Community Corner

🌱 How is new bank competition changing where Allentown keeps its money?

You won't want to miss Mall Walk on the Allentown Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM
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Hey there, Allentown! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How is new bank competition changing where Allentown keeps its money?
  • Where do Allentown's EPC teams land in this week's rankings?
  • What stalled Harrisburg bills mean for Allentown-area mobile home rents

Also on today's calendar: Something's Afoot: The Musical and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A little morning rain; cloudy, with a high of 61 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Breezy in the morning; cloudy, temps: high: 65, low: 48.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 64 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Facing new competitors, local community banks double down on core strengths (lvb.com) — Allentown-area residents are seeing more banking options as out-of-state institutions acquire local branches and open new locations across the Lehigh Valley. Longtime community banks describe how they're responding with personal service, local decision-making, and selective expansion, while also warning that rising regulatory and technology costs are driving consolidation that could reshape where residents keep their money.
   

2. Lehigh Valley football: Top 2 are clearcut, but there's a lot of parity after that in EPC power rankings (mcall.com) — Lehigh Valley football fans get a fresh look at where local EPC teams stand as the season nears its midpoint, with Parkland, Nazareth and Easton leading the pack. Allentown programs Allen and Allentown Central Catholic are highlighted for recent strong performances and tougher upcoming schedules, giving local readers a sense of which nearby matchups will matter most in the weeks ahead.
   

3. Rent hikes at manufactured home communities outpace stalled Pa. legislation (triblive.com) — Manufactured home residents across Pennsylvania, including several communities in the Allentown area, are facing steep lot rent hikes while key reform bills stall in the state Senate and risk expiring this year. Lawmakers, industry groups, and advocates are battling over proposals to cap rent increases, strengthen resident protections, and preserve one of the region's last relatively affordable housing options.
   

4. HSI Investigation Leads to Conviction of Filipino Alien Who Illegally Voted in Pennsylvania (dhs.gov) — Homeland Security Investigations' Allentown office led the probe that resulted in a Filipino lawful permanent resident pleading guilty to illegally voting in Pennsylvania's 2024 election after registering and casting a ballot in Lehigh County. Federal agents interviewed her at home, and officials are using the case to underscore that only U.S. citizens may vote in American elections.
   

📸 Around Allentown

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Allentown

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday September 23
  • Mall Walk →
    South Mall, 3300 Lehigh St., Allentown
    9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Allentown Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Simba, a dog who went missing in Allentown, PA, has been safely reunited with their family after 39 minutes. Message from Owner: "Please if you have… (Nextdoor Sacred Heart)
  • It is very gratifying to see that more Nextdoor members are quickly recognizing the sales scams appearing on this site.
    The one with all the vehicles--campers, airplane, boat--requesting that you "dm" the OP, and for which commenting is now disabled, for example. What… (Nextdoor The West Watch)
  • Sharp Clinical Services posted a job opening for Quality Specialist (3rd Shift) in Allentown. Apply here.
  • Buckeye Partners, LP posted a job opening for Pipeline System Controller Trainee I in Allentown. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Allentown here.

Ok Allentown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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