Good morning, Allentown.

The Just between Friends pop-up consignment event kicked off Thursday at the Lou Ramos Center in Allentown where over 700 families brought gently used children’s items.

Co-owner Kendra Salem said consignors earned an average of over $400 each—funds that will help local families stretch their budgets—amid rising prices as the holidays approach.

Three wild cats escaped from the Cricket Wildlife Center near Alburtis when gusty winds knocked a tree onto their enclosure, and the center asks anyone who sees the older animals to call (717-381-9893) without harming them.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis announced that the Shapiro-Davis Administration will invest over $21 million to open 11 new Business Assistance Service Centers, including one in the Lehigh Valley (offering counseling and technical help) that will aid small businesses.

The centers will work with local partners to help historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs access support and grow.

A1 Quick Shops owner Iffy Ansari bought a former beauty salon in Bethlehem to convert into his chain’s 21st store, with construction set to begin in early November and an opening planned before the year ends.

The renovated store will offer essential groceries, household goods, beverages, tobacco, coffee, and Pennsylvania Lottery tickets — it will not sell alcohol.

Shift4— a payment processing company based in Lehigh County— announced a $1 billion stock repurchase program on Thursday that will run until the end of 2026.

CEO Taylor Lauber said the move comes after strong third quarter results and supports future opportunities.

Lightly-Salted Productions in Allentown announced Route 22 Rampage, a retro Atari 2600 game that challenges players to race on busy Route 22 with optional modes+ online play.

The game will be released on November 15 and limited edition cartridges+ will be sold for collectors.

Journey, known for its hit 'Don't Stop Believin',' will perform at Allentown's PPL Center at 7 p.m. June 11th, 2026—tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Nov.

14.

DaJudah’s Kitchen in Allentown won first place and the People’s Choice Award in the Lehigh Valley Vegan Chef Challenge that ran from Sept.

15 to Oct. 15—over 400 area diners submitted reviews and other local restaurants received special honors while organizers also offered a free '10 Weeks to Vegan' program to encourage plant-based eating.

Today, Larken Associates finalized a 2,606-square-foot lease with Albert Appliances under new management and a 2,150-square-foot lease with Root’d Corp to open a juice and smoothie bar at Allentown Commons on Hanover Ave—expanding the tenant mix at the center located in a busy residential area.

The third annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest will take place on Sunday, Nov.

9, featuring four races that connect Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton with a Boston‐qualifying marathon starting downtown and a half marathon beginning in historic Bethlehem. Special guests include Shyezee performing the national anthem and boxing legend Larry Holmes greeting Easton finishers—road closures are set to ensure safety during the event.

Taylor Acorn at The Americus Hotel

7 p.m. — The Americus Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham — Admission details unavailable — Experience an evening with Taylor Acorn in a beautiful Allentown venue.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:44 p.m. — Vault 634 — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with classic hits from Queen and ABBA in an enchanting candlelit setting.

Allentown Speed Dating for Singles Over 50

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Tipsy's Bar & Lounge — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches and discover the spark in a friendly environment.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

7-9 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular rock opera that blends holiday music with stunning theatrics.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Respect Graduate School — Materials included — Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish tea in a fun and relaxing setting.

Class of 1995 30th Class Reunion

6-10 p.m. — The Fairgrounds Hotel — $25 admission — Celebrate the big 30th reunion with buffet dinner and great memories.

Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Walk

1-3 p.m. — 1869 Luckenbach Mill — $20-45 — Work off your holiday feast with fun runs and a pet costume contest in support of community heritage.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Utica Comets

7:05-8:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting ice hockey showdown between the Phantoms and the Comets.