The Morning Call

America’s 250th anniversary could mean the biggest (and loudest) year ever for fireworks. What to expect in the Lehigh Valley

Ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary celebration — the semiquincentennial — companies specializing in fireworks are seeing sky-high sales.

Phantom Fireworks manager April Paz shows the bestselling fireworks for the United States’ 250th anniversary Monday, June 8, 2026, at the store in Whitehall Township. Pyrotechnics companies are seeing strong sales ahead of the July 4 celebration for the semiquincentennial. (Avery Folmar/The Morning Call)

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Northampton County Council listens to public comment Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, during a Northampton County Council meeting in Easton. Writing about local government is one of the things community-based news organizations due to keep the public informed and participatory democracy alive, the writer asserts. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bill White: Local news organizations help keep democracy alive

New York Knicks fans celebrate their victory after Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Mayhem mars euphoria as New York City celebrates the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years

St. Luke’s Hospital Fountain Hill. (Morning Call file photo)

Here’s how Lehigh Valley’s hospitals performed financially in 2025, according to state watchdog report

Original Degenerate Distilling Co. owner Chris Plumaker and distiller Allen Davis show off the fresh batch of silver rum Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Easton. The distillery opened to the public in late March, offering beer, wine, mixed drinks, tours and private events. Following a grand opening this summer, it will also sell rum and brandy made in-house using 150-gallon and 10-gallon pot stills manufactured in Tennessee from copper. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Retail Watch: New distillery to offer in-house rum and brandy in the Lehigh Valley

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Local News

Dieruff High School holds its 2026 graduation Friday, June 12, at the PPL Center in Allentown. (Avery Folmar/The Morning Call)

Dieruff High School Graduation | PHOTOS

Photos: Dieruff High School holds its 2026 graduation at the PPL Center in Allentown.

Sports

United States midfielder Christian Pulisic, left, and forward Folarin Balogun celebrate after a goal during the first half of their FIFA World Cup Group D soccer match against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. The U.S. won, 4-1, the most goals it has ever scored in a World Cup match. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

USMNT opens its home World Cup with dominant victory over Paraguay

It was the most goals the U.S. men have ever scored in a World Cup match.

Things to Do

Malina Moye performs Saturday, June 22, 2024, during the 16th Annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival in Allentown. (Emma Reed/The Morning Call)

Things to do this weekend in Lehigh Valley: A blues barbecue, Rosé on the River and digital impressionism

Whether you're looking for some hot barbecue and cool tunes, a modern way to appreciate art or a slow sip of wine along the river, this weekend has you covered.

Allen High School Graduation | PHOTOS

Allen High School holds its 2026 graduation at the PPL Center in Allentown. See photos.
The 55th annual McDonald’s Lehigh Valley All-Star Football Classic | PHOTOS
Easton Area High School Graduation | PHOTOS
Emmaus High School 2026 graduation | PHOTOS
Lehigh Valley 250 in Easton | PHOTOS
13th Annual Lehigh Valley Children’s Festival | PHOTOS
Great South Side Sale returns to Bethlehem for 30th year | PHOTOS

Opinion

Flags slowly wave in a breeze during a Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Union Cemetery in Hellertown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Letters to the Editor: Honor our flag by recommitting selves to its values

Letters: As Americans observe Flag Day on June 14, we are reminded that our flag...

Crime and Public Safety

Girl, 14, drowns in pool at Allentown home, coroner says

A 14-year-old Upper Milford Township girl died Friday from drowning following an incident last weekend...

Best Reviews

These Hopper Balls Might Be The Only Thing You Need For Summer

Hopper balls are a fun way to keep children entertained and make adults feel like...

Business

Realtor Tim Kelly Kiernan sits for a portrait in the lobby of Realty One Group.

What are ‘pocket listings’ in real estate and why are they so controversial?

Some tout their benefits while others say they lack transparency and can skew market statistics.

Pennsylvania News

Kathy Buckley, Director of the Office of Victims’ Services, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, speaks at an event for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, in Harrisburg, Pa. on April 10, 2025. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Services for crime victims face funding cuts after drop in white-collar prosecutions under Trump

Funding for services for crime victims comes primarily from fines and penalties paid by those...

National News

Aviation pioneers John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown crash-land their Vickers Vimy aircraft in a bog near the wireless station at Clifden, Ireland, on June 15, 1919, after they complete the first nonstop transatlantic flight from St. Johns, Newfoundland, to the Irish coast. (AP Photo)

Today in History: June 14, aviators take first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean

British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown embarked on the first non-stop flight across...

Allentown

Bridgeview Academy held its 2026 graduation Thursday, June 11, at Miller Symphony Hall. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bridgeview Academy Graduation | PHOTOS

Photos: Bridgeview Academy holds its 2026 graduation at Miller Symphony Hall.

Bethlehem Area

The PBS 39 building is seen Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

A popular Lehigh Valley college radio station was just sold after 53 years. Fate remains unclear

Lehigh University's WLVR radio station first went on air in 1973, but traces its history...

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Investigation into 15-month-old girl found dead in car continues, Northampton County DA says

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These 6 Lehigh Valley establishments accused of liquor law violations

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Retail Watch: New distillery to offer in-house rum and brandy in the Lehigh Valley

Here’s how Lehigh Valley’s hospitals performed financially in 2025, according to state watchdog report

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