Northampton County Council approved the contracts to begin construction of a new forensics center/morgue for the county at the Gracedale Nursing Home campus at Upper Nazareth Township.

Legislation introduced by state Rep. John Galloway (D-Bucks) with support from four other state legislators would increase accountability of builders for defects in new homes if the bill becomes law.

The growth of Lower Macungie Township has attracted some new retail tenants over the past few years with the opening of the massive Hamilton Crossings outdoor shopping center in 2016. Next year, a Taco Bell and office building are expected to open near the center.

A New York City-based family office bought a group of student housing properties near Lehigh University in South Bethlehem for $21.3 million.

Low inventory of homes for sale led to higher prices amid signs of a strong, yet slowing economy, contributing to a seller’s market, according to June data from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors.

Two buildings are going up at 1198 Feather Way and 2020 Feather Way in Bethlehem, for a project called Steel City Trade Center.

A former strength and conditioning coach for Coordinated Health is renovating the interior of a 5,400-square-foot unit off Linden Street in Bethlehem Township to open Optimum Performance Center in August.

With reports on the global impact of climate change gaining more attention, some say net zero buildings will become more common. Aside from environmental concerns, proponents also cite the benefits of better productivity and a shorter payback time on the investments made by building owners in green technology.

Santander will close one branch location in Bethlehem to consolidate its services with a Santander branch one mile away at 924 Eaton Ave. in Bethlehem.

Developer Atul Patel has been seeking to redevelop the property that includes the historic King George Inn and sits along a heavily traveled corridor: Hamilton Boulevard in South Whitehall Township. He plans to keep the historic character of the inn while adding a hotel, pharmacy and bank to the land surrounding it.