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.

Nowhere Coffee Co. co-owners Juan and Lauren Vargas will open their planned roastery in the Allentown area after a permit denial in Upper Macungie.

Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed increasing basic education funding by $1.1 billion, laying the groundwork to slash tuition costs at state-owned schools and taking out a $500 million bond to spur economic development.

Following the introduction of a sewage treatment plan to Whitehall Township commissioners, the developers behind a new Outback Steakhouse are one step closer to opening up a branch of their popular Australian-themed restaurant.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is reminding people across the state that the comment period has opened on a proposed settlement to address a series of billing issues that PPL Electric Utilities had from December 2022 to April 2023.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Northampton County Council voted Thursday not to repeal a LERTA tax incentive for much of Upper Mount Bethel Township's industrial land, set to become an industrial park.

Allentown inspectors shut down the complex in early December after finding unregistered units and fire hazards.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is changing its primary provider of blood from Miller-Keystone Blood Center to the American Red Cross. LVHN officials say Miller-Keystone will be a secondary provider, but blood center leaders say that hasn't been confirmed.

The Lehigh Valley Town Center's Topgolf got final land development approval during Lower Macungie Township meeting Thursday.

City officials are eyeing a more robust program in the wake of an Allentown business complex being deemed "an immediate risk to human life" after unannounced inspections.

Fastnacht Day might be Feb. 13, but don't tell that to the customers at Mary Ann Donut Kitchen. They came for the donuts early Thursday, and they'll be sold through Feb. 25.

After six years of work, The Commodore has officially opened its doors in Easton, offering luxury apartments, Thyme Rooftop Grille, and retail spaces.