Consumer Affairs

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.

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.

“When a bill jumps $200 or $300, that’s the difference between groceries on the table. So we have to see what legislative remedies there are at our disposal, because ‘you’ve gotta pay your bill’ is not the answer I want to give anybody," said Rep. Josh Siegel.

A steep rise in egg prices plus butter shortages means some bakeries must adapt.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. says it's unfortunately part of a larger trend that is changing how small businesses operate in neighborhoods. He said the city intends to create a task force to address it.

The company says the issue has been resolved, but it's still asking people to pay the full amount on their bills — even if they were charged in error.

The Rock'n Play Sleeper is not safe, they say.

Need continues to grow for emergency food services. With the end of pandemic-era benefits and inflation still not letting up, demand is higher than ever, according to food pantry managers.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about possible carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the improper use of portable generators and provided tips to prevent it.

The site was once a fine men's clothing store and today holds a concert venue and dance club. But 1-6 Centre Square will take on an entirely new profile with a 49-room hotel that has space for two restaurants.

Check out these Lehigh Valley-centric Cyber Monday deals to save at local retailers, including big deals on entertainment at SteelStacks, and sporting events with Phantoms hockey and IronPigs baseball.

Emmaus Public Library hosted a workshop highlighting common types of scams and fraud — and how to keep from falling victim to them in the holiday season and beyond.

Living off the land and taking care of a historic property, as the current owners said, come with a commitment to see things through.

Holiday shopping habits and a different approach by retailers serve to change the Black Friday experience. Shoppers at the Lehigh Valley Mall say tradition brought them out.