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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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. -
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.
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The Diocese of Allentown announced several moves among priests in its 78 parishes — part of an annual process led by an advisory board of priests and approved by Bishop Alfred Schlert.
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Problems with theft in the mail collection bins outside the post office go back at least four years. Last year police warned folks to stop using the bins and deposit mail inside the post office. The bins remained open — and the stolen checks and mail have persisted.
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The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors' April report shows a bit of spring momentum, but demand continues to outpace available supply. The Lehigh Valley's median sales price is more than $320,000.
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The sale to New Jersey’s State Agriculture Development Committee in Warren County, N.J., assures that the land will continue to be used for agricultural purposes, according to the deal.
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Costas Alestas, a former Bethlehem police officer and soccer coach at East Hills Middle School, intends to plead not guilty to multiple sex-related crimes involving two middle school students, his attorney said.
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Pennsylvania State Police said the victim was hit by a tractor-trailer along Interstate 380 in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County. Sean Richmond, 38, was a 2004 Easton High grad and current coach and athletic director at Stroudsburg.
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A special hourlong program livestreamed on LehighValleyNews.com Wednesday night. Panelists included Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. The nonpartisan civic education group Keep Our Republic was a partner in the production.
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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 fire that broke out early Sunday at the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is an "act of arson," state police said. A suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, was arrested later in the day, state police said.
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Hanover Township Elementary School Principal Erin Hines was arrested after crashing into three parked cars at the Stefko Shopping Center on Saturday, March 29, Bethlehem police said.
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The Bethlehem Area School District says Principal Erin Hines is on leave until further notice "as a result of an incident that transpired this weekend.”
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A Republican candidate who had filed a nomination petition withdrew that petition this week amid a challenge. That means the primary ballot for Allentown mayor will include two Democrats and no Republicans.
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A five-part series this week will explore traffic and transportation issues in the Lehigh Valley. Increasing traffic volume, dangerous driving and insufficient infrastructure are among the topics examined.
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Justin Simmons, the former Republican state representative, was among three people who filed nomination papers last week to seek the party's nomination in the May 20 primary election.
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Longtime LVHN CEO Dr. Brian Nester is taking on an expanded role as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Jefferson Health, which acquired LVHN last year.
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A police officer discharged his firearm in an armed confrontation with the victim, who shot himself during the encounter Saturday night in Wind Gap, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
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Gerald C. Yob has been mayor of Freemansburg for 44 years. He served on borough council 12 years before that. Yob turns 96 in August, and plans on running for a 12th term as mayor.
