Easton News

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.

Old Crow Medicine Show has spent 25 years exploring the depths of classic folk, country, and Americana, all the while making tunes distinctly their own. On April 13, the band is coming to the State Theatre as part of the tour in support of their latest album, Jubilee.

Despite the cold weather, dozens of anglers showed out to the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown to mark the first day of trout season in Pennsylvania. The Fish and Boat Commission has been hard at work populating local waters with trout since February.

Some enthusiasts drove from hours away and stood on the roofs of their cars — just to get a glimpse of Apache, Chinook and Blackhawk aircraft at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

A Pennsylvania Supreme Court case delayed counties from sending out ballots, leaving voters with less time than usual to send them back in. Northampton County officials are encouraging voters to use drop boxes as a result.

Registered Democrats, Republicans and a few independents who register by Monday, April 8, can cast a ballot in the April 23 primary election.

Easton officials asked Northampton County Council to extend a LERTA redevelopment incentive program to cover nine new properties, and extend the program for 82 others.

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.

Easton officials announced Tuesday the near-completion of the 2021 budget, including an analysis of debt restructuring which has helped strengthen the city's fund balance.

Easton mayoral candidates Peter Melan and Sal Panto Jr. will partake in an audience-driven debate at Lafayette College Monday, May 8.

A historic Easton property that once housed a church, a dry cleaner and a noted artist is up for lease. The three-floor mixed-use building would be a perfect place for new business, the owner says.

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.