Cherelle Parker

Former state Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen, a trailblazing legislator who represented North Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Senate, has died at 79. Politicians and community leaders praised her advocacy for underserved neighborhoods and her work on issues like food insecurity, healthcare, and voting rights.

Philadelphia's Vision Zero program reports that pedestrians and cyclists now account for a larger share of traffic fatalities, with speed identified as a critical factor in crash severity. The city's traffic safety initiative, launched under Mayor Cherelle Parker, faces ongoing challenges despite some progress toward reducing roadway deaths.

A federal judge temporarily blocked Philadelphia from enforcing a law that would have restricted federal officers from wearing masks, concealing identification, or using unmarked vehicles. The judge ruled the law unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause, siding with the Justice Department, which argued the measure improperly regulated federal agents.

Dozens of mayors gathered in Philadelphia for a bipartisan march and symposium at Independence National Historical Park, focusing on the role of cities in American democracy ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event included remarks by Mayor Cherelle Parker and discussions at the Museum of the American Revolution about unity, local leadership, and the significance of the semiquincentennial.

A federal judge ruled that Philadelphia cannot ban U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles. The city council had passed a law requiring ICE agents to display badges, but Judge Chad F. Kenney stated the legislation violated the Constitution by interfering with federal agency operations.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker inaugurated the Lemon Hill festival site at Fairmount Park, where 250,000 attendees have gathered for matches. The city is hosting matches against Curaçao and Côte d'Ivoire at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia Housing Authority plans to demolish Bartram Village in July as part of a $425M project to build over 500 affordable rental units. The initiative aims to expand the agency's real estate portfolio, with PHA President Kelvin Jeremiah highlighting the goal of creating desirable homes for all income levels. Mayor Cherelle Parker's public safety emergency declaration allowed the project to bypass delays from federal historic review.

A new poll shows only 8% of Philadelphia voters believe public education is on the right track, with most citing concerns about school conditions, leadership engagement, and recent policy decisions like school closures and budget cuts. The survey, conducted by Philly for Great Public Schools and Change Research, found strong support for charter schools and an audit of the school district.

Philadelphia city leaders and education supporters traveled to Harrisburg to urge state officials for increased education funding. Mayor Cherelle Parker, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized that the city has fulfilled its financial commitments and now seeks state support for schools across Pennsylvania.

The Department of Justice sued Philadelphia and city officials over an ordinance banning law enforcement from using face coverings and unmarked vehicles to conceal identities. The federal government argues the law violates the Constitution's supremacy clause, while Philadelphia officials defend it as essential for public accountability.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled skill games illegal under state gambling laws, citing concerns over violence and crime linked to the machines. The decision, stayed for 120 days, overturns previous rulings that exempted the games due to their skill-based elements, with lawmakers expected to address legalization and regulation.

Philadelphia’s $7.1 billion budget includes $7.5 million to expand proactive rental inspections and $10 million for modular home factories as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s H.O.M.E. initiative. The budget also allocates modest funding for the Philadelphia Land Bank but excludes requests to expand the Fair Housing Commission and eviction unit.

Young Philadelphia activists ended a 22-day hunger strike after City Council approved Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $7 billion budget plan. The strike, led by Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, demanded the city use its $1.187 billion fund balance to address affordability through seven pillars including housing, schools, and renewable energy. While the budget did not include their core proposals, the group secured meetings and public commitments.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a $7.1 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027 into law after City Council approved it, despite rejecting her proposed ride-share, hotel, and retail delivery taxes. The budget includes an additional $48 million for the School District of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has expanded its Neighborhood Wellness Court program, which uses arrests for minor offenses to pressure unhoused opioid users into accepting treatment and social services. The program, part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s 2025 initiative, faces criticism from health providers and activists who argue it is unethical and ineffective, while officials claim it avoids jail time and focuses on treatment access.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department for canceling gun permits using 'vague' reasons, potentially violating Second Amendment rights. Pennsylvania law allows local agencies to issue or deny permits based on 'character and reputation,' a practice criticized by gun rights advocates and defended by public safety groups.

Philadelphia schools will retain 340 classroom jobs amid budget cuts, as Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the restoration of positions initially slated for elimination. The mayor emphasized collaboration between city officials and school leaders to secure funding without specifying the exact source, noting efforts to establish recurring revenue.

Philadelphia school district saved 340 school-based positions from cuts via a last-minute agreement with City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker, using $48 million in one-time funding. However, no new recurring revenue source was secured, and 220 substitute and 130 central office position cuts remain.

Market Street in Philadelphia's Old City has undergone a $16 million renovation, featuring a pedestrian plaza, wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and new plantings. The project aims to improve safety and accommodate increased foot traffic for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with support from local officials and business leaders.

Philadelphia City Council rejected proposed hotel and rideshare taxes aimed at funding pothole repairs and homelessness prevention. Fifty-two schools transitioned to virtual learning due to high temperatures, and new data shows rising PFAS contamination in the Delaware River, affecting over 14 million people.

Philadelphia City Council approved a $7.1 billion preliminary budget but rejected most of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s tax proposals, including a $1 tax on Uber and Lyft rides and increases to hotel and delivery service taxes. The rejected tax was intended to generate $48 million annually for the School District of Philadelphia, which will instead receive a one-time payment. A final budget vote is scheduled for June 11.

Philadelphia's City Council approved a $7.1 billion budget with a $48 million one-time allocation to prevent school staff cuts, but the school district's superintendent stated the funding is insufficient to address long-term financial challenges. Council members criticized the district's response, while Mayor Cherelle Parker described the funding as a 'band-aid' for a $300 million structural deficit.

Philadelphia City Council approved a $7.1 billion budget excluding a proposed $1 rideshare tax on companies like Uber and Lyft that would have funded schools. Instead, a one-time $48 million allocation from other sources and a $2.4 million annual tax on cell phone towers will support the school district. The decision follows school closures, staff cuts, and enrollment declines, with advocates criticizing the funding as insufficient to address a $300 million deficit.

Philadelphia water bills may increase to fund expanded low-income assistance through the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), which would lower rates for households earning 150-200% of the federal poverty level. The proposed expansion faces debate over cost and impact, with non-TAP customers likely to see higher rates. The city's water department cites rising operational costs and existing TAP growth as reasons for the potential hike.

Philadelphia City Council Education Committee Chair Isaiah Thomas proposes switching the school board from mayor-appointed to elected, a process requiring state legislation, mayor approval, and voter consent. The change could shift power dynamics by granting the board taxing authority and reducing City Council's influence, amid public backlash over 17 school closures and a $300 million budget shortfall.

The Philadelphia Board of Education approved a $4.6 billion budget with millions in cuts, leading to reductions in climate staff, teachers, counselors, and substitutes. Superintendent Tony Watlington cited a $300 million deficit and rising costs as reasons for the cuts, while city officials criticized the budget and school closures. The board also passed a $266 million capital budget for school renovations.

Two iron workers were recovered from the rubble of a partially collapsed Philadelphia parking garage five days after the incident, with a third man who survived initially but later died. The collapse occurred during construction near 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, prompting a prolonged recovery operation. Officials confirmed the deaths and pledged an independent investigation into the incident.

A partial parking garage collapse in Philadelphia during construction killed one person and left two missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing. The incident occurred near 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, impacting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia construction site.