Consumer Affairs

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.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors' report highlights various housing statistics for February, including decreased closed sales, an increase in median sales price and a drop in pending sales.

Shapiro wants to eliminate both the sales and use tax and the gross receipts tax on cell phone services. Doing so would save Pennsylvanians $124 million each year.

Mayor Matt Tuerk is asking city council to approve a $10,000 study of the Allentown Parking Authority's management and structure. It comes in the wake of dozens of complaints from residents alleging overbearing and predatory enforcement practices.

The new user-friendly website emphasizes mobile accessibility.

Lehigh Valley Health Network was victimized in a cybersecurity attack last month. The network said it refused to pay a ransom. Now, patient information and photos have been posted on the dark web, according to LVHN.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 8, would remove out-of-pocket costs and require 100% coverage for preventative breast cancer screenings and genetic testing. Proponents say it would be the first of its kind in the nation.

The Supreme Court is about to hear arguments over President Joe Biden's student debt relief plan. It's a plan that impacts millions of borrowers who could see their loans wiped away or reduced.

Vendors and attendees were happy to be back in business Sunday at the Lehigh Valley Travel Expo. Organized by AAA, it was held at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.

Advocates see the sudden reduction of benefits as a looming health and welfare crisis.

How has COVID changed the delivery of health care? What do health care workers think about lifting the COVID emergency? Health and wellness reporter Brittany Sweeney moderates a discussion with local experts on the front lines.

PPL Electric Utilities, which has been under fire for a recent billing error that impacted thousands, said more than 100,000 customers are paying more for their electricity than they need to.

The cafe's union is among the nation's first to negotiate with the chain, on account of upcoming renovations.