Easton News

Easton's Redevelopment Authority approved a resolution to allow the entity to acquire homes affected by the 900 block Ferry Street fire through negotiations with the owners.

Benita Draper was the director of equity initiatives for the Bethlehem Area School District and a former elementary school principal.

Easton's Zoning Hearing Board has approved a variance for parking which will allow a local woman to open up a gaming cafe where patrons can enjoy games like Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering.

Drum bands, motorcycles, inspiring speeches and more helped Easton celebrate the anniversary of emancipation.

The rooftop dining spot will provide views of the Forks of the Delaware and Easton and Phillipsburg at one of the city's gateways. Construction of the building has been ongoing for months. Restaurant plans include 3-season balcony outside seating.

The first Juneteenth Parade in the Lehigh Valley happens Monday in Easton, bringing together Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. There were a week of festivities to celebrate Juneteenth this year.

The Swingle Family Foundation is focusing its efforts on helping LGBTQ individuals in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania with issues including homelessness and health issues.

There are currently 111 schools that offer girls' wrestling in Pennslyvania. Easton was the second school district to form a team.

Easton's West Ward Market and Easton Farmers' Market will celebrate National Pollinators Week with special events for children and families.

Juneteenth Lehigh Valley took over SteelStacks on Saturday, offering up a full roster of music, culture and more to honor the history of Black America. Festivities are planned throughout the weekend into Monday.

The drowning death of a Hanover Township, Northampton County, child in July has been ruled accidental, the district attorney said.

Easton City Council opted to remove a Welcoming City ordinance from its Wednesday agenda, leading to a debate among council and the public as to the need for and intent of the legislation.

City and county officials came together on Easton's Ferry Street on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a four-unit affordable housing building which once served as the Italian Presbyterian Church.

Route 22 was initially closed in both directions in Northampton County between the Route 191 and Route 512 exits. A dump truck overturned, spilling ashpalt onto both sides of the highway; the driver was hospitalized, according to state police.

Yandiel Onil Gonzalez, 16, surrendered to authorities Wednesday and will be charged as an adult, police said in a news release. The shooting occurred July 12 on South Side.

Easton City Council at a Tuesday meeting took a look at the capital improvement plan for the next five years, highlighting projects such as pool rehabilitation, waterfront development, fire station work and more.

In January, a majority of faculty approved a no-confidence vote for Lafayette College President Nicole Hurd. This week, the college board of trustees approved an extension to her contract lasting until 2030. She joined Lafayette as its leader in 2021.

Threatened due to habitat loss and other factors, purple martins in the Lehigh Valley depend on man-made bird houses. For the first time, they've taken up residence at St. Luke's Arboretum in Bethlehem Township.

Cupid Foundations Inc. opened its design studio, CupidIntimates, on West Lehigh Street in Bethlehem in 1987. It's still designing original shapewear that it manufactures and sells in department stores and other national retailers.

Easton's Book & Puppet Co. will hold "Authenticity: A Celebration of Pride and Art," highlighting the diversity of the queer art community, on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Easton planners recommended against the zoning hearing board granting a special exception that would see a tributary on the grounds of the Easton Commerce Park project relocated.

Easton has taken in $1.3 million in funding which will allow for $1 million award for traffic calming and safety improvements, and another $300,000 for a downtown intersection redesign.