The ordinance is drawing criticism from non-union contractor who say it excludes them from bidding on these projects because they don’t have workers going through apprenticeship programs, or who completed outside the time frame. Non-union companies pay for their employees to go through an apprenticeship program, while union employers pay for them with union dues.

Creditsafe USA, an Allentown-based company that provides company credit reports for businesses throughout the globe, has now created a COVID-19 Impact Score. The new scoring system is free and designed to help businesses identify the risks the coronavirus epidemic poses to their bottom line.

A local architect and engineering firm will move into an Allentown property long occupied by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Acela Architects and Engineers, which has a location at 4969 Hamilton St. in Lower Macungie Township, will occupy the building.

To help business owners struggling to recover from COVID-19, an Easton nonprofit is collaborating with the city and another organization to create a relief fund of $300,000 in emergency capital.

Domino’s Pizza is preparing to open its newest location in Palmer Township later this spring, pending state rules on COVID-19.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors is suing the state to win “life-sustaining” business status for its members.

Gov. Tom Wolf is recommending that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask when they leave their homes as COVID-19 cases steadily rise in the state.

A Dallas-based developer bought a former restaurant supply store in Allentown for $1.5 million and plans to renovate it into an auto body repair and paint shop.

Advocates for the construction industry say Pennsylvania should allow all construction projects to safely continue. Stalled projects exposed to the weather elements could be damaged and create hazardous conditions, they argue.

“In view of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, during this timeframe no officer, official or other person employed by the Pennsylvania judiciary at any level shall effectuate an eviction, ejectment or other displacement from a residence based on the failure to make a monetary payment,” the order states.