Good morning, Allentown.

The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank is helping more families as new clients jump 55% amid rising costs and reduced SNAP benefits.

However, the center faces low supplies from federal cuts and delayed state contracts, which could affect food availability in the coming weeks.

Pennsylvania American Water applied a $6.13 bill credit on July 27 to active customers, boosting total settlement refunds to $36.89 per account as the company upgrades PFAS treatment across Pennsylvania (a plan approved by the Public Utility Commission) and will invest $321 million in future improvements.

Gas prices rose above $4 a gallon at local pumps on Aug.

24 (averaging $4.162 in Pennsylvania and $4.018 in Lehigh Valley) as AAA data showed rising crude oil costs and changes in fuel supply.

Former President Bush will speak at Lehigh University in Bethlehem this fall for the Compelling Perspectives series + registration for tickets opens at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept.

2 while the event remains closed to media.

The Allentown School District is back in session today as 5,400 students board buses and begin classes, with drivers trained to adjust routes and tech upgrades introduced at Dieruff High School (Verizon Innovative Learning School program).

Mark Connelly, a Lehigh Valley business leader with over 20 years of marketing experience, joins Muhlenberg College as a business lecturer this fall.

He will teach Principles of Marketing and Business and Society, adding to a new lineup of faculty in the department.

Pennsylvania agencies announced on Aug.

14 a plan to expand water recreation access by placing a fishing and boating site within a 10-minute drive of every resident. The strategy calls for ADA-accessible features — like boat launches and walk-in trails—with local grants supporting new projects.

St. Luke’s Health Center in Hellertown — the renovated 13,000 sqft former Rite Aid at 110 Main Street — opened its doors yesterday to offer same-day, primary, and diagnostic care after a three-month upgrade.

In September, it will host Wellness Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.