Average long-term US mortgage rate falls to 6.69%, second straight drop since climbing to 2023 high

June 17, 2023

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell again this week, positive news for potential homebuyers after rates reached their highest level since November earlier this month. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan slipped to 6.69% from 6.71% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.78%. Despite easing the past two weeks, the average rate is only down slightly from its 2023 high of 6.79% set in early June. The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose this week to 6.10% ...

Company to develop hotel in Bellefonte area

June 10, 2023

BELLEFONTE — Hospitality Asset Management Company (HAMCO) is continuing its steady growth by developing a Tru by Hilton in the Bellefonte/State College area along the I-99 corridor and Benner Pike interchange. Edward Tubbs, Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality Asset Management Company Inc., stated, “We continue to be proud of our company’s growth and are excited to increase our portfolio footprint in our home region of Centre County. The local communities have been very supportive and welcoming for us to have a larger presence in the region.” “We are equally proud of our ...

Saudi Arabia is slashing oil supply; It could mean higher gas prices for US drivers

June 7, 2023

FRANKFURT, Germany — Saudi Arabia will reduce how much oil it sends to the global economy, taking a unilateral step to prop up the sagging price of crude after two previous cuts to supply by major producing countries in the OPEC+ alliance failed to push oil higher. The Saudi cut of 1 ...

Merck sues federal government, calling plan to negotiate Medicare drug prices ‘extortion’

June 7, 2023

Merck is suing the federal government over a plan to negotiate Medicare drug prices, calling the program a sham equivalent to extortion. The drugmaker is seeking to halt the program, which was laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act and is expected to save taxpayers billions of dollars in the coming years. Merck said in a complaint filed Tuesday that the program does not involve genuine negotiation. Instead, it said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selects drugs to be included and then dictates the price, threatening drugmakers with “a ruinous daily excise tax” ...

New beauty salon opens in Dunnstown

June 3, 2023

DUNNSTOWN — Coco’s Beauty Loft is having its grand opening today at 220 Woodward Ave, Suite 4 in Lock Haven. The event will be running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes discounted $10 brow waxes along with a complimentary consultation. People who book an appointment during this time ...

Marshall, Parker & Weber principals named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

June 3, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT — Marshall, Parker & Weber, LLC, a local elder law and estate planning firm, announces that Certified Elder Law Attorney Matthew J. Parker and Certified Elder Law Attorney Tammy A. Weber were named to the 2023 Super Lawyers list by the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers organization. ...