Good morning, Allentown.

Friends of The Allentown Parks joined with Da Vinci Science Center to launch a program that brings live science shows to camps and park events — the new partnership will let children learn science through hands-on demos.

Astound announced an $81M investment on Tuesday to upgrade more than 4,800 miles of its network in Eastern Pennsylvania, spending $39M to improve Lehigh Valley systems and $42M to expand into the Scranton market.

The project, with over 600 workers already on site, will give 185,000 homes and businesses faster service by the end of 2025 and connect 315,000 homes and 25,000 businesses by the end of 2026 — future proofing the network for rising internet speeds.

A 22-year-old woman was shot and killed in her Allentown apartment early Tuesday and police arrested her ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Adam Makowka, who faces homicide charges — the investigation is ongoing.

A 27-year-old man armed with an AR-15 fatally shot a 22-year-old mother—whose 3-month-old baby was present—during a custody dispute in an Allentown apartment early Tuesday morning and fled the scene before being found with self-inflicted wounds in Lansdowne, police said.

Erik Contes, 42, of Whitehall Township was ordered to stand trial on rape and kidnapping charges from a June 2024 incident in which he drove an intoxicated woman from a bar to a secluded area, and he remains free after posting $100,000 bail—his attorney asserts the encounter was consensual.

Pennsylvania home prices hit a record $325,000 in June, up 6.5% from last year, with listings increasing by 9% to 41,600 + home sales rising 8% from June 2024.

Officials said the growing inventory is expected to lead to a more balanced market for both buyers and sellers in the coming months.

Drive By Truckers Concert

7:00-9:30 PM — Archer Music Hall — Ticket prices vary by seating — Catch the Drive By Truckers live in Allentown for an unforgettable night.

Das Awkscht Fescht

2-8 p.m. — Macungie Memorial Park — Admission details not specified — Experience one of the nation's largest showcases of classic and antique cars in a vibrant summer setting.

DCI - Drum Corps International

7-8:30 p.m. — J. Birney Crum Stadium — Use promo code CAROLINA to support Carolina Crown — Experience an exciting evening of competitive drum corps performances.

Thursday Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Thursday in the heart of Allentown.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two

6-10 p.m. — Vault 634 — Ticketed event — Experience the chilling tales of Poe while enjoying expertly crafted themed cocktails.

Roasting Ears of Corn Festival

12-6 p.m. — Museum of Indian Culture — $10 adults, $7 children/seniors, free for kids under 11 — Celebrate Native American culture with music, crafts, and delicious traditional dishes.