Business News

Lawmakers in Harrisburg passed nearly three dozen laws last week in a final burst of action as they held their last voting session of the year.

Last-minute holiday shoppers filled Lehigh Valley malls Sunday, finding less crowding than recent weekends but at least as much frantic energy.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the rooftop sign that serves as a Main Street beacon is only partially illuminated in a nod to the season and to Bethlehem's rich history.

Nippon Steel is set to pay more than $14 billion to acquire Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in a deal that Rep. Susan Wild said is “really kind of heartbreaking."

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.

The sprawling Allentown Farmers Market — home to everything from fresh meats and produce to sushi and specialty foods — will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Pennsylvania's gas tax– the highest in the nation in 2023 – will drop from $0.611/gallon to $0.576/gallon and will remain in place through 2024.

A regular stream of customers came to send off the Trexlertown Yocco's location, as ownership of the Lehigh Valley chain says business is strong and they are evaluating options for a new location in the future.

Rep. Susan Wild and Sen. Bob Casey were in Allentown on Thursday to celebrate the city's selection as a finalist for an eight-digit federal grant.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals announced plans to merge this week. A healthcare analyst weighs in on what these types of deals mean for employees and patients.

For years, both Bethlehem and Redevelopment Authority have claimed ownership of the Hotel Bethlehem parking area and exit lane, respectively, while the hotel has used both for business purposes for over two decades.

Township commissioners on Monday approved a resolution requesting a grant of $154,402.17 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for the Ironton Rail Trail Paving and Gates Project.

The former Whitehall Township Police Department station has been vacant for three years and costing the township money as it seeks a buyer.

Victaulic, the pipe-joining manufacturer based in Forks Township, will undertake a $100 million expansion project in Tioga County, Pa., that will create at least 214 new, full-time jobs and retain 1,611 more across the state, it was announced Tuesday.

Al Granger bought an abandoned Lehigh Valley farm in the 1980s and turned it into a luxurious inn and spa. He was known for his vision and innovation — and for being ultra-tough on those he employed.

The hearing later this month in Bethlehem is the first step in the 5-year license renewal for Wind Creek Bethlehem. The initial public hearing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board had been set for June 26 but had to be postponed because of severe storms and power outages.

Owowcow Creamery announced it secured two brag-worthy titles: third-best ice cream shop in the U.S. and first place on the East Coast. The creamery has two locations in the Lehigh Valley.

About 120 workers at the distribution center in Palmer Township are represented by the United Auto Workers union. Leaders say the proposed deal increases wages 33% over the next five years.

Teamsters Local 773 approved a new contract that awarded employees raises, more sick days and better contributions toward their health care costs, said union President Dennis Hower.

The first annual KidsPeace Dodgeball Tournament was held Thursday. It raised money for the Orefield-based nonprofit, which provides behavioral and mental health services to children.

Allentown City Council agreed to raise parking fines next month if the parking authority's board agreed to those initiatives.

Easton City Council approved a resolution that would allow the city to take the historic Hooper House by eminent domain, but officials would prefer not to fall back on that option, hoping discussions with owner Rock Church may be successful.