Easton News

A new citizen-led nonprofit has officially launched in Easton, bringing together residents and community advocates concerned about rapid downtown development, preservation standards and public access to planning decisions.

A rainy Memorial Day weekend forecast is forcing some schedule changes across the Lehigh Valley, but several of the region’s biggest annual events say they’re moving forward — rain or shine.

Straight No Chaser will perform at the theater at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. And the stage play "Waitress" at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16.

Planning and Codes Director Dwayne Tillman said records dating to a 1977 certificate of occupancy consistently identified the Hotel Hampton property as a hotel and not a rooming or boarding house.

A Northampton County Councilwoman last week accused former county Executive Lamont McClure of trying to pressure her to vote for a 20-year special taxing district that could have sent $26 million in public funding to a project to turn the former Dixie Cup factory into housing.

The developer behind the Dixie Cup project was seeking a 20-year agreement that could have generated about $26 million.

Former residents and several people close to the fire department described years of deteriorating conditions and limited enforcement inside the Hotel Hampton, including blocked or missing exits, rodent infestations, malfunctioning or ignored smoke alarms and more.

The iconic Dixie Cup structure is set to be restored as part of Skyline Investment Group’s plans to turn the long-vacant industrial site into more than 400 apartments.

Bob Brooks, a Democratic candidate running for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against him by Carol Wiley, his former mother-in-law. She alleges he owes her more than $162,000 from a lawsuit she filed in 2018.

The Hotel Hampton boarding house had not undergone fire inspections since at least 2017, despite a history of code violations, fire alarm problems and prior safety concerns, according to a newly completed federal investigation.

Author Elin Hilderbrand's boyfriend, Tim Field, of Palmer Township, passed away on Aug. 15, 2024.

Easton Area School District signed off an agreement with the city, which will see them contribute $30,000 to improve Vanderveer Park's basketball courts, with the city covering the cost of labor.

A West Easton smoke shop sold a jackpot-winning Match 6 ticket for the Wednesday, September 25, 2024 drawing, earning the purchaser $1.68 million, and the store owner a $10,000 bonus.

Easton administrators were able to avoid a budget overage for the fire department after shifting funds within the department, officials announced on September 25, 2024.

An art exhibit and auction are set to raise funds for a program that teaches children and adults about mindfulness. The Shanthi Project aims to use the funds to expand their programming in Lehigh Valley schools.

Easton Area School District's board approved a collection of goals for Superintendent Tracy Piazza covering the 2024-25 school year, including maintaining fiscal responsibility and improving reading and math proficiency.

College Hill PorchFest is back on Sunday, September 29, with its largest event yet, featuring around 70 performers across 35 porches, along with plenty of other community-based activities.

The weeklong art festival features free performances and concerts by saxophonists, dancers and poets.

Greater Shiloh Church celebrated its 120th birthday Sunday with a special joint worship service.

The Northampton County Department of Corrections hosted a bias training course for new hires taught by a Bethlehem-based organization that consults on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Greater Shiloh Church is commemorating 120 years of faith and community service this weekend, featuring a special expo and guest speaker Geoffrey Golden.

Volunteers from Crayola spent the day at the Children's Home of Easton sprucing up the grounds as part of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley's 31st annual Day of Caring.