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.

Easton's annual Lebanese Heritage Days, hosted by Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, keeps Lebanese culture alive and shares it with the community, organizers said.

Maria Montero, an Easton resident, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, the incumbent Democrat, in the Lehigh Valley's 2024 congressional race.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church will celebrate its 47th annual Lebanese Heritage Festival this weekend with food, music and fun dance performances.

This Sunday, Nestor Gil will premier his new work, LaJiraGira, at the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. The piece focuses on how simple concepts can be interpreted through the lens of art.

The former Dixie Cup plant in Wilson Borough is on track to become a new mixed-use development, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said Thursday. The county may help fund the project.

Peach Day is coming back to Scott Park this Saturday, offering Eastonians and visitors plenty of tasty peaches, as well as baked goods and beverages featuring the summer fruit.

Municipalities across the Lehigh Valley hosted National Night Out events, which are meant to bring police and community members together.

Easton City Councilmember Taiba Sultana was arrested by the Easton Police Department Monday afternoon for a charge of simple assault and harassment for allegedly attacking her son, according to court records.

An investor in one of the Easton-area's first sports bars has built a successful business in Bethlehem — Molly's Irish Grille and Sports Pub — that he says he plans to build upon in Palmer Township.

Local police departments are celebrating National Night Out Tuesday, a nationwide initiative to bring cops and community members together.

In an effort to help victims of crime navigate the complexities of the legal system, Easton Police Department has brought on a new community advocate, Kristen Cooper.