Business News

A popular cocktail bar and restaurant is closed on Bethlehem's Southside, but the owner says she hopes to reopen early next year.

Lehigh Valley Health Network plans to merge with Jefferson Health, but deals like this are nothing new to the Philadelphia-based system. For nearly a decade, Jefferson has been combining forces with hospitals in two states.

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.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is providing funding to assist the international medical equipment company in growing its apprenticeship program and boosting production.

Foodies now have another late night option in Southside Bethlehem. The Barbecue Boys, which opened Tuesday, Sept. 16, offers a fast-casual dining setting that's open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.

After more than a year of negotiations between the developer and a county authority, Northampton County Council is preparing to decide whether a project to build 405 apartments in the former Dixie Cup building in Wilson will get a $26 million property tax break.

Council officials will have the final say on the expenditures outlook, which includes how the city plans to pay for everything from protected bike lanes along West Broad Street to new trees and lights at Rose Garden Park to an armored vehicle replacement for police.

Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board heard from experts representing a developer that hopes to build a warehouse on South Church Street. The hearing ended after three hours and will resume next month.

Pennsylvania saw 201.6 million visitors, generating $49.9 billion in visitor spending and $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024. In the Lehigh Valley, visitor spending increased 1.5%, generating just over $2.5 billion.

A recent donation to the Lehigh Valley's County Animal Response Team, or LVCART, will provide the agency with life-saving equipment to aid pets within the first 72 hours after an emergency is declared.

The nonprofit has added almost $400,000 to its bank account since securing $300,000 in "foundational support" from Allentown officials.

Okatshe, a Japanese-themed restaurant/bar, expected to open next month.

The Lehigh Valley Vegan Chef Challenge is asking local eateries to put their best plant-based dishes forward, and for the community to rate their favorites to find a champion.

PPL will hold a small appliance recycling event, scheduled for Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20, that will accept room air conditioners and dehumidifiers in working condition, according to a release.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone's workforce housing ordinance passed council on Wednesday, launching a new program to promote affordable residences for those who fall in the middle income bracket.