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.

Consignment and thrift stores in the Lehigh Valley carry clothes and accessories to DIY Halloween costumes on a budget.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Lehigh County's 2025 budget is now final. If it's followed to the letter, the County will spend $554 million next year.

The state Gaming Control Board voted Wednesday to renew Wind Creek's casino license, granting them another five years of operation.

The manufacturer of Giant's store-brand waffles has issued a recall due to potential listeria contamination, the supplier announced on Oct. 18. 2024.

The city is also set to receive $5.7 million in federal funds to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Northampton County Council began hearings Tuesday on the proposed 2025 county budget. Council members reviewed the General Government budget, including administration, fiscal operations, and the controller's office, among other divisions.

Following a request for a $1-per-transaction increase for tax collection in Palmer and Forks Townships, Easton Area School Board is considering setting the rate for all four of their contributing municipalities to the city's current rate of $2.60 per transaction.

Costco Wholesale previously announced that membership scanning devices would come to local warehouse stores "over the coming months." The scanners were in place this week at the Costco Warehouse off Krocks Road in Lower Macungie Township.

The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a developer's plans to build a mixed-use complex with 201 residential units and ground-floor shopping.

Community appreciation event a give-back for public and member support.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. introduced his proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, Oct. 1, highlighting yet another year without a property tax increase.

The rink, which again will be erected in front of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage at the foot of the blast furnaces, is scheduled to open Nov. 22 and run through Jan. 5.