Marketing and Communications Manager - Methodist Children’s Hospital
Heartland Emmy winning journalist
Lover of all the foods
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Morgan Downing
Stroll around the neighborhood: The dogs of Bethlehem
The Brown and White took a stroll around the neighborhood and spoke to community members about their four-legged friends. (Alexandra Toto/B&W Staff) Nicole Lacherza and Lolo Lacherza Nicole Lacherza and her dog, Lolo, are South Side residents. Last winter, Nicole adopted Lolo, the first dog of her own, through a nonprofit organization. Q: Can you tell me the story of how you got Lolo? NL: I rescued and adopted her on March 1.
Brontë Fall’s new song honors The FunHouse bar
The year is 2007. Surrounded by beer kegs in a dimly lit basement, Teri Bracken, ’08, is tuning her violin. In a few minutes, she’ll walk upstairs to join her rock band, Kublai Khan, for her first gig at The FunHouse. She doesn’t know it yet, but by the end of the night, she’ll have decided what to do for the rest of her life. On Sept.
Liz Matthews turns loss into dementia research, advocacy
In 2013, Liz Matthews, ‘26, visited the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia with her sister and father. Too afraid to walk through the prison’s haunted corridors, she stayed behind with her father to enjoy ice cream while her sister went ahead. But as they drove away at the end of the trip, Matthews realized something was wrong: her sister wasn’t in the car. Her father had forgotten her. Shortly after, her father was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. By 12, Matthews had lost her father.
Students protest sexual violence on campus
On Monday evening, Destin Mattey, ‘29, dressed in blue for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, sat at the flagpole outside the Clayton University Center holding a cardboard sign reading, “Survivors stronger together,” to protest sexual assault and raise awareness for victims. He was part of an unofficial protest at Lehigh’s flagpole, joined by one other student, Aidan Miller, ‘29. For the hour, Mattey spoke with passing students, sharing information about sexual assault and encouraging open dialogue.
Thousands gather for ‘No Kings’ protest
Thousands gathered on Saturday at the Bethlehem Rose Garden for the Lehigh Valley’s portion of the nationwide “No Kings” protest, the third demonstration opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and its policies. The event was organized by Indivisible Lehigh Valley Bethlehem, a grassroots volunteer organization that advocates for issues including immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protection, public education and fair elections, according to its website.
Faculty discuss economics and politics in developing Iran War
On Tuesday night, the Department of International Relations and the Lehigh University United Nations Partnership hosted a faculty teach-in on the developing war with Iran. International relations professors Dinissa Duvanova and Arman Grigoryan, along with recently retired economics professor Frank Gunter, led the discussion at the Rauch Business Center. More than 50 students and community members attended. Professor Jaimie Bleck moderated the event and opened with remarks from each panelist.
Senators to vote on dissolving Student Senate after 28 years
The future of Lehigh’s Student Senate will be decided on March 24, when senators vote on whether to dissolve the organization after nearly . The vote follows months of internal and external dissatisfaction with the senate’s effectiveness in addressing student concerns. The proposal, introduced by Drew Smith, ‘27, the vice president of internal affairs, would dissolve the Senate and create a reformed student government with a new name, constitution and bylaws.
Community officials sign ICE opposition letter
Lehigh Valley community members are publicly opposing the establishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities in the area, urging industrial property owners not to sell warehouses for use as immigration detention centers. In a Feb. 6 letter, two dozen Lehigh County officials, school board directors and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk asked property owners to refrain from selling to ICE.
Town hall highlights local impact of gun violence
Lehigh’s Student Political Action Committee hosted a town hall Wednesday, one month after the Lehigh University Police Department arrested a man in possession of a firearm on campus, to address gun violence in the Lehigh Valley. The discussion, moderated by Lehigh County Controller and 2026 congressional candidate Mark Pinsley, included three panelists who have each experienced gun violence firsthand.
Island Resilience event celebrates female Caribbean leaders
As part of International Education Week, Sydane Morrison, ‘26 G, hosted an event titled “Island Resilience: Caribbean Women and Future of Equitable Leadership,” through the Gender, Leadership and Empowerment Center. The discussion, held on Nov. 21, examined the history of female Caribbean leaders in precolonial, colonial and modern-day eras. Morrison said the event was held to illustrate how Caribbean women are shaping the future of equitable leadership.
