Consumer Affairs

Driven by $8.1 billion in manufacturing, the Lehigh Valley's Gross Domestic Product grew to a record $50.2 billion in 2022. The region's economy now ranks above Vermont and Wyoming.

Chances are, you'll still be able to find a tree, it just might take a little extra work — and you might want to get it soon. Roger from Unangst Tree Farms explains the ins and outs of why this problem, a decade in the making, is now causing tree farms and stands to sell-out when it's barely December.

Hosted by LehighValleyNews.com health and wellness reporter Brittany Sweeney, guests include patients, physicians, a nutritionist and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley.

An expansion of the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program “delivers the largest targeted tax cut for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades,” according to the Department of Revenue.

The state Public Utility Commission announced a proposed settlement that also requires the Allentown-based utility company to absorb about $16 million in costs associated with corrective actions. It still requires approval by PUC commissioners.

The property at 5494 Schochary Rd in Lynn Township dates to 1874 and has been occupied by long-term owners — until now. And it might not be on the market for long.

The monthly report from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors shows home sales down 32 percent in September from September 2022. Low inventory and higher mortgage rates are to blame, officials say.

The public transportation service provider will take two phases to restore the fare of its 31-Day Pass as the public health emergency for COVID-19 has ended.

The average price for a gallon of gas in the Lehigh Valley was $3.87 this week. That's below the Pennsylvania average of $3.92 per gallon but up slightly more than 11 cents from last week, according to AAA.

The August report from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors shows a drop in new listings and closings. The median sale price for the month reached $336,500.

The Giant Company announced its move from Emaus Ave. to Lehigh St. in Nov. 2023, with construction set to begin in 2025. Demolition began this month at the site of the former Bon-Ton in the South Mall.

Palmer Township's Board of Supervisors approved preliminary plans for a new Shammy Shine, set to be built next to an existing location on Kingston Road.

The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for the Lehigh Valley and other parts of eastern Pennsylvania through noon Wednesday, with wind chills dropping to as low as 13 degrees below zero.

Bethlehem Co-op Market wants members and future patrons to keep the faith. A summer opening is now the target.

The Lehigh Valley has been put on the map for its popularity among home buyers. Now, it's officially cheaper to rent than to buy, and the area has been named the hottest small rental market in 2024 by Rent Cafe. What trends can current and prospective residents expect in 2025?

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.

A top-priced $99 ticket for country star Darius Rucker at Musikfest on Aug. 3 normally would come with a $10 service fee, a $8.50 Musikfest venue fee and a $1 ticket vendor fee. So normally, you'd pay $19.50 in fees (a 19.7% upcharge) per ticket. But not today.

Less than a year after its celebratory opening, the Wawa drive-thru-only convenience store at 6216 Hamilton Blvd., Lower Macungie Township, closed on Jan. 5. No reason for the closure has been given.

Citing safety concerns, Lehigh Valley Mall management has notified LANTA that bus service may not be permitted on the mall grounds as of June.

Comcast has confirmed that the first 1,000 homes and businesses of a 7,000 home and business expansion has been completed, providing further competition for internet and cable television services in the Lehigh Valley.

Easton Councilman Frank Pintabone has called on the city's mayor and administrators to set up a meeting with Met-Ed to discuss issues with the city's electric grid, spurred by a series of small blackouts over the weekend.

The 330 Thrift won over its patrons for a second consecutive year with washed-and-ironed pieces that retail between $3 and $10, and its community-minded founder.