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.
-
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. -
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Officers called to a shooting in Bethlehem found a man with a gunshot wound to the body. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital in critical condition, police said.
-
Excessive heat warnings have been posted in parts of the northeastern U.S. with heat indices of 105 to 110 degrees. Forecasters issued an excessive heat warning for southeastern Pennsylvania. As for Saturday, we're expected to hit a high of 96 in the Lehigh Valley.
-
The planned closure affects a roughly 12-mile stretch of the Northeast Extension in Carbon County.
-
Anna Stofko, 86, was a longtime volunteer in Northampton County Democratic politics. Her daughter said she had an overwhelming influence on her life. “If it wasn’t for her I wouldn't be a state senator,” Boscola said.
-
The helicopter from Pennsylvania State Police was used during an enforcement detail Saturday afternoon and evening in Allentown, officials said. They say the plan is to use the helicopter throughout the summer.
-
Rob Vaughn joined Channel 69 in 1987 and has anchored thousands of Lehigh Valley news programs. He announced his retirement to viewers in the 5 p.m. news broadcast Friday.
-
Investigators used numerous city-operated surveillance cameras and license-plate readers, as well as input from witnesses and social media, to identify the suspects, said Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan.
-
Palmer Township has nearly doubled its number of pickleball courts with the opening of six courts at Fairview Park. They're free, lighted and open to the public every day until 10 at night.
-
The hearing later this month in Bethlehem is the first step in the 5-year license renewal for Wind Creek Bethlehem. A second public hearing will be held at a later date in Harrisburg, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
-
The victim was shot and died at Fountain Park in the 900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, authorities said. Police say anyone with information or video regarding the incident should call investigators at 610-437-7721.
-
Jurors convicted the former president on all 34 counts after deliberating for nearly 10 hours over two days. They found he falsified business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election.
-
The main threat will come later Monday and Monday night with a cold front that creates the possibility of strong winds and hail – even a tornado, said meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting.