The Brown and White
Editor’s Note: The Brown and White will continually update this story with more peoples’ voting experiences throughout election day. Bethlehem residents and Lehigh students headed to the polls today to vote in the Northampton County executive and court races, Northampton County Council, Bethlehem City Council and Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention election races. Lehigh students who registered to vote under their Farrington P.O. box address voted at St. Peter’s.
Quick Workouts You Can Do In Your Dorm
College life is busy. You have to make time for so much more and one of the first things people eliminate, in order to have “more time” is their self-care. That’s what your workout is, and you should not work it out of your schedule completely. For several reasons that I won’t get into here. Instead – don’t think about logging in an hour at the gym, try shooting for something closer to 25 – 30 minutes. These quick workouts you can do in your dorm should help you get started.
Chili's waiter shocked by huge tip on $21 tab
As the twenty Democrats who took part in the first pair of debates in the race for the White House spread around the country for more campaign stops this weekend, the shape of the race still seems to revolve around the same set of top tier Democratic candidates, with a host of others searching for a break through to fuel their own rise to the top.
Local organization gives back to homeless on Christmas
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Most are home this Christmas spending time with loved ones, but some right here in Wichita weren’t as fortunate. That’s why Let’s Rock & Roll & Change the World spent their day making it feel like home outside, bringing family, friends and food to the homeless community. Kimberly Sims, Co-Founder of Let’s Rock & Roll & Change the world says, “We actually plate the food up and serve those people that come to us. And they don't have to be homeless.
Rollover accident leaves 18-year-old girl in critical condition
2 Victims identified in northeast Wichita wreck written by KAKE Newskake.news Authorities say two people have suffered critical injuries in a crash in northeast Wichita. It happened just before 1:30 p.m. Monday near on northbound I-135 near K-96. Biggest stamp hike in decades goes into effect in January written by KAKE Newskake.news Prices are going up starting January 27 after the Postal Regulatory Commission approved post office price changes. How to stop rural Kansas from shrinking?
Families enjoy warmer weather but change is expected
Rollover accident leaves 18-year-old girl in critical condition written by KAKE Newskake.news One person is in critical condition after a rollover accident in northwest Sedgwick County. 2 Victims identified in northeast Wichita wreck written by KAKE Newskake.news Authorities say two people have suffered critical injuries in a crash in northeast Wichita. It happened just before 1:30 p.m. Monday near on northbound I-135 near K-96.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Local meteorologists among those affected by partial government
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - While many are enjoying the Christmas holiday, some government workers are worrying about their next paycheck. The National Weather Service office in Wichita is one of dozens across the nation still operating despite the government's partial shutdown. "We're still going to be here issuing watches and warnings," meteorologist Roger Martin said. Martin joined us for an interview via Skype.
1 killed, 1 hurt in crash near Rose Hill
ROSE HILL, Kan. (KAKE) - Authorities say one person has been killed and another suffered serious injuries in a crash in southeast Sedgwick County. It happened at around 3:30 a.m. Thursday at 143rd Street East and 79th Street South, near Rose Hill. Lt. Nathan Gibbs with the sheriff's office said an southbound vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck by a westbound vehicle. The driver of the southbound vehicle died at the scene and the passenger was hospitalized in serious condition.
More people reporting to Crime Stoppers in Sedgwick County
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Crime Stoppers of Wichita and Sedgwick, a division of the Wichita Crime Commission, is experiencing an increase in anonymous crime tips. They received 2,060 tips by the end of November. The total number of tips in 2017 was 2,067. "If that helps lead to the arrests and the prosecution then that's what Crime Stoppers is about. I think it's great to see an increase because it means the program continues to work," said Stacey Kluge, chair of Crime Stoppers.
YMCA reaches fundraising goal for new Wichita State facility
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Greater Wichita YMCA has reached its fundraising goal to break a facility to the Wichita State University campus. The YMCA board of directors made the announcement Thursday, adding that its new facility at WSU will be named to honor longtime volunteer and supporter Steve Clark. “It’s a great day for all involved - the community, Wichita State, WSU students and the Y,” YMCA President and CEO Ronn McMahon said in a news release.
