Consumer Affairs

With the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and federal Environmental Protection Agency at odds over the acceptable levels of 'forever chemicals' in public drinking water, it’s become an expensive and frustrating process for at least one Lehigh Valley municipality.

Emmaus Borough Council approved parking kiosks at a borough-controlled lot at 311 Main St. — a first in town. Council also approved several new hires.

Another social-media fueled challenge has spurred a rise in the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in Pennsylvania, but has the trend caught on in the Lehigh Valley?

Officials say some people have received a text message asking for EBT card information and claiming that their card is blocked.

The government’s response to the failure of two large banks has already involved hundreds of billions of dollars. So will ordinary Americans end up paying for it, one way or another?

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 owner of the well known ice cream place wants everybody to know that they have moved across the street. There will be a grand opening celebration on Feb. 16.

The state Public Utilities Commission said Wednesday it has received hundreds of calls and electronic submissions from consumers about unusually high PPL bills, but there is no timetable for an investigation by its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

“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.