Jim Deegan

Easton

Managing Editor at PBS39

Executive Editor at LehighValleyNews.com

Articles

'Reckless behavior' to blame for 17-year-old's death at Freedom High, chief says; victim identified

4 days ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — The death of a 17-year-old student outside Freedom High School early Sunday was the result of teens “participating in reckless behavior,” the police chief said Monday. Police identified the victim as David Nagy, of Bethlehem Township. The coroner found Nagy died of blunt force trauma to the head after colliding with a parked car, township Police Chief Gregory Gottschall said.
Hand-held cellphone ban while driving taking effect in Pa.

1 week ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s become a common practice and common sight on the roads. Now it’s illegal. Starting Thursday, motorists in Pennsylvania are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while driving. That includes while temporarily stopped due to traffic, a red light or other momentary delays. The so-called “Paul Miller’s Law” was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last year.
1 dead in Route 22 crash that shut down highway for hours

1 week ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

HANOVER TWP., Pa. — A passenger died in a crash Thursday night that shut down Route 22 for hours, state police said. It happened at 9:36 p.m. in the westbound lanes of Route 22 in Hanover Township, Northampton County, near the Route 512 exit. State police said the operator of a Mercedes-Benz was speeding and tried to pass another vehicle, a Ford Escape, in the right lane.
School resource officer who sent explicit photo to high school student pleads guilty to corruption of minors

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article contains graphic content. EASTON, Pa. — A Palmer Township police officer charged with sending a pornographic image of himself to a high school student has pleaded guilty to one count of corruption of minors.
Sultana, Ruggles denied bids for re-election to Easton City Council

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

EASTON, Pa. — Two Democrats on Easton City Council who sought re-election this year instead will serve their last few months in office. Incumbents Taiba Sultana and Roger Ruggles were defeated in Tuesday night’s primary election, according to unofficial Northampton County returns. Ruggles lost on the District 1 Democratic ticket to Frank Graziano III; Sultana was defeated in the District 3 Democratic primary by Susan Hartranft-Bittinger.
LANTA braces for major service cuts and fare increases amid funding crisis

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Facing an $8 million funding gap, LANTA plans to cut service by 20 percent on its fixed-route bus system and raise fares by 25 percent – its largest service cuts in decades, according to draft budget for the next fiscal year. The Shared Ride for Seniors paratransit service also would have to absorb a 25 percent or more fare increase, according to projections.
Last-minute 2025 Primary Election guide for the Lehigh Valley

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s primary election is Tuesday. Registered voters will cast ballots for a multitude of local offices, including county executive, mayors, councils and judges at the state, county and local levels. Because Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, voters are only able to cast ballots for candidates in their own political party. That means a couple of things. First, residents who aren’t registered as a Democrat or Republican have to sit this one out.
World Heritage symposium planned in Bethlehem canceled

3 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Organizers have canceled an international symposium that was to be held next month centered around the city’s recent inclusion as a World Heritage Site for its preserved Moravian settlement. They announced the cancellation Thursday. “This decision was not made lightly,” Moravian Church Settlements said on its website.
Convenience store raids net $375K and 6,000 marijuana products, DA says

4 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

EASTON, Pa. — Authorities seized more than $375,000 in cash and 6,000 packages of marijuana in a raid of four convenience stores in Northampton County. District Attorney Stephen Baratta said the packages contained THC vapes and edibles all classified as marijuana, a Schedule I illegal substance under Pennsylvania law. The raids occurred Thursday at three Penn Jersey stores in East Allen Township, Washington Township and Upper Mount Bethel Township, as well as at Pen Argyl Food Mart in Pen Argyl.
Allentown bishop rejoices at election of Pope Leo XIV, the 1st American pope and Villanova grad

4 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Bishop Alfred A. Schlert is asking for prayers for the new Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. “Along with the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, and lay men and women of the Diocese of Allentown, I rejoice at the election of the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV,” Schlert, the leader of the Diocese of Allentown, said in a statement.