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Hi Allentown, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Ben Franklin TechVentures expansion, DeVonta Smith celebrity softball game, Grimmz Fairy Tales hip-hop remix, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Momentum for life sciences and microelectronics: Bethlehem’s Ben Franklin TechVentures will expand with $4.8 million in federal funding, converting over 10,000 square feet into wet and electronics labs and boosting capacity by more than 50 percent — read the full story.
Enhanced banking experience coming: First Commonwealth FCU is moving its Union Blvd. branch to Allentown Commons on Hanover Avenue, opening March 31. The current location will be closed March 28 and March 30 — get all the relocation details.
Neighborhood shop with extras: Whitehall Deli & Grocery is opening soon at 3001 S. Second St. in Whitehall, offering fresh groceries and American and international foods. An opening date has not been announced — find out what’s offered.
Simplifying responsible tech disposal: EACR Inc. Allentown has launched a commercial e-waste pickup for city businesses, with easy scheduling to clear old electronics and support safety, compliance, and sustainability across offices, schools, and manufacturers — see which groups are covered.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Transparency efforts take shape: Allentown recently launched a Right-to-Know Data Hub that lets you explore and download frequently requested city records. The goal is to make local government easier to understand and spur civic participation. Right-to-Know requests increased to 1,505, up from 1,361 the previous year. Get all the details.
Philly star leads fan event: The DeVonta Smith and Friends Celebrity Softball Game will return to Coca-Cola Park in Allentown on May 2. A Home Run Derby opens the day, followed by the celebrity game. This is the fifth edition. Tickets are on sale now. Get all the event details.
Fixtures without fuss: From faucets and sinks to cabinets and those hard-to-find parts, the Weinstein Supply Allentown showroom is a one-stop idea hub. Real-life setups, smart guidance, and practical know-how turn someday kitchen fixes into confident plans that fit your space, budget, and timeline.
Farm-fresh comfort fix: Bolete nails the ‘grown-here, cooked-here’ thing with daily menus, house-made pastas and sauces, and a cozy former stagecoach inn vibe. Slow down, sip something thoughtful, and remember why local tastes better, whether it’s a midweek reset or an unhurried weekend splurge.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍭 Sweet Tooth Spectacular @ Kids Quest at Wind Creek Bethlehem | Friday (2/27) at 3:00 PM – Kids Quest at Wind Creek is turning into a candyland, with sweet crafts, candy-themed games, and sprinkle-worthy surprises around every corner. Bring the kiddos, snag some quality smiles, and enjoy the sugar-fueled fun without the dentist lecture, the sticky counters, or the cleanup.
🎶 Fire & Rain: Songs of the ’70s @ Musikfest Café | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 PM – Catch Swearingen & Kelli with hometown ringer Jonathan Beedle, reviving ’70s gems from James Taylor, Carole King, Joni, and Fleetwood Mac. Settle in, hit the $10 food and beverage minimum, and enjoy harmonies that time-travel without cheese, just warm vocals, tasteful guitars, and nostalgia.
🎨 Wine and Paint: Winter Trees @ Unwine Vineyards | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 PM – Winter calls for wine and a little low-stakes creativity, so come paint a winter tree in your colors and leave with something that isn’t from the garage sale pile. Four handcrafted tastings, step-by-step guidance, and BYO snacks, because priorities.
🎳 2nd Annual Fred Polash Adult/Child Bowling Tournament @ Haja Rose Bowl | Sunday (3/1) at 11:30 AM – Team up with your favorite kid for the Fred Polash Adult/Child Bowling Tournament, a scholarship-only showdown with scratch, handicap, and bumper divisions. Prizes, 50/50 ball and basket raffles, all benefiting the Haja Rose Bowl Junior League. Quality time, wobbly approaches, satisfying strikes.
🎸 Rock4MS Dine & Donate Concert @ The Steel Pub | Sunday (3/1) at 12:00 PM – This dine-and-donate concert serves up live music, great food, and great drinks, all to fund MS research. Less awkward gala, more neighborly hangout with raffles, toe-tapping sets, and that feel-good buzz you cannot get from doing chores you will ignore anyway.
🚂 Railroad Days @ Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers | Sunday (3/1) at 1:00 PM – Sixtieth annual Railroad Days keeps Christmas City on track with two floors of model trains, from steam to diesel, a nearly 100 car military train, and buttons you can push. Five bucks suggested, kids 12 and under free, and conductors-in-training should bring a step stool.
🧚 Grimmz Fairy Tales @ Zoellner Arts Center | Sunday (3/1) at 4:00 PM – Fairy tales get a beat drop as two street performers flip the Brothers Grimm into a hip-hop concert for kids, complete with graffiti, flashing lights, and big theatrics. Expect Cinderella Remix, Rapunzel, and Snow White & the Seven Shawties, and maybe your coolest-parent cred restored.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Allentown report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 40°F – Low: 20°F – Precip: 23%
A slight chance of snow between 1pm and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 44°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
This house is wild
Deep West End mid-century ranch with 2,388 square feet of bright, easy living. Large picture windows flood the dining, kitchen, and rear family room, while a separate living room centers on a wood-burning stove. Three bedrooms form a private wing, including a primary suite with walk-in closet. Covered patio, side-entry two-car garage, and access to shopping, dining, and major routes.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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