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 National Weather Service determined damages during a severe thunderstorm Monday night were from straight-line winds as high as 100 mph, but no tornadoes touched down there. -
The National Weather Service rated the tornado as an EF-1 — the second-weakest on the scale. It hit the Midway Manor neighborhood of Allentown and crossed into Bethlehem briefly, according to a weather service statement.
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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.
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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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The Coop Sports Bar & Kitchen opened Thursday at 2722 Freemansburg Ave. with plans for a neighborhood sports bar and new menu. It's in the building that had been Fat Jacks' since 1991.
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The average price for a gallon of gas in the Lehigh Valley was $3.87 this week. That's below the Pennsylvania average of $3.92 per gallon but up slightly more than 11 cents from last week, according to AAA.
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Sammy Sasso was shot in a carjacking last month near Ohio State University. “Every donation, message, and positive thought has made a difference in Sammy's spirits and his path toward recovery,” his family says.
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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its report of the most challenging places to live with asthma. The release coincides with peak asthma season in September.
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Travelers departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport will have to use the arrivals lane upon entering the property because of a repaving project.
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Sunday could be mostly a washout, with showers and the potential for heavy rainfall in the forecast throughout the day. Things are looking up, though, for later in the week.
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Bruce Frassinelli, 84, worked more than 25 years at The Express in Easton. He left in 1992 to become publisher of a newspaper in Oswego, N.Y. He died early Wednesday at his home in North Whitehall Township.
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Sammy Sasso, a state champion wrestler from Nazareth Area High School, was shot Aug. 18 in a carjacking near Ohio State University, where he is a student.
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The Bethlehem Area School District said the proactive safety measures were designed to increase safety and security at high school football games at BASD Stadium.
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Hamm, a standout for the Leopards at Lafayette, is a Baltimore native who signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He's Lafayette's career sacks leader and a two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year.
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Police in Columbus, Ohio, arrested a 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl and charged them with aggravated robbery and felony assault in the Aug. 18 attack near Ohio State University.
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The Ohio State wrestler and Nazareth Area High School graduate pointed fans to a GoFundMe established to help raise money for his recovery from an Aug. 18 carjacking in Columbus, Ohio.
