Good morning, Allentown.

Pennsylvania awarded $545,750 for a new bike path that will connect Trexler Park and Cedar Creek Park at Cedar Crest Boulevard — a project tied to Allentown’s Citywide Bike Plan approved in 2025.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg and state Sen. Nick Miller announced the funds to create safer routes for cyclists.

Emmaus police & firefighters hosted a back-to-school event on Wednesday at the Wawa on South Cedar Crest Boulevard where first responders provided free snacks, safety information & school supplies to children and families before classes begin.

Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery in Lower Saucon Township will end tasting room operations on weekends at noon to 5 p.m. on Aug.

30 as owners Andy and Kris Warner retire from the wine business after 17 years.

Express Employment Professionals of the Lehigh Valley will launch a new Healthcare Division within two years as it expands services and invests in technology to meet shifting labor demands; the staffing firm has helped over 20,000 job seekers in Allentown since opening in 2004.

Local businesses will meet buyers and resource partners at the Meet the Buyers Expo on Sept.

2 at Lehigh Valley International Airport. The event will bring together companies, educators, and government agencies — a key networking opportunity for vendors.

Peters Insurance, a longtime Lehigh Valley agency, held an open house at its new office at 235 Pershing Blvd. in Whitehall Township this week—joining its flagship branch at 559 Nor-Bath Blvd and closing its previous Allentown office.

Lehigh Carbon Community College is launching a new Aviation Management degree program at its Lehigh Valley International Airport center to offer business and technical training for careers in airport and airline management; enrollment is now open.

Multiple school districts in our region will begin fall classes on Aug.

24, with some starting on Aug. 25, Aug. 26, Aug. 31 or Sept. 8 (as noted on district websites), including Allentown School District which welcomes students on Aug. 24.

Visitors can enjoy the hawk watch and free lecture series at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary this fall; daily events run through Dec.

15 while guests may choose between the north lookout and ADA-accessible south trail, and trail fees apply for non-members (adults $10, seniors $7, children $5).

In early May, the Heritage Museum hosted a talk by Barbara Malt of the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society on local birds and their habitats, noting 371 species documented and challenges like habitat loss.

Attendees received tips for protecting birds (such as using native plants) based on local observations.

Bethlehem City Council approved a settlement with the state on Tuesday, Aug.

18 that fines the city $26,900 for recurring wastewater violations and outlines a plan to upgrade the treatment plant, including a major aeration tank fix due by Dec. 2030 (improvements have already begun).

J.G. Petrucci Company submitted plans for a 146,000 sqft data center at 1024 N.

Bradford St. on Allentown’s East Side, with officials reviewing the proposal under evolving zoning rules — including setback requirements near a charter school and public roads.

Allentown Central Catholic coach Jacob Reichard is focusing on discipline and teamwork as he prepares the Vikings for the 2026 season, starting with a game at Abington Heights.

The team aims to improve on last year’s 6-6 record by paying attention to details on and off the field.