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.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, best known for its 1970 Top 10 hit "Mr. Bojangles" and its 1987 platinum Country chart hit "Fishin' in the Dark," will perform Friday, April 10.

Wilson Area LINCS Coalition for Families and Youth have secured a $10,000 grant from Thrivent, beating out 155 competitors and taking about half the votes for the finalists.

Easton celebrated renovations to Centennial Park on Friday afternoon, highlighting new equipment, a walking track, and a revamped basketball court.

Easton's sustainability coordinator and chair of the Environmental Advisory Council gave a presentation on the benefits of a Dark Skies initiative at city council's Wednesday meeting.

Dog Man: The Musical, a live stage production of the popular children's graphic novel series, will perform at Easton's State Theatre on March 26. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24.

A new resolution aiming to spread a message about Easton City Council's thoughts on the federal government's actions against immigrants was tabled Wednesday night.

Easton City Council reviewed the 2026 budget Tuesday, highlighting department figures and considering potential parking rate changes, including $3-per-hour meters on city streets.

A seven-story condo project set for Easton's Downtown secured several variances regarding the size and design of the building at the city's zoning hearing board meeting Monday.

Flooding and water damage has forced Clever Girl Winery, on the ground floor of the Commodore at 116 Northampton St., to shut down its Easton tasting room.

A public hearing for Tax Increment Financing — a tax break for the Dixie Cup plant developers to pump money back into the project — drew substantial support at Northampton County Council even though one of the commissioners characterized it as "a payoff."

Country Music Hall of Fame quartet The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at Easton's State Theatre on Sunday, March 15, it was announced.

Easton residents were surprised to see streetlights swapped to LED fixtures last week, and city officials have halted the Met-Ed conversion project to review details before continuing the project.