
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Vermont senator will speak Saturday, May 3, during a rally at the Stabler Athletic & Convocation Center at Lehigh University, according to his website.
-
The study by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown also found considerable differences in public health opinions along political party affiliations.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.”
-
Ruben Payan, the NTSB investigator in charge of the investigation, released new details and updated local officials during a meeting of Lower Saucon Township Council. Three of the derailed cars were hazardous materials tankers.
-
Lehigh Valley motorists may want to keep their eyes peeled for a new look by Pennsylvania State Police. The metallic gray vehicles with "TROOPER" on the side are being phased out.
-
Norfolk Southern crews remained at the derailment site along the Lehigh River in Lower Saucon Township. The company released no details on what the trains were hauling or where they were going.
-
The National Transportation Safety Board says an eastbound train hit a stopped train on the tracks and derailed onto westbound tracks, where a westbound train collided with the wreckage. Photos from the scene in Lower Saucon Township showed multiple rail cars off the tracks.
-
The 31-year-old was found unresponsive Saturday morning in the parking lot behind the Burger King at 2141 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem.
-
Temperatures will be a roller coaster this week, with Sunday's seasonably cool air giving way to a few days of spring-like temperatures but with a chance of rain.
-
The shooting occurred Saturday night outside a family party. Authorities said the gunman was part of an uninvited group that was denied entry to the party. No arrests have been made, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney.
-
The National Weather Service issued the warning Saturday afternoon for parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties, extending into Carbon County.
-
Some areas reported almost 14 inches of snow, with flakes the size of cotton balls. Other areas got just a few inches. Said a National Weather Service meteorologist: 'I completely understand the shock factor.'
-
Tuesday's fast-moving storm swept quickly through the Lehigh Valley but packed a wallop, bringing nearly a foot of snow to several spots.
-
PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed reported more than 13,000 customers without power Tuesday morning as a winter storm swept through the region.
-
McCarthy's Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar, a popular Bethlehem restaurant, is closed following a small fire. McCarthy's owner Neville Gardner said the fire broke out about 4 a.m. when no one was in the building. "The place is haunted, you know," he said.