Consumer Affairs

After a bit of back-and-forth, Lehigh County's 2025 budget is now final. If it's followed to the letter, the County will spend $554 million next year.

The state Gaming Control Board voted Wednesday to renew Wind Creek's casino license, granting them another five years of operation.

The manufacturer of Giant's store-brand waffles has issued a recall due to potential listeria contamination, the supplier announced on Oct. 18. 2024.

The city is also set to receive $5.7 million in federal funds to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Northampton County Council began hearings Tuesday on the proposed 2025 county budget. Council members reviewed the General Government budget, including administration, fiscal operations, and the controller's office, among other divisions.

Following a request for a $1-per-transaction increase for tax collection in Palmer and Forks Townships, Easton Area School Board is considering setting the rate for all four of their contributing municipalities to the city's current rate of $2.60 per transaction.

Costco Wholesale previously announced that membership scanning devices would come to local warehouse stores "over the coming months." The scanners were in place this week at the Costco Warehouse off Krocks Road in Lower Macungie Township.

The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a developer's plans to build a mixed-use complex with 201 residential units and ground-floor shopping.

Community appreciation event a give-back for public and member support.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. introduced his proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, Oct. 1, highlighting yet another year without a property tax increase.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

The Northeast PA Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force said customers in Lehigh and Northampton counties have been affected by a recent data breach.

A Lehigh Valley man was hunting when the lithium ion battery in heated insoles in his boots caught fire. A surgeon from Lehigh Valley Health Network said these incidents are causing devastating burn injuries.

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.

General real estate taxes will stay flat in South Whitehall Township next year, its fire tax will rise 0.28 of a mill and residents will see a new 0.1% income tax to fund open space preservation.

After persistently dry, windy weather last year triggered concerns over the longevity of holiday trees, this year’s crop is shaping up well, Lehigh Valley growers said, with many different varieties available.

UGI Utilities Inc. on Wednesday announced a smaller-than-expected increase in the purchased gas cost rate beginning Dec. 1.

Customers should understand that generation/supply typically make up 40% to 60% of a utility bill, the PUC said, with variables such as weather, usage and efficiency of a home heating system factoring in.

Here's some spots where you can pick up a free turkey courtesy of community organizations and nonprofits. There's also a big turkey collection drive happening Friday at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.

The state Public Utility Commission will conduct hearings in December to gather public input on a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

Holiday lights will illuminate the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Coca-Cola Park while Christmas City decks the hall with Moravian traditions this holiday season.