Consumer Affairs

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.

Inversion is a natural phenomenon that causes bottom water to flow up to the top surface and surface water to drop to the bottom. It's causing some households' drinking water to smell and taste different.

Carpenter also matched the six nominations by fellow Pennsylvania native Taylor Swift, though several of Swift's nominations came in lessor categories such as Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers to widespread electric price changes.

If you get a special card in the mail, it means your mailperson can pick up food donations from your home, and take it straight to the food bank.

Northampton County officials are doubling the cap on loans to first-time homebuyers, in an effort to help residents afford rising down payments and closing costs.

Easton's Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, which stretches seating into parking spots outside local eateries, will relaunch on May 6.

The park’s Public Relations and Communications Manager Ryan Eldredge answered specific questions about the policy, such as how it will be enforced, whether there will be chaperone discounts and what caused the policy change.

A historic Easton property that once housed a church, a dry cleaner and a noted artist is up for lease. The three-floor mixed-use building would be a perfect place for new business, the owner says.

A juvenile suspect has been charged with misdemeanor counts as a result of a state police investigation of sewing needles in food at the Giant.

As Bed Bath & Beyond winds down operations, there are key deadlines the company will adhere to when it comes to coupons, gift cards and returns and exchanges. Here's what customers need to know.

As Allentown church members distributed food in a parking lot, an enforcement officer followed vehicles in line and wrote tickets, according to the church pastor and witnesses. It comes as the authority is under fire for aggressive enforcement practices.

Authorities say an employee at the Giant supermarket at 7150 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township put sewing needles into grocery items. The juvenile worker has been identified and charges are pending.

Bethlehem Food Co-op, a local grocery cooperative, has hired its first ever general manager to bring life to an initiative that has been in the works since 2011.

Esmirna Jiménez's work is an example of what culturally-competent tax services could look like for a segment of the population that isn’t often thought of when it comes to tax time.