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.

Staffing shortages and hiring incentives already were in play. Then the pandemic hit.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is doling out nearly $2 million in support grants to ramp up booze production and sales.

Merrymead Farm employs about 50 people, down from the typical 120 this time of year.

Labor shortages in the Lehigh Valley were the focus at a recent telephone town hall held by U.S Rep. Susan Wild.

Some Starbucks locations have cut store hours due to staffing shortages. It’s part of a broader labor issue that has hit the U.S. and Pennsylvania pretty hard.

Electric vehicles are having a moment at the state capitol.

Penn State Lehigh Valley recently cut the ribbon on a new $14.4 million expansion project. The new wing is dedicated to former Congressman Charlie Dent.

This week, PennEast Pipeline said it would stop developing a proposed pipeline from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.

Gov. Tom Wolf joined a bi-partisan group of elected officials Monday to announce proposed legislation intended to help keep small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses competitive.

Labor shortages are happening across the country and the problem is hitting home in the Lehigh Valley.

Grass left uncut. 911 calls that just ring. Reduced hours at libraries and pools.

After the March 2020 pandemic shutdown of non-life-sustaining businesses, more than 42,000 businesses applied to the Wolf Administration to stay open.