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.

More than a month after he disappeared in Easton on a return trip to Maine, Mustache the cat has been located thanks to the efforts of South Side Easton residents.

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.

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.