Consumer Affairs

Mayor Matt Tuerk on Wednesday announced the launch of a citywide data strategy that he said will help officials address Allentown’s “wicked problems,” like homelessness, gun violence and poor air quality.

Jennifer Parker designs earrings and glassware with faith-based phrases and motivation messages through her Crafting with Agape website. She also creates handmade designs featuring the mascots of local schools.

Just around the corner from Main and Broad streets, Darto's has operated at the same 46 W. North St. location for more than 40 years. It will be replaced by another restaurant of some sort.

For the first time in its 122-year history, Crayola is bringing back retired colors in a special, limited edition 8-pack this spring.

Last week, just two leases for Big Lots locations in the Lehigh Valley were listed for sale by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Now leases for all locations in the area are for sale as the asset liquidation company enters phase two of its sales.

Three former Public Utility Commission chairmen say PPL is changing its tune on utility-owned generation. They say the Allentown-based utility company unnecessarily wants consumers to fund its power generation venture and profits.

For the first time ever, Pennsylvania will return unclaimed property automatically, without requiring forms or other red tape. 8,000 Pennsylvanians will receive letters this week, with checks following in 45 days.

Sixteen hardy souls braved the elements Friday to buy the first tickets for Kane Brown and top comedian Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, who will perform Sept. 1.

The discount retailer last announced it was attempting to navigate its Chapter 11 proceedings after its intended sale to Nexus Capital Management appeared to fall through. In looking for an "alternative going concern transaction," Big Lots announced its sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners early January.

Continued economic growth for the Lehigh Valley was predicted during at “Sizing Up 2025: Lehigh Valley Economic Outlook” at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks on Tuesday. The event, presented by Truist and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, featured speakers who shared a positive economic picture of the Lehigh Valley and the nation.

Two weeks after Iron Hill Brewery announced the closure of its flagship restaurant, the company shared Thursday that all locations are now closed.

Council officials will have the final say on the expenditures outlook, which includes how the city plans to pay for everything from protected bike lanes along West Broad Street to new trees and lights at Rose Garden Park to an armored vehicle replacement for police.

Easton will soon issue a survey and a series of community discussions aimed at improving public transportation routes between the city's neighborhoods.

The nonprofit has added almost $400,000 to its bank account since securing $300,000 in "foundational support" from Allentown officials.

Safety officials with PPL presented about a dozen demonstrations of electrical hazards to more than 100 firefighters in Williams Township. The event was designed to educate first responders about potential electrical mishaps at the scenes of emergencies.

The new Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Regional Music Awards has an official website, and is taking nominations for its first ceremony later this year.

A new documentary focusing on income and wealth disparity in America will premiere at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem. It was produced by Richard Master, founder and CEO of MCS Industries in Palmer Township.

Upper Milford Township Zoning Hearing Board met Monday to discuss a variance request to extend the available space at the TG Countryside ice cream shop to become a retail smoke and tobacco store. Residents packed the meeting to speak out against it.

Changes in fare collection are coming this month for LANTA bus riders in the Lehigh Valley.

The Lion's Share scratch-off lottery ticket boasts of five top prizes worth $5 million. A winning ticket was recently sold in Lehigh County, bringing the current top prizes available down to two.

City Center is getting to work on its plans to build a 257-apartment building at the corner of Sixth and Turner streets, where The Morning Call once stood.

Bob's Discount Furniture just off Easton-Nazareth Highway (Route 248) celebrated its grand opening Friday by giving back to two Easton nonprofit organizations.