Good morning, Bethlehem.

Bethlehem will host its annual fireworks on Saturday, July 4 at about 9:15 p.m. on Sand Island (weather permitting); if weather is poor, the display will move to Sunday.

A free concert by the Municipal Band is set for 7:30 p.m. at City Center Plaza before the show.

Bethlehem is one of three fastest-growing Lehigh Valley communities — Census data shows it ranked second in population growth from 2020 to 2025.

The region added 21,000 residents since 2020, boosting the local economy and increasing job opportunities.

B. Braun's subsidiary, CAPS, is closing its two Upper Macungie Township facilities, affecting 173 workers.

Affected employees will compound solutions through August and may be redeployed into other roles + apply for available positions until the end of 2026.

Bushkill Park in Forks Township will host an America 250 Birthday Bash on Sunday, July 5 from noon to 9 p.m. at 2100 Bushkill Park Drive, offering live music, a medallion treasure hunt, a hat contest and free patriotic cakes for visitors in red, white and blue.

ArtsQuest is hosting Soccerfest at SteelStacks where fans can watch World Cup matches including the U.S. game vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8 p.m. today.

The program also kicks off July 4 festivities at Musikfest Cafe and local venues with live bands + family-friendly activities.

PA Shakespeare Festival presents the Lehigh Valley premiere of The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged at DeSales University until July 12.

The comedy play opened on June 26 and runs several times with talk-backs on July 2 and July 9 — offering a fun spin on Austen’s classic tales.

Seventeen high school seniors from Liberty and Freedom attended the 13th annual academic signing ceremony on June 2 at Moravian University’s Haupert Union Building, where families and BASD officials marked college commitments (including choices like Penn State and Cornell).

The Pennsylvania DEP upgraded Lehigh and Berks counties from a Drought Watch to a Warning today as high temperatures and low groundwater levels persist.

Residents are urged to reduce water use by (10-15%) to protect local water supplies.

More than 3 million eggs, about 288,075 dozen, will be donated to food banks and community organizations as part of a settlement with egg producers following an investigation into illegal price fixing.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the companies will also pay $3.3 million and end their unlawful practices.

Local police and first responders in Bethlehem are urging residents to follow fireworks safety laws ahead of Independence Day (residents are reminded not to fire fireworks within 150 feet of occupied buildings).

Police Chief Michelle Kott noted that past misuse has led to dangerous incidents.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center in Bethlehem is urgently seeking blood and platelet donations as its supply dropped to a one-day level (300 units available against the 1,200 needed) to meet patient care needs during summer lulls.

Eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment soon.

Pat Santoro left the Lehigh men's wrestling team after 18 seasons to start his new role as head of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia.

The respected coach earned six EIWA titles and was known for his class and honest mentoring style among athletes and peers.

Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band

7:30 PM — Wind Creek Event Center — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of classic island tunes with the Coral Reefer Band.

Slap Dragon Concert

7:30 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks — Tickets available — Experience a high-energy performance by Slap Dragon in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Bethlehem Blueberry Festival Performance

2:30-4 p.m. — Burnside Plantation — Free entry — Enjoy a lively 90-minute duo set at the blueberry festival.

Grupo Niche Concert

7-10 p.m. — Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza — Tickets available — Celebrate the rhythms of salsa and cumbia with the legendary Colombian group Grupo Niche.