Business News

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.

Officials have confirmed the Easton office of Hearst Magazines has been impacted by the layoffs announced last week, with union heads expressing outrage over the decision.

In a release Monday, the PUC said prices would adjust December 1. That means all customers will see changes in the price-to-compare from competitive suppliers against the rate of the default utility.

The health network recognized Bill and Denise Spence for their philanthropy, inspired by their daughter's pregnancy experience. Bill Spence is retired CEO of PPL Corp.

A former Plainfield Township supervisor implored the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission to review a 1988 impact study before giving its approval to a zoning amendment request to expand the Grand Central landfill operated by Waste Management.

FirstEnergy sought to raise local customers' electric bills by more than 9%, but the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission blocked the higher rate.

Allentown officials were working to hire an architect and engineer before a Dec. 31 deadline on federal pandemic-relief funding.

Organic whole and baby carrots linked to Grimmway Farms, including several brands available in stores throughout the Lehigh Valley, have been recalled due to concerns of E. coli.

Sophie Vandecasteele is hoping to open Sophistiqué before Thanksgiving, with a soft opening set for Friday, Nov. 22, at 924 Walnut St.

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.

Cupcakes with Egyptian cinnamon are just one confection customers might try as Mia & Maddie bakery moves forward with plans to open a shop in Easton.

Ellen Kern served 17 years as chief of staff for state Sen. Pat Browne. She is now vice president for community engagement at Lehigh Valley Public Media.

Lehigh Valley Health Network establishes a new partnership with a clinic offering resources to those with Down syndrome. The partnership is expected to add more variety to the care the patients receive.

The commonwealth's unemployment rate has dipped below four percent for the first time since recording of the rate started.

The city's first major running festival since Runner's World's in 2019 will include a 5K, 10K and half-marathon.

A sketch plan for a new housing development called Estates at Woodmere was presented to the planning commission Wednesday.

Amanda Buss plans to resign as executive director from the Cancer Support Community of the Lehigh Valley. She’s stepping down to focus on her own health while battling cancer.

Living a healthier lifestyle is one of the top new year's resolutions. A Good Shepherd physical therapy expert talks about how to avoid the “workout warrior” aches and pains and ease into a new routine.

South Whitehall officials are hosting an open house meeting to solicit resident feedback for the township's draft comprehensive plan. It will serve as a guideline for how the township will grow in the next 10-15 years.

Mayor J. William Reynolds sent a letter to the congregations Tuesday asking to negotiate a better offer from the city. It isn't clear if the churches are interested.

The Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Wilson LINCS Family Center received $1.1 million in state funding.

A rockslide shut down Route 611 north of Portland, Pa., in early December. Last week, PennDOT said the road isn't expected to reopen for another 7 months. On the heels of pandemic losses, many merchants said they don't know if they can withstand this hit.