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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The race returned for a second-straight year after a two-year layoff because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 runners entered for Sunday's events and over 400 children participated Saturday. See the top finishers.
-
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe and several other eastern Pennsylvania counties.
-
Firefighters battled a massive fire at a warehouse in West Easton early Tuesday, with multiple explosions heard from the property. The fire was declared under control after more than five hours.
-
Just days after Superintendent Joseph Roy announced he will retire in July, the Bethlehem Area School District announced Assistant Superintendent Jack Silva will be considered for the top job. A school board vote is set for April 24, according to a district statement.
-
It was the second shooting incident investigated by Allentown police in just a few hours. Police ask witnesses or anyone with information to call 610-437-7721.
-
Three people died and four remain missing in the explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate-making plant in West Reading. The grim announcement Saturday night came after a day of hope spurred by a victim found alive in the wreckage early in the day.
-
An Allentown resident confronted someone trying to enter parked vehicles — and both ended up dead after a gunfight, according to police. Police leaders addressed the issue of thefts from vehicles in a podcast just this week.
-
U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert died in an attack on troops in Kuwait. His killer was sentenced to death. For Seifert's parents in the Lehigh Valley, the passage of time hasn't eased the loss. 'He was a much-wanted child and a very loved young man,' says his mother Helen.
-
The building in South Bethlehem served as a Bethlehem Steel firehouse for decades. It was renovated in the early 2000s and contained a venture capital firm. Now an employee benefits consulting firm will make it its new headquarters.
-
Mayor Matt Tuerk is asking city council to approve a $10,000 study of the Allentown Parking Authority's management and structure. It comes in the wake of dozens of complaints from residents alleging overbearing and predatory enforcement practices.
-
A storm system that will gain steam off the coast and potentially turn into a nor'easter could affect the Lehigh Valley region's weather Monday into Tuesday. At least one forecaster speculates it might be our last chance for a measurable snowfall, which has been in short supply this winter.
-
Lehigh Valley Health Network was victimized in a cybersecurity attack last month. The network said it refused to pay a ransom. Now, patient information and photos have been posted on the dark web, according to LVHN.
