Easton News

Easton's Zoning Hearing Board approved a subdivision of the Hooper House property Monday, which will let the Rock Church keep an adjoining parcel that contains the Timothy House.

Forks Township Police Chief Michael Friel announced his retirement from the force in a Facebook post Sunday — several days after township supervisors considered a separation agreement with the 23-year department veteran.

Easton's State Theatre will offer The Magical Music of Harry Potter: Live in Concert at 1 p.m.; The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Rings of Power in concert at 4:30 p.m.; and The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others: A Celebration of Film Music, presented by a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean at 8 p.m., all on April 19.

A proposed property tax rebate for senior citizens, drawn from hybrid police patrol vehicle fuel savings, will have to wait to be voted on until Jan. 2026.

After finishing off just a few changes, Easton City Council eventually approved a 2026 budget for almost $71 million, with no tax increase for another year.

Easton City Council passed its immigration protection resolution Wednesday, though a push for a proper ordinance sparked an argument during public comment.

Easton officials announced the launch of nonprofit HOME Easton and the start of a new Landlord-Tenant Engagement Program on Wednesday, with the goal to address affordable housing and improve the rental scene in the city.

A new map-based art project in Easton will highlight donations and reinforce the holiday spirit this season, with NuHouse tracking the charitable contributions through Dec. 23.

A new Light, Projection Mapping, and Immersive Art Festival is headed to Easton in 2026, but fans can get a sneak preview of what's to come at city's Centre Square this Friday and Saturday.

Country singer, songwriter and fiddler Alison Krauss will perform at Easton's State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. July 20.

At a press conference Thursday, DA candidate Stephen Baratta criticized incumbent district attorney Terry Houck over three cases from his tenure. Houck hit back in response.

Kerry Myers, who represents the Easton area on Northampton County Council, will not appear on the primary ballot after losing a petition challenge.

The film festival will feature seven short films that draw attention to women's issues such as gender equality and body dysmorphia. Ticket sales benefit the American Association of University Women's college scholarship fund.

Clement Swaby was sentenced to up to 150 years in prison in the 2020 rape of a Lehigh University student, plus subsequent break-ins and attempted sexual assaults in Easton.

As a spike in antisemitic incidents continues nationally, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley hosted a summit in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League to try to fight back and push for solutions. Both incidents and instances of propaganda are increasing, officials say

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said the city has managed its finances while aggressively pursuing a grant for a public housing complex in the West Ward.

Nearly 140 candidates are running for dozens of positions on school boards across the Lehigh Valley.

Organized by the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), the event offers a variety of merchandise and local foods and drinks for attendees to sample.

Easton Area School District Superintendent David Piperato is retiring in August, he announced in an email to district staff Monday morning. He's served the district since December 2019 and has decades of experience in education.

The nonprofit plans to build a new community center in Bethlehem where the Banana Factory is currently located, plus an event space in the former Bethlehem Steel grind and turn shop.

The fatal crash near the Saylorsburg exit of Route 33 in Monroe County was caused by a southbound rig that went through a guardrail and entered the northbound lanes Wednesday morning, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The charter school's new fitness center is expected to open early next year and will house the Raptor's athletic programs and fitness classes for the public.