Consumer Affairs

The new vision for the park is planned to offer the area more green space and native trees, central lawn space, a public-access splash pad and a new basketball court. The aging park currently has two playgrounds, swing sets, a bicycle safety course, a basketball court and a concrete storage building with murals on the outside walls.

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.

Gateway on Fourth — a new mixed-income housing project on Fourth Street in South Bethlehem — will bring 120 apartments to part of the city long slated for redevelopment, officials said.

Some E-ZPass users are receiving phishing texts, alerting them of overdue toll balances, the turnpike said in a release.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed legislation crafted by Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, targeting pet insurance contracts. It would make sure waiting periods or coverage exclusions are clearly explained.

The former president is holding a campaign rally Saturday at Schnecksville Fire Company — the same day nearby Shankweiler's Drive-In had planned its anniversary celebration. With road closures imminent, operators of the nation's oldest operating drive-in adjusted plans.

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.