Local Business
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · Reading
Philly Office Vacancies Hit 24% Despite Tech Hopes, Suburbs Worse
Philadelphia's Center City office vacancy rate has surged to nearly 24% amid persistent remote work trends, bucking earlier optimism of a tech-driven boom. While job growth surges citywide, downtown towers stand half-empty as leases expire through 2027. Local leaders eye tax reforms to revive the core.
U.S. Steel Invests $100M in Mon Valley Plant as Nippon Partnership Accelerates
U.S. Steel is modernizing its Edgar Thomson Plant near Pittsburgh with a new $100 million slag recycler, part of a sweeping $11 billion investment program by 2028. The project signals the Pittsburgh steelmaker's commitment to western Pennsylvania as it partners with Japan's Nippon Steel to reshape American steel production.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Hershey Lodge Hits Record Tourism Revenue in Dauphin County Boom
The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center announced a 12% surge in tourism revenue, fueled by family vacations and Chocolate World expansions. This growth underscores Dauphin County's tourism engine, generating $2.6 billion and 26,000 jobs countywide. Pennsylvania's chocolate capital sweetens the state's economy amid broader visitation records.
Thursday, April 30, 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.
Thursday, April 30, 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.
Thursday, April 30, 2026