Good morning, Allentown.

An 11-year-old girl in Alburtis operates a roadside flower stand at the end of her driveway where she sells handmade bouquets to brighten her neighbors' days.

She began her daily sales to spread joy and will continue offering her bouquets as long as she can.

Kassandra F. Milkewicz, a 36-year-old Lansford woman, died in a three-vehicle accident on July 14 at 12:22 a.m. near Route 309 and Mountain Road/Mosserville Road in Lynn Township when her 2020 Hyundai Tucson collided with a 2005 Honda Civic and a 2020 Freightliner SD 122—state police and the district attorney’s office are investigating.

Jerkera B. Battle, a 22-year-old Liberty High School graduate known for her love of animals—shot in her Allentown home on July 22—has her ex-boyfriend Adam Makowka, 27, charged with criminal homicide and awaiting extradition for further prosecution.

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis encouraged companies to check if they qualify for Pennsylvania’s Micro and Midsize Business Programs — created to expand state contracting opportunities for growing firms in IT, construction, and services.

The programs provided a dedicated vendor directory and streamlined certification — steps meant to help businesses scale and compete for commonwealth contracts.

The Allentown School District Board approved a new arts education partnership with The Juilliard School on Thursday to give students and teachers hands-on music, dance, and drama lessons and advanced courses for high school students—while also approving a digital learning program that will offer a full-time online campus, a hybrid school, and credit recovery options for grades K-12. The arts program deal will run from Aug. 1 through June 30, 2028.

Local officials and climate experts met at Scott Park in Easton Thursday to warn that a warming climate is making flooding more common in the area.

They urged for federal funding and improved infrastructure to better protect the region, noting that recent budget cuts have lowered support for weather forecasting.

Earlier this week, Allentown City Council approved a resolution supporting House Bill 1200 to legalize recreational marijuana and endorse Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget that forecasts over $25 million in tax revenue — two former police officers on the council opposed the measure.

Allentown City Council approved $300,000—last Wednesday night—for a new Main Street Program in the Department of Community and Economic Development to boost local economic growth.

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.