House approves wall funding as shutdown nears
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican-led House has approved funding for President Donald Trump's border wall in legislation that pushes the government closer to a partial government shutdown. The House voted 217-185, largely along party lines. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it has almost no chance of passing. Senators already passed their bill to avert a shutdown by extending funds to Feb. 8. It did not include the wall funding.
Reminder: Kansans can't buy liquor on Christmas
(KMBC) - Here’s a friendly reminder that if you want to enjoy liquor on Christmas Day in Kansas, you’ll need to buy it in advance. Kansas state law states no person may sell, offer for sale or deliver any liquor on Christmas Day. On the other side of the state line, you can purchase liquor in Missouri on Christmas. Though Prohibition ended 85 years ago this December, many states maintain Prohibition-era laws, which ban the sale of liquor on Sundays and certain holidays.
Man sentenced to more than 50 years for Wichita murder
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A 31-year-old Wichita man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for the shooting death of another man earlier this year. Judge Christopher Magana on Wednesday sentenced Emmanuel Reed to 662 months in the May 2nd murder of 31-year-old Bretodd Williams. The shooting happened just before noon that day in the 1700 block of South Elpyco. They arrived to find Williams lying in the street. He had been shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Three Wichitans arrested after knocking on the wrong door
Most Popular Stories 1 killed, 1 hurt in crash near Rose Hill written by KAKE Newskake.news Lt. Nathan Gibbs with the sheriff's office said an southbound vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck by a westbound vehicle. Tennessee father diagnosed with human form of Mad Cow Disease One year ago, doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center diagnosed a Lebanon father with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), which is also known as the human form of mad cow disease.
Three arrested in connection with weekend armed robberies
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Wichita Police Department has arrested three men who are believed to be connected to a string of armed robberies over the weekend. 32-year-old Jermaine Baker, 25-year-old Shaiquille Harris and 27-year-old Brelen Vonfange, all from Wichita haven been arrested on three counts of aggravated robbery and warrants. Saturday, between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. officers responded to 4 separate armed robbery calls at gas stations in Wichita.
Skimmers found on two ATMs in Ark City
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KAKE) - Police say two skimmers were found on two ATM machines in Arkansas City and have released photos of two people of interest. The department said on Facebook that they were notified about the skimming devices on Thursday. They did not provide the locations, saying that information will be released at a later date.
REPORT: Ron Baker signs with the Washington Wizards
Tennessee father diagnosed with human form of Mad Cow Disease One year ago, doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center diagnosed a Lebanon father with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), which is also known as the human form of mad cow disease. Local business owner reacts to Spirit jobs announcement written by Morgan Downing 2018-12-20T03:48:15Z2018-12-20T03:48:15Z Spirit's announcement of 1,400 new jobs will create a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
Training and hiring workers following Spirit's jobs announcement
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Classes are out at Wichita State University for now, but when they resume, student’s will have more job opportunities across the board thanks to Spirit Aerosystems’ new announcement. “This just provides a lot of opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Steve Skinner with Wichita State University. “It’s a great opportunity for us.
Father honors daughter's legacy
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A Hutchinson family's worst nightmare turns into an opportunity to help others. It was April of 2017 when Bob Ratley got the news every parent fears. Ratley says his daughter, Laura, was on her way back from a concert in Oklahoma when she was killed in a car crash. "She called me when she got to Oklahoma and she was just having the time of her life. Then that night she had text me and she told me she loved me and told me they were leaving, heading back.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Man arrested for DUI after driving into Kansas substance abuse s
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP/KAKE) - Authorities say a man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after he crashed through the glass front of a substance abuse screening business in Topeka. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that police responded Wednesday night after the man drove into the Compliance One building while attempting to turn. Witnesses said the driver was trying to back out of the building when officers arrived.
