Easton News

Democratic mayoral primary candidates Peter Melan and incumbent Sal Panto Jr. addressed affordable housing, parking and other topics in a debate organized by Lafayette College. The election is May 16.

Easton's Democratic primary will feature a faceoff between longstanding Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and councilman Peter Melan.

The first Lehigh Valley Space Fest started Saturday. Hosted at Paxinosa Elementary School, organizers aim to inspire children and young adults to be interested in science and space topics.

Lehigh Valley Space Fest, brought to the region by two NASA Solar System Ambassadors, was held May 6-7, 2023 at Paxinosa Elementary School in Easton.

Take a look at stories 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 Palmer Recovery Center is the site of a free trauma-informed yoga class every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. The class helps veterans with their mental health struggles.

The primary election for Easton City Council featured seven candidates, all Democrats, squaring off for three open positions.

Easton's Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, which stretches seating into parking spots outside local eateries, will relaunch on May 6.

The West Ward Market celebrated the grand opening of its second season in Easton on May 3, allowing residents easier access to fresh foods and community activities.

American shad populations, once plentiful in the Lehigh River, have dwindled. Officials and fishermen point to ineffective fish ladders at the Easton and Chain dams.

Councilman Frank Pintabone reintroduced his marijuana decriminalization ordinance at Easton City Council on Wednesday, aiming to turn possession into a summary charge. A vote on the matter is expected in two weeks.

Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads tribute band with singer Jon Braun assuming the role of frontman David Byrne, will perform the first day of Garlic Fest, set for Oct. 4-5 in Downtown Easton.

Palmer Township police officer John Smoke faces up to five years in prison. Authorities accused him of sending the photo to a 16-year-old while he was assigned to Easton Area High School as a resource officer.

Incumbent Easton City Council members Taiba Sultana and Roger Ruggles lost in the Democratic primary, according to unofficial election returns. Susan Hartranft-Bittinger defeated Sultana and Frank Graziano outpaced Ruggles.

Wilson Area School Board unanimously approved its $49 million budget for the 2025-26 school year on Monday night. Included is a 3.5% tax increase.

Police have charged an Easton man in connection with a recent chop shop investigation. Angel Vidal faces several felony and misdemeanor charges as he awaits a preliminary hearing in Northampton County Prison.

Tuesday, May 20, is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. Several high-profile local races are on the ballot in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Check out our procrastinator's guide and Q&A.

One week after damage to underground cables caused widespread power outages on Easton's South Side, parts of the city were in the dark once again Monday.

Drivers who have been ticketed for school bus camera violations say the process to contest them needs to change. PennDOT said thousands of citations across seven Lehigh Valley school districts are still awaiting hearings.

In Tuesday's Democratic primary election, two challengers are on the ballot to face off against incumbent council members Roger Ruggles and Taiba Sultana.

Easton City Council passed a resolution declaring itself an Affirming City, offering protection for trans individuals and other LGBTQ+ community members.

Developers behind the new Easton Area School District high school presented some refinements and updates on the project plans to the school board at their Tuesday meeting.