Business News

Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved a $36.7 million budget for 2026 Monday. Several residents attended the meeting to oppose the real estate tax increase, the first in the township since 2019.

The Allentown Parking Authority, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, and the City of Allentown have opened a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the 100 block of North Seventh Street.

Northampton County Council passed its $503 million budget for 2026 Thursday night, keeping taxes stable for the eighth year in a row.

General real estate taxes will stay flat in South Whitehall Township next year, its fire tax will rise 0.28 of a mill and residents will see a new 0.1% income tax to fund open space preservation.

The Lehigh Valley is projected to have significant increases in employment and population up to 2050.

After more than a year of meetings, plan review and expert testimony, Easton Planning Commission on Wednesday denied an application for a million-square-foot warehouse at 1525 Wood Ave.

Whitehall Township's proposed budget includes the first real estate tax increase since 2019. Township commissioners are expected to vote on the spending plan next week.

Crispy Halal, known for its other location at 514 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, serves up fried chicken, falafel, loaded fries, salads, cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteak, desserts and family meals.

Barley Creek Brewing Company and Distillery announced its newest location now is open for business. After "unexpected delays" pushed back its initial opening in October, the Pocono-based company announced that it's ready to serve guests as of Friday, Nov. 28.

Easton's Winter Village opens Black Friday, offering shoppers a chance to explore small businesses in a festive holiday environment.

Council members and residents voiced worry over density and flooding concerns, eventually rejecting the proposed change to allow the 22 townhouse units.

The City of Allentown is partnering City Center Allentown and AlphaGraphics, a marketing and custom printing firm, to give $5,000 to a small business in need of a facelift.

A new event called LGBTQ Inclusivity in the Workplace taught local businesses how to better include and support LGBTQ people.

Workers at a Starbucks store at Northampton Crossings are the latest to join a strike timed to Pride month, alleging unfair labor practices and disputes with the company over LGBTQ+ displays in stores. While striking, workers say they were kicked off of Starbucks property, with police involved.

Zoners approved variances for lighting and signage as the Raising Cane's project heads again to the township's planning commission in July.

Lehigh Valley International Airport Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt said Tuesday he is not opposed to additional hotels being built at the airport. A Courtyard by Marriott is slated to open there late in 2025.

One hookah lounge owner said he bought a metal detector and is doing all he can to ensure customers are safe, but he wants help from police.

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.

'After-hours' establishments could face huge fines — and potential closure — for violating nuisance-abatement ordinances, under a resolution introduced by the city council. Council was critical of the Tuerk administration's response to violence.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with Julian Abraham and Jay Bradley.

There is $1.5 million in funds to be distributed to those in need by Community Action Lehigh Valley.

The Parkland School Board renewed a sports medicine and school health needs agreement with St. Luke's after state Sen. Jarrett Coleman urged them not to. He suggested the health network should find better ways to spend the money.