Man sentenced for killing ex-girlfriend in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A 30-year-old man who killed his ex-girlfriend at her Wichita home two years ago will have to spend nearly 29 years in prison, at least. The Sedgwick County district attorney's office says Dane Owens was sentenced Thursday to 25 years to life for first-degree murder and 43 months for aggravated burglary. Those sentenced will run consecutively. Owens was convicted last month of first-degree murder and aggravated burglary in the October 2016 shooting death of Rowena Irani.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Police arrest man accused of trying to rob woman at Wichita apar
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Police have arrested a 22-year-old man who allegedly tried to rob a woman at an apartment complex in northeast Wichita. Terrance Hollis was booked Wednesday evening for aggravated highway robbery, resisting arrest and outstanding warrants, Officer Charley Davidson said. Officers responded at around 6:35 p.m. to a disturbance with weapons call at Varsity Villa at 3800 East 16th Street.
Local business owner reacts to Spirit jobs announcement
WICHITA (WSU) - Spirit's announcement of 1,400 new jobs will create a ripple effect throughout the local economy. The aviation industry is booming and that means McGinty Machine Company in Wichita is too. And when Spirit announced its creating new jobs in Wichita, Don McGinty was excited. "When [Spirit] increases their employment by 1400, we'll increase our employment too," McGinty said. McGinty says when Spirit grows Spirit's subcontractors grow too. But, McGinty could lose employees to Spirit.
16-year-old shot, killed in Kansas City, Kansas
Wichita police investigate string of robberies written by KAKE Newskake.news Wichita Police have arrested two 17-year-olds on aggravated robbery charges for multiple robberies that happened all within an hour of each other Sunday morning. No friendly future for party switching politicians in Sedgwick County written by Pilar Pedrazahttps://www.facebook.com/PilarPedrazaTV/ "They look at the Democratic Party and they say, 'Hey, there's no reason for me to stay with this party.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Wichita Animal Shelter installs portholes in kennels to improve
Wichita police investigate string of robberies written by KAKE Newskake.news Wichita Police have arrested two 17-year-olds on aggravated robbery charges for multiple robberies that happened all within an hour of each other Sunday morning. No friendly future for party switching politicians in Sedgwick County written by Pilar Pedrazahttps://www.facebook.com/PilarPedrazaTV/ "They look at the Democratic Party and they say, 'Hey, there's no reason for me to stay with this party.
Kansas teen dies in while waiting for new lungs
Wichita Police investigate string of robberies written by KAKE Newskake.news Wichita Police have arrested two 17-year-olds on aggravated robbery charges for multiple robberies that happened all within an hour of each other Sunday morning. No friendly future for party switching politicians in Sedgwick County written by Pilar Pedrazahttps://www.facebook.com/PilarPedrazaTV/ "They look at the Democratic Party and they say, 'Hey, there's no reason for me to stay with this party.
Maize completes sweep of Campus
The Department for Children and Families says that due to a tremendous amount of donations, the needs for an autistic teen who was left at a Kansas rest stop have been met.
Scooter theft leaves senior citizen without transportation
Scooter theft leaves senior citizen without transportation Posted: Friday, December 14, 2018 7:24 PM EST Updated: Friday, December 14, 2018 7:24 PM EST WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - George Martin said he was finally getting his life back to normal. Until a few months ago, he was homeless but was finally able to build up enough to get an apartment near 9th and McLean in Wichita. Everything was fine, and he even had a form of transportation in the form of a scooter. At least, until Wednesday.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - Trooper-involved shooting in Smith County sends minor to hospita
A juvenile was taken to the hospital after a trooper-involved shooting in Smith County. Kansas Highway Patrol is reporting around 10:40 a.m. Saturday the Smith County Sheriff's Department requested assistance in the search for a 15 year-old suspect near Smith Center. Later, troopers located the suspect near 100 Road and L Road. KHP and Smith County Sheriff’s deputies spent a few hours attempting to conduct a peaceful surrender of the suspect.
Industrial fire in Park City now mostly contained
UPDATE: Firefighters say a fire at Air Capital Delivery and Warehouse in Park City, is now mostly contained. The building at 5801 North Prospect Road is a maintenance facility for trucks, and because of that, there is a lot of oil on the floor of the building. Firefighters do not think anyone was in the building during the fire, and crews are now just checking for hot spots. Crews say they will be investigating well into Saturday, looking for what caused the fire.
