Consumer Affairs

Ahead of the Banana Factory's scheduled demolition next year, ArtsQuest is selling some of the odds and ends accumulated there over the years. The goal was never to make money, one official said.

The amenities make a difference, and all of it “separates us from a run-of-the-mill middle class hotel to a luxury historic hotel,” said Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines.

If approved as written, “A municipal authority shall provide notice to utility customers if the municipal authority determines that the water usage has increased by 50% for one month above the average water usage for the property.”

Monday was "a little bittersweet" as visitors enjoyed the Da Vinci Science Center on Cedar Crest College's campus for the final time, according to a science center executive.

To thrive in an oversaturated market, business owners say providing an experience is key — and it's what their newer clientele keep asking for.

The Steel City cell tower was planned to include a 125-foot tower, panel antennas, equipment cabinets and a diesel, standby generator on a ground-level concrete pad.

Dan Shantz Greenhouse, a popular plant destination in Allentown, closed in December 2023. But now it's back, temporarily, and under new out-of-county operators.

With the superstructure about 65% demolished, BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said all is looking “on target” for completion in late May or early June.

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority Board of Governors voted Tuesday to approve a $2.50 fee on every ride-share trip to and from the Lehigh Valley airport and chose a design firm for a proposed parking garage there.

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority's business committee recommended higher rideshare fees, endorsed a design firm to oversee plans for a new parking garage at Lehigh Valley International Airport, and reviewed a new tool for passengers to book flights to and from LVIA.

A Lehigh Valley man was hunting when the lithium ion battery in heated insoles in his boots caught fire. A surgeon from Lehigh Valley Health Network said these incidents are causing devastating burn injuries.

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.

General real estate taxes will stay flat in South Whitehall Township next year, its fire tax will rise 0.28 of a mill and residents will see a new 0.1% income tax to fund open space preservation.

After persistently dry, windy weather last year triggered concerns over the longevity of holiday trees, this year’s crop is shaping up well, Lehigh Valley growers said, with many different varieties available.

UGI Utilities Inc. on Wednesday announced a smaller-than-expected increase in the purchased gas cost rate beginning Dec. 1.

Customers should understand that generation/supply typically make up 40% to 60% of a utility bill, the PUC said, with variables such as weather, usage and efficiency of a home heating system factoring in.

Here's some spots where you can pick up a free turkey courtesy of community organizations and nonprofits. There's also a big turkey collection drive happening Friday at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.

The state Public Utility Commission will conduct hearings in December to gather public input on a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

Holiday lights will illuminate the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Coca-Cola Park while Christmas City decks the hall with Moravian traditions this holiday season.

Community Bank announced in June it would assume seven Santander Bank branches in the Lehigh Valley by the end of 2025. In November, the company announced that acquisition is now complete.

The draft plan is the product of a series of well-attended public-input meetings over the past year.