Easton News

Fat Jacks' has welcomed customers along Freemansburg Avenue for 32 years. Now owner Susan Kerbaugh says it's time for someone else to take the reins. The building and its liquor license went on the market this week.

The walkable tour features gallery stops and showcases paintings, handmade jewelry and sculptures by Lehigh Valley artists.

City officials in Easton are warning that a large bear was spotted Thursday on College Hill near Parker and Shawnee avenues.

The Lehigh Valley Youth Climate Summit is slated for Saturday at the Nurture Nature Center. The event is free, with a lecture open to the general public.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. has announced a set of pop-up festivals and other outdoor events scheduled throughout the city during spring and summer. The free events will feature free food, drinks and entertainment for all.

The Bethlehem Township zoning board voted 4-0, opposing the applicants' zoning appeal. Reasons cited included the lack of public benefit and resident concerns issued at previous hearings.

Following the introduction of a resolution to recognize Muslim holidays, the Easton City Council resolved to expand that recognition to include religious holidays from all faiths in a separate calendar.

Myers, who in January became the first Black person to serve as council president, accused County Executive Lamont McClure of political maneuvering to force him from office.

The fireworks display for Easton's Heritage Day festival has been moved from the waterfront to Hackett Park in order to allow more time for the fest and better views for spectators, according to Mayor Sal Panto Jr.

Eight rescue dogs will perform a variety of circus-like tricks in a family-friendly performance Sunday, April 30 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts.

Palmer Township Supervisors narrowly passed a measure which will see supervisors salaries, along with committee members, increased for newly elected and appointed individuals at their Monday meeting.

Plans call for nine 3-story residential buildings and a 5,260-square-foot amenity structure at the old V7 driving range and restaurant. Also proposed: 557 parking spaces and an internal circulation drive with two connections to Hope Road.

Stop Wood Ave. Warehouse Coalition has purchased digital billboard time to fight the development the million-square-foot Easton Commerce Park project.

Easton City Council heard requests for CDBG funds at their Wednesday meeting, but officials are concerned about the Trump administration's goal to cut the program and potentially cripple funding initiatives for those in need.

With support from Unity Bank and organizers Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Easton Tea Dance, Easton will host its first-ever Pride celebration on June 1, 2025.

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.