Wichita Police investigate string of robberies
Police on scene of one of three convenience store robberies Sunday morning on the Southeast side of town. Wichita Police have arrested two 17-year-olds on aggravated robbery charges for multiple robberies that happened all within an hour of each other Sunday morning. Police say the suspects were armed and took cash and cigarettes from each location. They are currently being held in juvenile detention. The Sunday robberies followed a similar string of robberies Saturday night.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - DCF: Donation need met for autistic teen left at Kansas rest sto
EUREKA, Kan. (KAKE) - The Department for Children and Families says that due to a tremendous amount of donations, the needs for an autistic teen who was left at a Kansas rest stop have been met. DCF said Friday afternoon that further donations are no longer needed. A Beaumont rest stop custodian found the 17-year-old boy at around 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 29. He had no identification and could not speak. The sheriff's office later learned his identity and that he was from the Tulsa area.
Kansas toddler battling cancer is home for the holidays
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KAKE) - A 14-month-old Kansas boy was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve last year. Since January, he's been receiving treatment in Tennessee for a rare prostate tumor. But this year, Grit Henderson gets to spend the holidays at home. KTKA reports Grit is still going back and forth for check-ups at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. He also continues to get chemo every week. After being diagnosed, Grit began chemo and had surgery to remove the tumor.
Walmart employee quits job through intercom announcement
Walmart employee quits job through intercom announcement Posted: Friday, December 14, 2018 2:32 PM EST Updated: Friday, December 14, 2018 2:32 PM EST "Attention all shoppers, associates and management, I would like to say to all of you today that nobody should work here - ever." That was the moment a Canadian teenager began to announce his resignation in an expletive-laden rant over a the intercom of a Walmart in Alberta.
Wichita, Kansas News, Weather, Sports - No friendly future for party switching politicians in Sedgwick C
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - "They look at the Democratic Party and they say, 'Hey, there's no reason for me to stay with this party. This party is moving to the right. I can join the Democratic Party and I'm not necessarily going to lose my seat," said Dr. Russell Arben Fox, a political scientist from Friends University. Days after one Republican state senator in Kansas switched her party affiliation to Democrat some are predicting additional moderate Republicans will follow her.
Wichita police help local families through Holiday Feast
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Christmas will be a little brighter this year for some local families. The Wichita Police Department is getting ready for its annual Holiday Feast. This weekend, dozens of families will celebrate Christmas with Wichita Police officers. Police use their own money to shop for the families and give them a meal and an experience they won't forget. Trina Franklin and her family are in a better position this Christmas than in Christmases past.
Wichita police investigate 8 weekend robberies
Wichita police investigate 8 weekend robberies Posted: Sunday, December 16, 2018 11:50 AM EST Updated: Monday, December 17, 2018 12:04 PM EST Police on scene of one of three convenience store robberies Sunday morning on the Southeast side of town. WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Wichita police are investigating eight armed robberies that happened over the weekend and have arrested two teenagers for three of them.
Shockers defeat Southern Miss off late Echenique basket
Wichita State saw a 17 point 2nd half lead disappear in the closing minutes, but the Shockers found a way to get the job done in a 63-60 win at Intrust Bank Arena. Jaime Echenique laid in a perfect lob pass from Ricky Torres in the final 40 seconds to give Wichita State back the lead for good. Echenique was one of the leading scorer for the Shockers, finishing with 17 points. It's his second consecutive game scoring in double figures. Markis McDuffie also added 17 points in the win.
New Americans take oath of allegiance
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Nearly 1,400 people have become naturalized citizens in Wichita this year. "We have seen a nice increase. The increase started about mid spring of this year. We saw more residents applying for United States citizenship," said Dawn Evans, field director for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Office in Wichita. A total of 1,371 people were naturalized this year, compared to 1,237 last year. "This is the highest benefit to receive here in the United States.
Kelly: Kansas voters would reject school funding amendment
Kelly: Kansas voters would reject school funding amendment Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2018 2:03 PM EST Updated: Thursday, December 13, 2018 2:03 PM EST written by Associated Press TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Incoming Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says she doesn't think Republican lawmakers will be able to approve a state constitutional amendment on school funding. And, she says, if they did pass the amendment, she believes Kansas voters would reject it.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Morgan
Contact Morgan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack