Good morning, Allentown.

Lauren, a former client who overcame addiction and homelessness, now serves as a case manager at Bloom, a local nonprofit providing safe housing + job training for trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley; the program also promotes community education on exploitation risks.

PPL workers packed kits with pencils and notebooks for elementary students on Wednesday, and the supplies will be transferred into backpacks for local schools in Allentown.

Whitehall High School music teacher Cara Craft was injured in an accident in Maryland on July 27 that killed her husband and left her facing multiple surgeries and intense therapy; her young son recovered with minor injuries, and community members have raised almost $90K on a GoFundMe to cover medical + funeral costs.

Kinsley Construction named Jason Stouffer its new CEO after a year of hospital builds and office renovations in the Mid-Atlantic, including work in the Lehigh Valley.

The company now moves forward with projects like bridge replacement and athletic field upgrades.

Train (a well-loved band) headlined Musikfest on Aug.

3 at Wind Creek Steel Stage, delighting fans with energetic renditions of hits spanning over 28 years. Pat Monahan noted his recent visit to Union and Finch and teased a new single, 'Pennsylvania Turnpike,' ahead of an album release on Aug. 28.

The new Made in the Lehigh Valley time capsule contains a Musikfest mug, a box of Peeps, and an IronPigs hat from 18 local manufacturers and organizations that showcase the region’s economy, innovation and culture.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites has hired PlaceEconomics to create a master plan that connects historical sites and improves the visitor experience in Bethlehem.

The research will study tourism improvements that boost revenue while preserving community heritage.

Local officials held a ribbon cutting on July 27 at the historic East Allen Elementary School and Education Center at 7200 New Seemsville Road in East Allen Township.

The new school will open to students Aug. 24 — celebrating the return of local elementary education after 60 years.

Hellertown Borough Council has given its lawyer permission to draft an ordinance and prepare a service agreement that would designate Lower Saucon Fire Rescue as the official fire protection provider, possibly ending over 100 years of service by the Dewey Fire Company.

Officials will meet in September to continue discussions.

After sponsoring the July 19 Great Big Group Ride for PCFLV, Heavy and Highway Construction Laborers Local 158 raised funds for a new Trek road bike for cancer survivor Carter Boyle from Coplay—and presented it on July 31 at PCFLV headquarters in South Whitehall Township.

As back-to-school season begins, Doctor Rutaa Desai of St. Luke's Children's Hospital advises families to ensure kids receive required vaccinations, including MMR, chicken pox plus polio vaccines.

She explained that if a pediatrician is unavailable, urgent care and pharmacies can provide these vaccinations to help prevent measles.

Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs

5:30-7:45 p.m. — Coca-Cola Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting Minor League Baseball action with local favorites IronPigs taking on the RailRiders.