Business News

Black Friday is almost upon us, when retailers kick off the holiday season with offers meant to get customers in the shopping mood. A number of stores that were closed on Thanksgiving, including Walmart and Target, reopen early Friday as the holiday shopping season begins in earnest.

The state Public Utility Commission announced a proposed settlement that also requires the Allentown-based utility company to absorb about $16 million in costs associated with corrective actions. It still requires approval by PUC commissioners.

Emmaus is among many Lehigh Valley communities to host Small Business Saturday events, to encourage residents to support locally-owned businesses.

Pennsylvania saw a nearly 50% increase in Hispanic-owned businesses between 2012 and 2019, according to Census data. Non-Hispanic businesses increased by 9.3%, which means Latinos are creating businesses at a higher rate than their non-Hispanic peers.

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.

A 95,750-square-foot, 144-bed behavioral hospital planned for Hanover Township in Northampton County expected to create more than 300 jobs was among two development projects reviewed by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday night.

A new robotics center is now open at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley. The Fleming Center for Robotics in Rehabilitation opened Thursday thanks to a significant gift from the Fleming Foundation.

The mysterious and sometimes sacred symbols are meant to bring good fortune and wins to players and fans.

Passengers will soon be able to fly from Lehigh Valley International Airport to all three of Orlando's main airports.

Mack Trucks threatened to replace any employees who don't return to work if the latest offer wasn't accepted. Points of dispute included job security, labor demands and retirement safety nets.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sent a scathing letter to the president and CEO of Norfolk Southern on Tuesday, calling out the company for making emergency management decisions without consulting state and local leaders and for prioritizing its railroad operations over “a safer overall approach” for local residents and the environment, after a train derailment near East Palestine, Ohio last week.

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

The massive "Lehigh Valley Town Center" mixed-use development proposal has been amended to include other potential entertainment anchors alongside Topgolf, including a performance venue and aquarium or nature center and is on its way to future hearings

PPL Electric Utilities, which has been under fire for a recent billing error that impacted thousands, said more than 100,000 customers are paying more for their electricity than they need to.

The Lehigh Valley is a desirable place to live. But as more move to the region, the volume of affordable housing is shrinking. A quality-of-life survey shows it's a major concern of those who live here.

The cafe's union is among the nation's first to negotiate with the chain, on account of upcoming renovations.

The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved plans for the construction of the Archer Music Hall on Hamilton Street.

Bethlehem residents living near the proposed apartments shared concerns about the project with the city's development commission

Animal shelters are becoming more of a community affair, according to Sarah Wees, the new executive director of the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton.

In a pinch for that special someone? Easton Public Market is open Tuesday with vendors offering traditional items like flowers and chocolate — even fresh food to cook your sweetie a romantic dinner.

The Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley held a service Friday calling for donations to be made to recovery efforts and voicing some hope as many in the area feel personal impacts from the tragedy.

While supermarket inflation is still high, there are savings to be found on Super Bowl snacks. Prices for chicken wings and guacamole have fallen sharply since last year's big game.