President seeks wage hike
Reaction to President Barack Obama's proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 an hour was mixed in Northeast Pennsylvania. Labor union officials and social service agency officials praised the proposal, while business leaders and groups opposed it.
Airlines merge
US Airways and American Airlines announced an $11 billion merger last week, creating the nation's biggest airline and setting off speculation on how service might change. Officials at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport expect no changes.
One Blockbuster left in region
The last Blockbuster store in Lackawanna County will close in April, leaving only one remaining store in Northeast Pennsylvania, in Hanover Twp.
UGI to extend pipeline in spring
Starting this spring, UGI Energy Services will begin constructing its Auburn Line extension, a 24-inch diameter pipeline from an existing natural gas facility in Washington Twp., Wyoming County, to connect to the Transco interstate pipeline in West Wyoming, Luzerne County.
Penn Foster parent files Chapter 11
Education Holdings 1 Inc., the parent company of Scranton-based Penn Foster has filed for bankruptcy protection in the wake of a settlement with the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District of New York.
W-B jewelry store changes in works
As an era ends for Bartikowsky Jewelers in downtown Wilkes-Barre, two other jewelers are about to start a new beginning. The historic Frank Clark Jeweler building at 63 South Main St. will reopen as a new jewelry store. In Wilkes-Barre Twp., RACO Watch and Jewelry at 228 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd. will open.
Less green for lettuce
A recent run-up in lettuce prices seems to be retreating. Costs shot up this month after a round of freezing temperatures and heavy rains in January damaged crops in Arizona and southern California.
Kane says no to lottery pact
State Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane has rejected a proposed state contract to have a private firm manage the Pennsylvania Lottery. Her action halts the completion of the contract with British firm Camelot Global Services PA.
$23B Heinz deal draws SEC's eye
Berkshire Hathaway, the firm of billionaire Warren Buffett, agreed to buy famed Pittsburgh company H.J. Heinz Co. for $23.3 billion.
Federal regulators later opened an insider trading inquiry, according to a report in The New York Times, looking into "unusual trading" surrounding the Heinz sale.