Easton News

Tensions are rising as the City of Easton and the Rock Church of Easton move closer to a legal battle over possession of the historic Hooper House property.

Easton's Planning Commission reviewed the city's comprehensive plan Wednesday, celebrating successes while acknowledging a wealth of work to attain their goals by 2040.

Rickhaslo "Ricky" Brown and his wife, Heather, celebrated his big win on "Wheel of Fortune" Wednesday at Rivals Sports Bar and Restaurant.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reached a non-binding agreement with Coherent Corp. that could lead to the creation of 320 jobs at its Palmer Township facility. The agreement is intended to boost production of silicon carbide substrates, a specialized crystal used to create semiconductor wafers.

A Northampton County Judge sentenced William Strunk Tuesday to 20-40 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to third-degree murder.

Easton's Historic District Commission voted against a proposal to demolish and reconstruct the McDonald's at 300 Larry Holmes Drive, citing issues with the appearance, layout and signs for the property.

Rickhaslo Brown, a West Ward resident of Easton, recently saw a dream come true when he got to appear on an episode of his favorite game show, "Wheel of Fortune."

Easton attorney Jeremy Clark will run for a seat on the Northampton County bench.

Easton City Council approved an amendment to the parking code which would allow for handicapped spots in several residential sections of the downtown district during Wednesday's meeting.

“While the decision to close was a difficult one, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the family-owned business,” a release said of the decision to wind down operations at Easton Public Market.

Kerry Myers, who represents the Easton area on Northampton County Council, will not appear on the primary ballot after losing a petition challenge.

The film festival will feature seven short films that draw attention to women's issues such as gender equality and body dysmorphia. Ticket sales benefit the American Association of University Women's college scholarship fund.

Clement Swaby was sentenced to up to 150 years in prison in the 2020 rape of a Lehigh University student, plus subsequent break-ins and attempted sexual assaults in Easton.

As a spike in antisemitic incidents continues nationally, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley hosted a summit in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League to try to fight back and push for solutions. Both incidents and instances of propaganda are increasing, officials say

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said the city has managed its finances while aggressively pursuing a grant for a public housing complex in the West Ward.

Nearly 140 candidates are running for dozens of positions on school boards across the Lehigh Valley.

Organized by the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), the event offers a variety of merchandise and local foods and drinks for attendees to sample.

Easton Area School District Superintendent David Piperato is retiring in August, he announced in an email to district staff Monday morning. He's served the district since December 2019 and has decades of experience in education.

The nonprofit plans to build a new community center in Bethlehem where the Banana Factory is currently located, plus an event space in the former Bethlehem Steel grind and turn shop.

The fatal crash near the Saylorsburg exit of Route 33 in Monroe County was caused by a southbound rig that went through a guardrail and entered the northbound lanes Wednesday morning, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The charter school's new fitness center is expected to open early next year and will house the Raptor's athletic programs and fitness classes for the public.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory starting Monday night into Tuesday morning for the Lehigh Valley region. Hazardous conditions could affect the Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning commutes, according to the advisory.