Good morning, Allentown.

On Friday, Sept. 11, the Parkland Garden Club celebrated Arbor Day at the Lehigh Valley Zoo by planting trees, bushes, and perennials to enhance the zoo's children's playground - dedicating a pink lilac bush in memory of longtime member Dorothy Miller.

Catholic faithful gathered at Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena for the Diocese of Allentown’s annual Red, White and Blue Mass — a service to honor those lost on 9/11 — with survivors and families sharing personal remembrances.

On Aug. 11, Waldheim Park hosted the Allentown Band’s 107th America250 concert where conductor Ronald Demkee and guest vocalist Chet Brown performed patriotic tunes such as Yankee Doodle and Stars and Stripes Forever (the performance lasted about 90 minutes).

Local lawyer Deirdre Kamber Todd brought WTC Connect, an exhibit of 9/11 history and memorabilia from 1939, to Venue 22 in Slatington yesterday to honor first responders with a $20 donation supporting local counties.

Shaz Smith brings Africa to life in her two new books by Blue Heron Book Works.

The stories recount her two-year romance with a game driver — a brief love sparked during many trips — and capture vibrant moments that continue to inspire her work.

Good Will Fire Company of Trexlertown held its annual 9/11 remembrance Friday evening as community members and families gathered to honor first responders and mark 25 years since the attack — a tradition aimed at teaching younger generations about its significance.

The ceremony featured flag presentations, bell ringing and musical tributes.

AAA East Central reported that gas prices are rising as Lehigh Valley motorists now pay $4.26 per gallon, compared to a $4.30 statewide average, with increased crude oil costs driving the hike even as gasoline demand slows.

Local schools in Bethlehem and Forks Township held a 9/11-themed remembrance event Friday morning as students climbed hundreds of steps to honor first responders.

Students donned firefighter turnout gear and scaled 110 flights of stairs to learn about the bravery of those who saved lives.

Alvernia University will open its new location at 520 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown later this fall to launch a hybrid MBA program with $10,000 tuition and flexible scheduling for local students.

The expansion will also add noncredit seminars and industry partnerships to support workforce growth.

Lehigh University students in Bethlehem held a 9/11 remembrance service Friday to honor the victims — the ceremony offered a quiet moment for reflection.

In Parkland, few long-term teaching openings and high salaries have kept classrooms filled as the school year begins, while Allentown lists many vacancies—highlighting how competitive pay and retention practices drive staffing differences.

Upper Macungie supervisors approved Eli Lilly’s final development plan for a new manufacturing facility in Fogelsville on Sept.

2. Traffic mitigation measures, including five site entrances plus a shuttle bus system, are set as construction for up to 1,500 workers will begin in late 2027 until early 2029.

Residents and South Whitehall Township officials worry new data center plans could worsen air quality after Allentown again ranked worst for asthma emergency visits; township officials will review the Project Atlas proposal on Sept.

23 + Allentown’s commission will revisit a 224,000 sqft project in October.