Jim Deegan
Executive editorI’ve lived more than 25 years in the Easton area and worked as a reporter, producer and editor for longer than that. Since 1996, I’ve led news teams and covered virtually every major news story in the Lehigh Valley – and lots of little ones, too. It’s a privilege to work in a newsroom with people who care about our corner of Pennsylvania and share stories that hopefully make an impact. It’s an even greater privilege to have your attention – and earn your trust – as we cover your communities. Contact me at JimD@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8224.
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Palmer Township police officer John Smoke faces up to five years in prison. Authorities accused him of sending the photo to a 16-year-old while he was assigned to Easton Area High School as a resource officer.
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Incumbent Easton City Council members Taiba Sultana and Roger Ruggles lost in the Democratic primary, according to unofficial election returns. Susan Hartranft-Bittinger defeated Sultana and Frank Graziano outpaced Ruggles.
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The Lehigh Valley's public transit system says it will have to cut service by 20 percent and boost fares by 25 percent without additional state funding — something that Gov. Josh Shapiro has called for but that lawmakers will have to approve.
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Tuesday, May 20, is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. Several high-profile local races are on the ballot in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Check out our procrastinator's guide and Q&A.
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Organizers cited uncertainty surrounding federal and cultural heritage funding as among the reasons for cancelling the international gathering, which was scheduled for early June at Moravian University in Bethlehem.
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The Northampton County Drug Task Force raided four convenience stores Thursday — three in the Slate Belt and one in East Allen Township. Besides the cash seized, authorities said the value of products confiscated surpassed $400,000.
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Bishop Alfred A. Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown and Father Jim Greenfield of DeSales University share their thoughts on the selection of new Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States and a 1977 Villanova University graduate.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop federal funding for public broadcasters PBS and NPR through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lehigh Valley Public Media receives more than $1 million per year in CPB funding, according to the interim CEO.
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The Vermont senator will speak Saturday, May 3, during a rally at the Stabler Athletic & Convocation Center at Lehigh University, according to his website.
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The study by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown also found considerable differences in public health opinions along political party affiliations.
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A flash flood warning is in effect for parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties until 11:30 p.m. It follows a line of severe thunderstorms and a flood watch that will be in effect until 2 a.m. Monday.
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The crashes were unrelated and both occurred Thursday, according to the coroner's office. Killed were a 17-year-old from Hellertown and a 34-year-old from Forks Township.
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If you missed the fireworks display that brought Musikfest 2024 to a close, you can catch a time-lapse of it here, recorded from the Univest Public Media Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The 11-day festival ended Sunday night.
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Authorities announced the arrest of a 55-year-old Whitehall man Saturday. The attack happened about 6:05 p.m. in the 1300 block of North 14th Street in Whitehall Township, authorities said.
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Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, an amusement park that has drawn generations of families for nearly 100 years to the Ocean City boardwalk, will close at the end of the 2024 season. Operators say it's "no longer a viable business."
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Bethlehem police went to a home in the 700 block of Redfern Lane shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday after being summoned for a welfare check.
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The crash happened early Sunday evening at Stefko Boulevard and Bayard Street in Bethlehem. Police say speed appears to have been a factor in the wreck. A second occupant of the vehicle survived.
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Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis was in the Lehigh Valley on Monday as officials announced a $20 million federal grant for Allentown. He sat down with LehighValleyNews.com for an exclusive interview as his boss, Gov. Josh Shapiro, is in the running to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
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The crash occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem. Police said speed appears to have been a factor as a car crashed into utility poles near Bayard Street. Stefko Boulevard will be closed "for an extended period," according to police.
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Saturday’s weather plagued Musikfest and there’s a chance more of the same is in store Sunday for the Lehigh Valley region. After a sunny Monday, heavy rain is in the forecast Tuesday.
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Joe Kovacs, the 2-time world champion from Bethlehem Catholic High School and Penn State, competed in his third Olympic Games as a member of Team USA in Paris.
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Joe Kovacs, a Nazareth-area native and Bethlehem Catholic grad, is competing in his third Olympic Games as a member of Team USA. The shot put finals are Saturday afternoon.