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 hiring of a new executive director completes an extensive search, according to the board of the South Bethlehem facility. Victoria Montero served as executive director for the past five years. -
As a severe thunderstorm bore down on the Lehigh Valley on Monday night, ArtsQuest declared a pause to Musikfest and the many concerts being held across Bethlehem. Activities resumed later in the night after the storm passed.
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Neighbors in the Midway Manor neighborhood of Allentown reported seeing a twister as the storm tore through the city's East Side on Monday night. There were no reports of serious injuries, but property damage was extensive.
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A severe storm knocked out power to thousands in Lehigh County and sent Musikfest revelers searching for cover Monday night. As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, 16,000 customers have lost power.
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Armed with a search warrant, Bethlehem police say they detained a man Friday who allegedly made statements of his intent to build and detonate an improvised explosive during Musikfest.
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An investor in one of the Easton-area's first sports bars has built a successful business in Bethlehem — Molly's Irish Grille and Sports Pub — that he says he plans to build upon in Palmer Township.
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Police are warning folks not to deposit mail in the dropbox outside the Palmer branch of the Easton Post Office. They say several checks have been stolen from the mail.
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The tavern at 2722 Freemansburg Ave. is under contract to be sold to new owners, who plan to keep it as a sports bar but under a new name.
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SoccerFest is returning to SteelStacks in Bethlehem, with viewing parties scheduled for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting Friday when the U.S. plays Vietnam at 9 p.m.
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The entire Lehigh Valley will remain under a flood watch through Sunday after another round of severe storms hammered the region. Tonight's Heritage Day fireworks show in Easton is postponed again, the city announced. Bushkill Park in Forks Township and parts of the Slate Belt were flooded.
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A rockslide shut down Route 611 north of Portland, Pa., in early December. Last week, PennDOT said the road isn't expected to reopen for another 7 months. On the heels of pandemic losses, many merchants said they don't know if they can withstand this hit.
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Our Lady of Good Counsel and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes will merge and keep those churches open. However, the Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul in Portland will be closing, the Diocese of Allentown announced.
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The busy road has been closed since early December, when heavy rain washed out a roadside rock facing and sent boulders onto the blacktop. A protracted closure is expected.
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The 71-year-old victim was found unresponsive in his garage on Dec. 25, two days after a winter storm knocked out power to thousands in the region.
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Allentown police say four people were shot Sunday night in the 1100 block of East Clair Street — site of the nonprofit East Side Youth Center. On Tuesday, folks played pickleball inside with the doors locked.
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Officers found one victim at the scene Sunday night. As they were investigating, three more victims showed up at the hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds.
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Need continues to grow for emergency food services. With the end of pandemic-era benefits and inflation still not letting up, demand is higher than ever, according to food pantry managers.
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Police said they have yet to locate a murder weapon. But they indicated the arrest of Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, in the Poconos early Friday was a breakthrough. “What I can tell you is we have an individual in custody who committed these horrible crimes and I do believe our community is safe,” Police Chief James Fry said.
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The child died Tuesday after he was shot in the basement of an Allentown home. Authorities said his 10-year-old brother accidentally fired a handgun the boys found.
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The Nazareth Pickleball Factory would be open 365 days a year and provide for drop-in visits or monthly or annual memberships. It's led by three Nazareth-area investors who hope to open in February 2023.
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Longtime former board member Robert Bold served as board president five times and vice president three times. He would fill the vacancy created by state Sen. Jarrett Coleman's resignation.
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The National Weather Service says temperatures won't get out of the 20s again Monday. But the Lehigh Valley will see significant changes by the middle of the week.
