Easton News

Councilman Frank Pintabone reintroduced his marijuana decriminalization ordinance at Easton City Council on Wednesday, aiming to turn possession into a summary charge. A vote on the matter is expected in two weeks.

Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads tribute band with singer Jon Braun assuming the role of frontman David Byrne, will perform the first day of Garlic Fest, set for Oct. 4-5 in Downtown Easton.

Palmer Township police officer John Smoke faces up to five years in prison. Authorities accused him of sending the photo to a 16-year-old while he was assigned to Easton Area High School as a resource officer.

Incumbent Easton City Council members Taiba Sultana and Roger Ruggles lost in the Democratic primary, according to unofficial election returns. Susan Hartranft-Bittinger defeated Sultana and Frank Graziano outpaced Ruggles.

Wilson Area School Board unanimously approved its $49 million budget for the 2025-26 school year on Monday night. Included is a 3.5% tax increase.

Police have charged an Easton man in connection with a recent chop shop investigation. Angel Vidal faces several felony and misdemeanor charges as he awaits a preliminary hearing in Northampton County Prison.

Tuesday, May 20, is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. Several high-profile local races are on the ballot in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Check out our procrastinator's guide and Q&A.

One week after damage to underground cables caused widespread power outages on Easton's South Side, parts of the city were in the dark once again Monday.

Drivers who have been ticketed for school bus camera violations say the process to contest them needs to change. PennDOT said thousands of citations across seven Lehigh Valley school districts are still awaiting hearings.

In Tuesday's Democratic primary election, two challengers are on the ballot to face off against incumbent council members Roger Ruggles and Taiba Sultana.

David Collins will take on the new job next month, overseeing plans to keep the jail safe and secure.

The former judge is running in May's Democratic primary, hoping to unseat incumbent Terry Houck.

While the S&P report noted that Easton has a “weak economy,” based on market value per capita, projected effective buying income and unemployment rate, among other factors, it also recognized the positive impact of ongoing development activity on city revenue.

Jeff Warren, a former city council member who also served on Hanover Township's board of supervisors, is running to represent District 3 on Northampton County Council.

Sit-down dining and over-the-counter food on the menu for Easton Restaurant Week, starting Jan. 15.

In December, Northampton County Council adopted an ordinance placing new restrictions on County Executive Lamont McClure's plans for a clinic treating county employees. After Thursday night's vote, it's set to go into effect.

Jeffrey Young, former chair and a longtime mentor of Brett's, will continue on the board as member.

After Easton Space Fest was canceled due to weather in 2019, the organizers are coming back with something even bigger for the spring.

Incumbent Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and Easton City Council member Peter Melan said they both plan to run for the office in 2023.

Need continues to grow for emergency food services. With the end of pandemic-era benefits and inflation still not letting up, demand is higher than ever, according to food pantry managers.

A popular music venue that offered national touring acts in downtown Easton for the past five and a half years is closing. It will have its final show on Saturday — an open-to-the-public New Year's Eve party with Loudmix and DJ June.

Activities are scheduled throughout Saturday at The Crayola Experience on Centre Square in Downtown Easton.