Easton News

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 mayors of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton will participate in group bike rides for Lehigh Valley Bike to Work Week.

The program provides up to $10,000 to restore the facades of historic buildings in Easton, with the goal of restoring some of their original character.

Easton City Council approved a measure to increase the salary for the police department's unfilled community advocate position and establish a new internship at City Hall.

Easton's City Council primary will feature seven candidates competing for three open seats. Priorities for the contenders include affordable housing and neighborhood development.

Easton City Council passed a bill banning cat declawing and the sale of animals in pet shops, taking steps toward protecting against animal abuse. The measures passed unanimously and were cheered by residents and animal rights advocates.

Thanks to a grant from Air Products Foundation in collaboration with the Greater Easton Development Partnership, Easton Police Department has received two new e-bikes.

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.

The mission of this community group is simple: Find a rock, hide a rock. Locals are having fun painting their own treasures and passing them on for the next person to find.

Northampton County Council voted Thursday to add a handful of new lots to Easton's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program, and renew tax breaks for dozens of others.

Northampton County Conservation District held its annual Envirothon, where students go head-to-head in immersive challenges in the soil, mud, and woods — competing for hundreds of dollars. Teachers say it's special because it gets kids off their phones and experiencing the natural world, and each other.

Northampton County Council rejected a planned health clinic for county employees last July. On Wednesday, officials asked the body to approve the same plans.

An Aussie-owned general store and café is “emerging from its lengthy hibernation,” owners said Tuesday on social media. What was once Tucker Silk Mill will now be known as Tucker Garage + Grocery.

The Confluence apartment complex project has secured two variances linked to the building's sizable square footage following a zoning meeting, meaning groundbreaking may begin as soon as summer 2024.

Jack Fisher pitched 11 years in the big leagues — four with the New York Mets from 1964 to 1967. The team is commemorating the 60th anniversary of old Shea Stadium this week. They've invited Fisher to deliver the first pitch, again.

Old Crow Medicine Show made a stop at Easton's State Theatre Saturday for their Jubilee Tour, playing 25 years of American roots hits with an energy all their own.

Longtime representative for the 136th District Robert Freeman will face off against challenger Taiba Sultana on April 23, essentially determining who will take the seat in the Democratic stronghold.

Deacon Anthony Koury, who served Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Easton for decades, died Wednesday.

District 131 is made up of parts of Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties. Here’s a brief look at the respective candidates, including the two Democrats hoping to take the spot of a Republican incumbent.

Easton City Council became contentious Wednesday evening when Councilmember Taiba Sultana read a letter from the PA ACLU urging the local government to vote against a bill focused on forcing landlords to evict tenants who engage in certain crimes.