Business News

Democrats in Pennsylvania are optimistic that Republicans will finally agree to raise the state's minimum wage after years of debate. A Republican member of the state Senate's leadership team is leading a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour, providing hope for a resolution, although challenges remain in the GOP-controlled state Senate.

Cold Nose Lodge, which opened in October 2008, is expanding its location in Alburtis. They'll hold a groundbreaking party on June 26 at the facility.

The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommended approval for the nearly 59-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project, including its TopGolf component. Township commissioners could give the green light at their July meeting.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors reported home sales dropped 22% in May — normally a busy season. Increased interest rates and tight inventory in Lehigh and Northampton counties were driving the figures, according to GLVR.

A developer is seeking approval for an 868-unit self-storage facility on Hanover Avenue on Allentown's East Side, but the official notice for a zoning hearing advertised 749 units.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's office brought a successful lawsuit against Lowhill Township, arguing they unlawfully appointed supervisor Curtis Dietrich.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raised a record $22.6 million in the campaign that ended earlier this year. It supports programs and agencies in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

The Macungie Diner will be opening Monday, according to a message from its Facebook page

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.

As part of a broader initiative to assist small businesses in Easton recovering from the pandemic, the Business Retention Assistance of the City of Easton Program is offering grants to local businesses across the city.

The Allentown restaurant is expected to offer takeout until repairs are finished. But customers should be patient, as it only has one phone and does not take online orders.

The appointment of Vicki Doulé as head of Capital Blue Cross' Lehigh Valley operations reunites her with the company where she previously worked for 23 years.

Graze Craze is a charcuterie store offering curated grazing boards and boxes at 4612 Broadway Road in the Tilghman Square shopping center in South Whitehall. More locations in the Bethlehem and Easton areas are planned.

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 grand opening of a new Jersey Mike's in the Easton area is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27. The store is celebrating the event with a fundraiser for a local nonprofit.

At the 32nd annual 'Souper day,' a fundraiser lunch for New Bethany, supporters and community leaders spoke about how the importance of tackling homelessness ramps up in the winter.

Upper Macungie planners recommended preliminary approval to a plan for 132 residential apartment units and a daycare facility. It would be located at 8739 Hamilton Blvd.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) reached an affiliation agreement. The two have worked together before, but the healthcare providers say this will ensure patients get the care they need closest to home.

Online listings show Synergy Hookah Lounge is permanently closed, and a “For Rent” sign could be seen Tuesday at the property, where a 29-year-old man was stabbed and killed.

The average price for a gallon of gas in the Lehigh Valley was $3.87 this week. That's below the Pennsylvania average of $3.92 per gallon but up slightly more than 11 cents from last week, according to AAA.

A second Raising Cane's restaurant, proposed for Hanover Township in Lehigh County, received its first approval from municipal planners Tuesday. It joins another Cane's proposed for Lower Macungie Twp. last month.

New Bethany Executive Director Marc Rittle said the nonprofit's demographic is becoming younger, and many are not actually experiencing homelessness.