
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.
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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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PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed, which serve the Lehigh Valley, said high winds were bringing down poles and wires. The biggest trouble spots appeared to be in Lower Macungie Township, the Bath area, and the Slate Belt.
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Snow squalls cause dangerous travel conditions and can be blinding for motorists, according to the National Weather Service. The Lehigh Valley is at highest risk from mid-morning into the afternoon.
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Expect delays on Route 22, Interstate 78 and several other routes as President Joe Biden makes his second visit to the Lehigh Valley as president. He's expected to go to several local businesses in the afternoon.
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The original store's roots go back 50 years in Easton. Now Giacomo's Italian Market and Grille plans to expand into a second location, selling lunch and dinner, deli meats and imported Italian dry goods.
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The past two Lehigh Valley winters haven't produced much in the way of snow. With the potential for significant snowfall this weekend, local business operators are gearing up — at last.
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Peepsfest drew thousands of people to the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem over two days, culminating in Sunday night's Peeps drop and fireworks display.
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The 1-year-old and a 44-year-old woman were among three people shot in a home in the 100 block of Chestnut Street in Allentown. Over the next several hours, five more people would be shot in two more separate shooting incidents.
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Two shootings occurred around 9 p.m. Friday. Authorities found two people dead in a house in the 100 block of Chestnut Street in Allentown's First Ward, the incoming Lehigh County district attorney said. One of them was a 1-year-old boy, the coroner said.
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The Lehigh Valley tradition started in 2009. The family-friendly New Year's celebration returns this Saturday and Sunday at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. Fireworks are set for both nights.
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On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the rooftop sign that serves as a Main Street beacon is only partially illuminated in a nod to the season and to Bethlehem's rich history.
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Monsignor John P. Murphy headed St. Thomas More Church in Allentown for more than 40 years. He died Friday at age 86, according to the Diocese of Allentown.
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Patricia Huber co-founded WBPH TV 60 in Bethlehem and hosted the long-running Bible show “Bethlehem Glory.”