Consumer Affairs

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.

FirstEnergy sought to raise local customers' electric bills by more than 9%, but the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission blocked the higher rate.

The precautionary measure across Pennsylvania comes at no cost to farmers. While the virus hasn't been reported in commonwealth cattle, other states have seen a marked uptick in cases.

Crayola celebrated its 10th annual "64 Seconds of Color Shopping Spree," pairing three local children with Marines to spring the store and collect as much merchandise as they could carry, with the company providing matching contributions to local Toys for Tots programs.

For the sixth year, Lehigh Valley Health Network is sponsoring free two-hour parking in the Main Street and South Bethlehem areas for Saturday parking during the holiday season, starting Nov. 30.

Sheetz will offer its holiday price slash on Unleaded 88 fuel this year. The deal will be available at five of six Lehigh Valley Sheetz gas stations, unlike the July 4 promo that was not offered anywhere this year.

VEPO, a water meter solutions company in Astoria, New York, has been contracted by the City of Bethlehem to help change out 24,000 old water meters — a quick 15-minute appointment — by 2027.

Easton City Council tabled a bill which would pool police fuel savings stemming from their switch to hybrids for a senior property tax rebate, with several members citing that they would like to see the results of a financial study for the city before committing to the legislation.

Easton and Nazareth are home to breakfast spots that offer food flights that are often favorites. Owners say they're tedious dishes to prepare, but worth it for the customer satisfaction.

The bank at 52 W. Broad St., and just a stone’s throw from Main Street, is set to end its business operations at 11 a.m. Aug 28.

Free, 7-week course covers essentials from power tool use to drywall, trim, scaffolding, safety and more, and offers employment interview opportunities for those who qualify.

BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said, “This selection marks the initial stages of the project, and we look forward to sharing more details as they are made available in the coming months."

In his State of the County address Tuesday, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure offered a 'test' for residents to evaluate his government. His conclusion: "It may be as strong as it's ever been."

Bethlehem native Julianna Rodrigues, who has a form of muscular dystrophy, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Collaborative at Moravian University, on Tuesday morning.

More than two dozen state legislators, including one from the Lehigh Valley, have co-sponsored HB2238, which would eliminate the use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in household products.

Council approved higher fines for a slew of parking violations, but they will only take effect if the parking authority implements payment plans and examines parking meters throughout the city.

From June 10-16, Pocono Raceway will team up with Crayola Experience in Easton to offer both racing-related arts-and-crafts and photo ops on site throughout the week, gearing up for the raceway’s NASCAR weekend July 12-14.

Rosé on the River makes its return to Easton June 15 at Scott Park, where attendees can help support the Greater Easton Development Partnership while enjoying fresh oysters and tasty wine.

The non-alcoholic cocktail trend has exceeded popularity beyond Dry January. More Lehigh Valley restaurants — and even mobile bartending services — are featuring mocktails on their menus as customers increasingly ask for them.

The Seidl family invited officials and media into their North Law Street home, where Fire Chief Efrain Agosto led a quick safety lesson before a fire drill.