Good morning, Allentown.

The PPL Foundation awarded $500,000 in Empowering Communities grants to 60 nonprofits across Eastern and Central Pennsylvania—supporting programs in housing, workforce, and environmental initiatives.

The funding covers projects in PPL Electric Utilities’ 29-county service area and comes as the foundation opens its Energizing Education Grants application window on Aug. 1, which will remain open through Sept. 15.

Artist Matt Halm unveiled a bright new mural Friday at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital’s Allentown campus—created with help from patients, staff and volunteers and attended by local leaders.

The artwork shows community spirit and was made with a careful paint-by-numbers style that needed skill and planning.

A driver crashed into a Lower Macungie home on Sauterne Drive at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, sparking a fire that forced all occupants to evacuate and led to one vehicle occupant being taken to hospital, while firefighters from seven departments used heavy hoses and aerial streams to control the blaze+ rescuing a pet cat; Pennsylvania State Police and the Lower Macungie Fire Marshal are investigating the incident.

Karl Ehmer Quality Meats in Allentown will close on November 29 after a 50-year run as owner Leo Osanitsch Jr. plans his retirement; the deli will still serve its German meats at fall festivals like Celtic Classic and Oktoberfest.

Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown will host the Barnstormers Men’s Chorus for their debut musical weekend on Sept 20—21.

The group will perform a freewill offering concert at 7:30 p.m. on Sept 20 and join the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sept 21.

Today, the Lehigh Valley Punk Rock Flea Market runs at the Charles A.

Brown Ice House at 56 River St from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 50 vendors selling vinyl, vintage art and handmade items. Local punk bands will perform from 4:30 p.m. and organizers will also collect unopened toiletries, food and other supplies for New Bethany — a Bethlehem nonprofit helping those in need.

Muhlenberg College's Career Center was recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its outstanding career development and workforce-ready programs—its first-year coaching model pairs each student with three mentors to help connect them with job opportunities.

Lisa Roth, a dedicated member of the Parkland School Board, was honored with the Julia B.

Miles Champion for Children Award by the Pennsylvania State Education Association on September 5—recognizing her long service supporting students, families and educators through roles on the board and in direct classroom work with special needs children.

NFL Football Trivia Night

7:30 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Lehigh — No cover — Show off your NFL knowledge in an evening of exciting trivia.

8th Annual LVASCE EPIC Golf Outing

8 AM – 3 PM — The Club at Twin Lakes — Sponsorships available — Enjoy a day of golf while supporting scholarships for local engineering students.

International Culture Festival 2025

2-10 p.m. — Cedar Beach Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures with performances, cuisines, and art displays.

Seasonal Organic Dinner Series

6-9 p.m. — Rodale Organic Gardening Experimental Farm — $175/person — Experience a seasonal outdoor dinner featuring local organic cuisine and cocktails under the stars.

Seasonal Organic Dinner Series

6-9 p.m. — Rodale Organic Gardening Experimental Farm — $175/person — Dine under the stars at a historic organic farm with seasonal dishes and cocktails made from fresh local ingredients.