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. -
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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Investigators used numerous city-operated surveillance cameras and license-plate readers, as well as input from witnesses and social media, to identify the suspects, said Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan.
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Palmer Township has nearly doubled its number of pickleball courts with the opening of six courts at Fairview Park. They're free, lighted and open to the public every day until 10 at night.
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The hearing later this month in Bethlehem is the first step in the 5-year license renewal for Wind Creek Bethlehem. A second public hearing will be held at a later date in Harrisburg, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
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The victim was shot and died at Fountain Park in the 900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, authorities said. Police say anyone with information or video regarding the incident should call investigators at 610-437-7721.
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Jurors convicted the former president on all 34 counts after deliberating for nearly 10 hours over two days. They found he falsified business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election.
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The main threat will come later Monday and Monday night with a cold front that creates the possibility of strong winds and hail – even a tornado, said meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting.
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The 53-year-old cycling champion, who spent a year on probation after pleading guilty in February 2023 in a previous stalking and harassment case, is now charged in a case investigated by the Bethlehem Police Department.
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County Executive Lamont McClure said the closings mark the end of a significant chapter in the county’s COVID-19 response. More than 3.5 million cases and 50,000 deaths in Pennsylvania have been attributed to COVID since 2020.
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The 2024 Easton Twilight Criterium will be held Saturday in Downtown Easton. Festivities are planned throughout the day and several streets and traffic patterns will be affected.
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The thunderstorm Thursday morning packed heavy wind gusts, rain and hail in some spots. It ended almost as suddenly as it began. PPL reported 22,000 without power in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced the fine after approving a consent agreement with casino operators Wednesday. The 10 incidents occurred over a 22-month period, regulators said.
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Gas prices are up about 10 cents a gallon in Pennsylvania from this time last year, and up 11 cents in the Lehigh Valley region, according to AAA.
