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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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.
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The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Elk Cam gives viewers a close-up look at elk as their activity is about to ramp up with the bugling season. It features a rotating, zooming camera and natural sound.
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Chief Financial Officer Diane Richards officially began her five-year contract on July 1, the school district said. She became the second department head to step down within a few weeks of starting.
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The Ohio State wrestler was hospitalized after being shot during a reported robbery attempt Friday in Columbus, Ohio. Sasso, a Nazareth Area High School alum, is a two-time PIAA state champion wrestler.
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Multiple news outlets are reporting Sasso was shot Friday night near the Ohio State University campus. He's a three-time All-American wrestler and two-time PIAA state champion from Nazareth Area High School.
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The severe storms and flash flooding of July 16 overwhelmed parts of the Slate Belt, Forks and Palmer townships and led seven Northampton County municipalities to declare disasters of their own.
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Organizers had hinted that this year's crowds were expected to break records. On Tuesday, ArtsQuest confirmed it. More than 1.3 million visited Bethlehem during the 11 nights of Musikfest 2023.
