Economic & Industrial Transformation - Bethlehem's industrial past, particularly Bethlehem Steel Corporation's contributions to iconic structures, still resonates [2] - The steelworks, once employing over 30,000 people, closed in the 1990s due to unsustainable operations [3] - Bethlehem has reinvented itself over the past 25 years through revitalization, redevelopment, and new businesses in manufacturing and technology [4] - The community actively reinvented itself after Bethlehem Steel's closure [5] - The steelworks have been re-imagined into a thriving cultural hub [4] Demographic & Political Trends - Bethlehem is a crucial political battleground and a bellwether for a divided country [2] - Education and income levels in Bethlehem have risen steadily [5] - Voter behavior in Bethlehem has swung between Democratic and Republican candidates, mirroring national trends [5] - The city has democratic urban centers, while rural areas are more Republican [6] - The Financial Times (FT) will revisit Bethlehem to examine its hopes, aspirations, and challenges, including immigration raids and rising housing costs [6]