Good morning, Allentown.

The Downtown Allentown Alliance secured more than $800K in public and private funding to launch ambassador, marketing and activation programs this fall — the effort pulls together a $300K City donation, a $150K ANIZDA pledge, $114K from the Commonwealth and $240K in private support.

Local organic growers said that recent coverage on organic produce did not credit their hard work and high certification costs, and many have supported the local food system since 2017.

Their work—including efforts by farms such as Crooked Row Farm—helps supply fresh produce and promote sustainable practices in the community.

Eightco Holdings, an Easton tech firm, changed its NASDAQ ticker from OCTO to ORBS after closing a $270 million private placement and securing a $20 million investment from BitMine Immersion for a new crypto treasury model that will focus on accumulating Worldcoin, a digital token created by Sam Altman. The change — marking a shift to a Proof of Human system that verifies digital identities without storing personal data — led to volatile share prices that soared before falling nearly 40 percent to $14.50.

Connell Funeral Home and Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory have joined in a succession partnership under the new Connell Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory banner.

The merger brings nearly 175 years of combined service to families in the Lehigh Valley, Saucon Valley and Upper Perkiomen Valley—promising continued compassionate care and trusted expertise.

Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi was arrested on August 28 on drug charges in a multi-state investigation, and he insists he never sold drugs—while he was fired from his Bethlehem job—claiming the charges are politically motivated.

Visitors at this year's Harvest Gathering at Farmer's Field enjoyed a step back in time as the event showcased antique items from the 1800s and a wide display of pumpkins and gourds that charmed local shoppers - shopkeeper Julann Billig said many regular buyers from nearby states attended and look forward to the shop's next celebration on Black Friday Weekend.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved UGI's requested natural gas rate hike but the approved increase is lower than the company had asked for—this change will take effect at the end of October.

Bethlehem Area School District and Notre Dame High School have enforced a phone-free classroom policy—students lock away their phones so they can focus on learning and talking with one another.

Administrators and students report the new approach is reducing stress while keeping phones available for emergencies.

Allentown officials met Wednesday to review long-term plans to ease a housing shortage of about 1,900 city units and over 9,000 units across the region—considering first-time homebuyer programs, zoning changes, and a potential deed-transfer tax increase to fund affordable housing initiatives. The city council will decide on these options in the upcoming budget process.

On Sept. 2, Giant Company launched an in-store vaccination program at its pharmacies in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia that offers COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Customers 12 and older received vaccinations with a photo ID and insurance while children aged 5 to 11 could get shots on request if state rules allowed—customers needed to wait two months after their last COVID shot.

The Hawks (4-0) and Patriots (5-0) remain unbeaten as they prepare for tough matches in the East Penn Conference—joining Bethlehem Catholic and Freedom among four undefeated teams—while both squads plan to face top opponents this week.

Coach Jessica Attieh said her team will rely on steady serve-receive and teamwork—key to meeting a busy schedule—and coaches remain optimistic about their strategies.

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.

Belleville Senators vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

7:05-8:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting AHL matchup as the Senators take on the Phantoms.

11th Annual Harvest 5K

10 a.m. — Cedar Beach Park — Registration required — A fun and scenic 5K run/walk event for all ages, benefiting local elementary school students.