5 Things to Know Today

Good morning, Bethlehem. Today is Friday, July 22, 2011. Here comes the weekend.

1. On this day in 1934, federal agents gunned down “Public Enemy #1,” convicted bank robber John Dillinger, outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago. In his crime career, Dillinger robbed two-dozen banks, four police stations and is believed to have killed one police officer. He also escaped jail – twice. His “success” in crime helped provide the impetus for the formation of the FBI in 1935.
2. The mercury at the Lehigh Valley International Airport officially hit the 100-degree mark on Thursday. Today is expected to be hotter – 101 is the National Weather Service forecast high, which would tie a record for this date. In addition to severe heat, we are talking about dangerous levels of humidity. The heat index – that measures how your body actually feels – is expected to top out at 110. In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange air quality alert. Being outside for an extended period of time, while the sun is out, may not be a good idea for anyone today. These are conditions that can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke even in healthy folks. Drink plenty of fluids, seek shade, seek air-conditioning. Check on elderly relatives and friends. Keep the pets indoors and well hydrated. And don’t fool around – if you start to feel the symptoms, or see someone suffering the symptoms, of heat stroke – call 911.
3. The heat has prompted ArtsQuest to featuring Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem. However, there still will be free outdoor concerts at the SteelStacks Air Products Town Square, featuring Coastal Rise, and at the City Hall Sculpture Garden, featuring 3rd Street Blues. Both shows start at 6 p.m. Just make sure you bring plenty of water.
4. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who have spent most of July on the road (seriously, they’ve played only five home games all month, two in a doubleheader) finally return home tonight for a long home stand that goes through the end of July. Clinging to a two-game lead in the International League’s Northern Division, the Pigs play the Columbus Clippers at 7:05 p.m. And there will be fireworks after the game.
5. Everyone knows that the proliferation of home entertainment systems and has made it tough on movie theaters. But the expansion of home air-conditioning units and systems has also played a role. Who remembers when movie theaters used to advertise that they had air conditioning? Unless, you’re Dillinger, a movie house can still be a pretty cool and safe place to be. Stephen King thriller “The Mist,” is the Revenge of the Late Night Horror Movie feature at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks tonight at 11:15 p.m.