody and facing arson, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy and causing a catastrophe charges in connection with Allentown's six-alarm fire at the former American Atelier furniture factory on Front Street. The suspects, ages not released, will proceed through the juvenile system as investigators—backed by state and federal partners—continue to probe the blaze. City leaders praised responders and relief efforts; United Way says 25 people in nine displaced households (including six children) are receiving aid.
A massive six-alarm fire burned a former factory on Front Street in Allentown’s riverfront area, prompting evacuations of nearby homes and businesses. Fire crews fought the blaze overnight as power was cut to more than 2,100 customers and gas was shut off on the block. Residents were told to shelter in place and avoid the area, with shelter available at Resurrected Life Church (620 W. Hamilton St.). There were no reported injuries, and authorities are reviewing the cause as the situation develops.
A massive six-alarm fire ripped through a commercial building on North Front Street in Allentown, prompting evacuations, shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents, and widespread power outages; no injuries were reported as crews fought the flames and investigators work to determine the cause.
A massive six-alarm fire at a commercial building on Allentown's Front Street near the riverfront prompted evacuations, with residents told to shelter in place or evacuate via backyards. About 2,100 power customers were without electricity as PPL shut off power and gas was cut off to the block. Fire crews attacked the blaze from the ground and with aerial units, the roof partially collapsed, and nearby row homes were evacuated. Shelter is available at Resurrected Life Church (620 W. Hamilton St). No injuries were immediately reported, and the cause is under investigation; the situation remains developing.
The Flyers and Rangers prospects are competing in their annual Rookie Series in Allentown, featuring notable players like Bump, Tuomaala, and Othmann, with physical play and development as key themes, and the games are streamed online.
An 18-year-old Burger King employee in Allentown was arrested after allegedly stabbing a coworker in the throat, leading to charges of attempted homicide and assault; the suspect also faces a recent obstruction of justice charge related to a shooting near William Allen High School.
Allentown residents show little interest as Donald Trump holds his first major campaign event near the city, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact of a Trump Administration on issues such as women's reproductive rights and infrastructure investments. While some plan to vote for Biden to prevent Trump from returning to the White House, others are disillusioned with the candidates and considering third-party options. Mayor Tuerk highlights the infrastructure improvements and job creation during Biden's tenure, expressing concerns that these investments may disappear under a Trump Administration.
President Joe Biden is visiting the Allentown area to highlight the growth of small businesses and tout his economic agenda, emphasizing the "small business boom" under his administration. This visit follows his recent remarks in Blue Bell, focusing on the threat posed by Donald Trump and the state of the economy. The visit has led to early dismissals in several Lehigh Valley school districts due to anticipated traffic impacts and road closures.
President Biden is highlighting the economic progress in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as new data shows record levels of new business applications and significant growth in small business ownership, particularly among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Allentown has experienced historic employment growth, small business creation, and investments, with the unemployment rate at a 20-year low. The administration has announced substantial public infrastructure and clean energy investments in Pennsylvania, along with emergency relief funding and increased support for small businesses, demonstrating a commitment to revitalizing communities and supporting economic recovery.
A tornado hit the Midway Manor neighborhood in Allentown, causing significant damage to houses and trees. Residents were caught off guard as there was no warning issued for the tornado. The lack of a warning system has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the city's emergency preparedness.
A 20-year-old man from Allentown, Pennsylvania, died after a motorcycle crash in the West End of Allentown. The crash occurred when the victim collided with a vehicle at an intersection. The cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries, and the incident is currently under investigation by the Allentown Police Department's crash reconstruction unit and the Lehigh County District Attorney's office. Further details will be released on Monday.