Consumer Affairs

The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here's how to get them

A West Easton smoke shop sold a jackpot-winning Match 6 ticket for the Wednesday, September 25, 2024 drawing, earning the purchaser $1.68 million, and the store owner a $10,000 bonus.

The “Stanley Jr. Kids Wheelbarrow and 7-piece Garden Set" has been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after the paint on the hoe and rake were found to contain lead levels exceeding the federal content ban.

The 2024-25 Pennsylvania State Budget introduced updates to the state's complex liquor laws, including extended happy hours and ready-to-drink cocktails. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board already received over a thousand RTDC applications and has begun permitting with the law effective Sept. 16.

The city's nine-year contract with Waste Management is set to expire this year.

The Bethlehem Parking Authority on Wednesday approved an increase in the meter bag daily cost from $20 to $25, while maintaining its current “no parking” sign charge at $10 per day.

A winning Powerball ticket has gone unclaimed in Lehigh County for nearly a year. Pennsylvania Lottery is trying to seek the winner before the prize — $150,000 — expires.

The Allentown Fair introduced metal detectors two years ago, and guests "appreciate" the added security they provide, according to organizers.

Lehigh Valley residents were seeking jobs and advertising jobs at the Pennsylvania CareerLink/Workforce Lehigh Valley jobs tent outside the Crayola Experience on Tuesday morning.

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority's Board of Governors voted Tuesday to raise the price of parking at Lehigh Valley International Airport, the first increase in about 15 years.

Big Lots announced going-out-of-business sales would start in coming days, as it no longer anticipates its purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management to go through.

Easton has confirmed their agreement with Comcast, which will eventually lead to a third option for internet and cable access for residents of the city.

Allentown City Council members waded through a series of potential amendments to Mayor Matt Tuerk's proposed 2025 budget.

Easton's 2025 budget was approved, amounting to just under $71 million with no property tax increase, during the city's Dec. 11, 2024 council meeting.

Officials say enforcers will work under a limited scope and focus on “public safety” violations, including double-parking and blocking a street or fire hydrant.

Easton's 3rd & Ferry Fish Market held its 10th annual Community Dinner & Toy Drive on Dec. 9, 2024, with community members providing an abundance of food, gifts and cash to help those in need throughout the city.

Primo Water North America alerted consumers Friday that one of its self-service water refill vending machines was found to have "total coliform." The affected machine has been shut down.

The $21.5 million budget does not include a property tax hike, but does have some increases to sewer fees.

Emmaus residents could see an increase in their property taxes in 2025. Emmaus Borough Council is set to discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.

Shannon Torres, a customer service representative with the U.S. Postal Service, shared tips and tricks to make sure gifts arrive on time and intact.

Less than 50 people qualify under the program's current criteria, according to Allentown officials.

More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses.