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.

House Bill 1257 was signed into law as Act 74 of 2022. Effective September 9, 2022, it made some noteworthy changes to the state fireworks law residents should be aware of.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission awarded Easton the "Community of Distinction" for 2022, recognizing the city's commitment to "planning excellence."

Easton City Council approved a resolution to apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning and Demonstration Grant in the amount of $120,000 Wednesday evening.

An argument over alleged misinterpretations of a Facebook post featuring video of West Ward WISE's Lance Wheeler's arrest broke out during Easton City Council's meeting Wednesday night.

Workers at a Starbucks store at Northampton Crossings are the latest to join a strike timed to Pride month, alleging unfair labor practices and disputes with the company over LGBTQ+ displays in stores. While striking, workers say they were kicked off of Starbucks property, with police involved.

An Allentown police officer was arrested and charged Tuesday with attempted homicide and related counts, court records show. He was ordered to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $750,000 bail.

A tornado warning was issued in the Martins Creek area of Northampton County on Monday afternoon as severe storms moved through. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service confirmed a twister had reached the ground.

Community Walk Days in the Lehigh Valley kick off on Wednesday, June 28 in Easton. Find out how you can participate in the event or in other initiatives to improve the walkability of the Lehigh Valley.

LANTA is taking steps to improve the frequency of routes on its main lines. Some riders say it's still not good enough. The transit authority, however, says even after just one week it's noticing improvements.

The Bethlehem Township Planning Commission will review a sketch plan regarding the William Penn Highway property on Monday. The plan calls for 256 apartments, 13 buildings and a pool.

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.

The free trolley is coming back to Easton starting this weekend, offering visitors and residents an opportunity to explore the city in style.