Local Business
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · Reading
Hershey's $300M Plant Upgrade Powers PA Chocolate Legacy
The Hershey Company has unveiled the world's most advanced chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with a massive $300 million investment. This flagship expansion at the West Hershey plant boosts production of iconic treats like Hershey's Kisses and promises over $1 billion in economic impact. Local jobs and innovation keep the Sweetest Place on Earth thriving for the next century.
PA Allegheny Trails Fuel Record Tourism Boom
Pennsylvania's Great Allegheny Passage trail drew nearly 1 million visitors in 2019, pumping $121 million into the regional economy and supporting 1,400 jobs. New state investments under Gov. Josh Shapiro are supercharging outdoor attractions, with the recreation sector hitting $20.4 billion last year. From Pittsburgh to small trail towns, bike tourism is revitalizing communities once reliant on industry.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
PA Unemployment Hits 3-Year Low at 4.2%, Fuels Job Boom
Pennsylvania's unemployment rate dipped to 4.2% in December 2025, its lowest in three years and a stark signal of economic resurgence. From pandemic peaks over 16%, the Commonwealth now boasts jobs growth across all 67 counties, outpacing the nation.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
FIFA Frees 2,000 Philly Hotel Rooms as World Cup Nears
FIFA has abruptly canceled 2,000 hotel room bookings in Philadelphia, handing a potential windfall to local hotels just months before World Cup matches. The rooms, reserved for teams and staff—not fans—are now available for soccer enthusiasts flooding the City of Brotherly Love. Hospitality leaders express disappointment but see opportunity in the release.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Skyrocketing Gas Prices Squeeze Philly Trucking, Aviation Firms
Gas prices topping $4 a gallon are crippling Philadelphia-area transportation businesses, from small trucking outfits to regional airports. Companies like Mustang Expediting and Wingmom South PA face eroding profits as fuel costs soar amid Middle East tensions. Operators warn of price hikes rippling to consumers.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026