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Esmirna Jiménez's work is an example of what culturally-competent tax services could look like for a segment of the population that isn’t often thought of when it comes to tax time.

Take a look at stories 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 chemical used to color some Peeps and other popular candies has been banned from makeup in the U.S., but not from food. Consumer groups say the chemical has been linked to cancer and other health problems.

The large Ridge Farms development was granted an extension for meeting compliances, longtime firefighters in the township were given recognition, and a new self storage facility was given the okay by the township near the Ridge Farms development site.

Lightning Source, LLC, a subsidiary of Ingram Content Group, gave notice of a series of layoffs for 260 people at its 860 Nestle Way, Breinigsville location.

The warehouse reignited early Thursday morning, calling firefighters back to the scene. It could be weeks before investigators determine the cause of the fire.

In past years, Peeps has held the title of No. 1 Easter candy in the country. This is no longer the case.

The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild met at Lost Tavern Brewery on Tuesday to begin preparations for Lehigh Valley Beer Week on April 29-May 6.

The Pa. Chamber of Business and Industry had its own bracket: “Coolest Thing Made in Pa.”

Linnette Ruiz-Perez said she hopes to welcome her first customers to Eminence Luxury Beauty Studio in May.

Easton officials announced the launch of nonprofit HOME Easton and the start of a new Landlord-Tenant Engagement Program on Wednesday, with the goal to address affordable housing and improve the rental scene in the city.

City planners meet at 5 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Town Hall, 10 E. Church St. The proposal for the former Wells Fargo is listed fourth on an agenda of five items.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

Testimony began Monday in hearings that could decide what sort of businesses are allowed at homes throughout North Whitehall Township — and whether one resident’s long-running car repair business can keep operating.

The developer behind a proposed 37-story skyscraper in Allentown asked planning officials for another delay.

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.

Event admission of $20 ($23.18 with fee online) goes directly to the aforementioned nonprofits in efforts to feed, temporarily house and support folks in need.

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.

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.