Good morning, Bethlehem.

A firework baby was born nearly two weeks early at St. Luke's in Lehigh County on July 4 — coinciding with America's 250th birthday celebration.

The family said the birth honors a cherished legacy and makes the holiday even more memorable.

Bethlehem Area Public Library will host its midsummer book sale at the Main Branch on Wednesday, July 15 from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — book scanners are not allowed at Wednesday's sale while credit and debit cards are accepted.

Bethlehem celebrated its 30-year sister city relationship with Murska Sobota at Payrow Plaza on June 12 when Mayor J.

William Reynolds and Murska Sobota Mayor Damjan Anzelj honored the connection with a proclamation — marking Murska Sobota Sister City Day.

The Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity is showcasing a quilt featuring every U.S. president, hand-stitched by Gloria Lohn over four years on display through August.

The library will also host a historical reenactment with George and Martha Washington to bring community members together.

First-half 2026 investments will add $3.6 billion and over 1,100 jobs to the Lehigh Valley.

Nokia is expanding its tech unit, Eli Lilly will build a $3.5B campus in Upper Macungie, Spot and Tango is boosting pet food production, and Bethlehem is developing an 80,000 sqft creative arts center (ArtsQuest).

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced a $2.3 million investment in 16 businesses, including nine Lehigh Valley manufacturers and startups.

The funding will support innovation and growth at companies in Bethlehem and throughout the region with projects in tech, biotech, and other fields.

Due to Fourth of July storms, PPL Electric Utilities is using over 3,000 workers (its largest crew since Hurricane Sandy) to restore power across central and eastern Pennsylvania; nearly all customers should have service by 11 p.m. today, and eligible bills will be credited for water and ice.

The CDC warns that cyclospora infections are spiking in 18 states and can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

Dr. Jeffrey Jahre from St. Luke’s University Health Network advises washing fresh produce with a scrubber and vinegar solution and cooking food to kill the parasite.

Factory39’s Eric Reidinger and Dominick Gurreri received a certificate of appropriateness for a new 3.5-story building with commercial space & residential apartments at 330 E.

Fourth St. during the June 15 meeting at City Hall, while signage for Pink Pistachio Café at 34 E. Third St. was also approved.

Development magazine featured Lehigh Valley's creative reuse of industrial sites including SteelStacks and The Waterfront as key examples of redevelopment that attracts residents, visitors and investment.

LVEDC said renewed placemaking efforts are transforming former mills into hubs of housing and entertainment.

Fans gathered yesterday at SteelStacks to watch the World Cup despite a tough loss by the U.S. team.

Lehigh Valley SoccerFest will broadcast live matches through July 19, bringing the community together.

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.