Easton News

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.

Forks Township Police Chief Michael Friel announced his retirement from the force in a Facebook post Sunday — several days after township supervisors considered a separation agreement with the 23-year department veteran.

Easton's State Theatre will offer The Magical Music of Harry Potter: Live in Concert at 1 p.m.; The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Rings of Power in concert at 4:30 p.m.; and The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others: A Celebration of Film Music, presented by a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean at 8 p.m., all on April 19.

A proposed property tax rebate for senior citizens, drawn from hybrid police patrol vehicle fuel savings, will have to wait to be voted on until Jan. 2026.

After finishing off just a few changes, Easton City Council eventually approved a 2026 budget for almost $71 million, with no tax increase for another year.

Easton City Council passed its immigration protection resolution Wednesday, though a push for a proper ordinance sparked an argument during public comment.

Easton officials announced the launch of nonprofit HOME Easton and the start of a new Landlord-Tenant Engagement Program on Wednesday, with the goal to address affordable housing and improve the rental scene in the city.

A new map-based art project in Easton will highlight donations and reinforce the holiday spirit this season, with NuHouse tracking the charitable contributions through Dec. 23.

A new Light, Projection Mapping, and Immersive Art Festival is headed to Easton in 2026, but fans can get a sneak preview of what's to come at city's Centre Square this Friday and Saturday.

Country singer, songwriter and fiddler Alison Krauss will perform at Easton's State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. July 20.

Conditional preliminary approval was granted for a six-story apartment on Northampton Street in Easton, provided the developer and a neighboring property owner resolve a property line dispute.

A capella group Straight No Chaser, with members Walter Chase of Forks and Jerome Collins of Allentown (front, third from left) play two shows at Easton's State Theatre today, Dec 7.

Event admission of $20 ($23.18 with fee online) goes directly to the aforementioned nonprofits in efforts to feed, temporarily house and support folks in need.