Billy Penn

A Philadelphia judge partially ruled in favor of a Republican lawyer challenging the city's write-in vote requirement, allowing four candidates to be certified despite receiving as few as two votes. The decision does not extend to other candidates who may have also qualified with fewer than 10 votes, leaving the broader legal dispute unresolved.

The Wicked Gluten-Free Expo and Food Festival, organized by Abby Helman Kelly, will take place in Oaks, PA, featuring over 100 vendors offering gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan food options. The event includes local and national brands like Jovial Foods and A&A Soft Pretzel, along with educational resources from nonprofits such as Beyond Celiac and CHOP's Celiac Center.

Westbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in West Philly will close nightly for four days starting July 20 as PennDOT works on the Market Street bridge rehabilitation. The bridge will later close to vehicles until October 2027, with pedestrians and cyclists encouraged to use alternate routes. The $149 million project aims to replace sections of the 94-year-old bridge and is expected to finish in April 2029.

JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia's shipbuilding industry, including a $13 million loan to Rhoads Industries for a submarine facility at the South Philadelphia Navy Yard, which will create 450 jobs. The investment aligns with the Trump administration's push for a national defense buildup.

A microburst storm caused significant damage to the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, destroying equipment, tents, and inventory. Vendors are seeking donations to rebuild, and the market postponed its Dolla Holla event due to the storm's impact.

Philadelphia's Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) revenue surged to $752 million in 2025 after the city ended a decade-old exemption for the first $100,000 in earnings, disproportionately impacting small businesses and gig workers. While the city allocated $38.5 million annually for business assistance, advocates argue it is insufficient, pushing for a council bill to exempt one-person businesses from BIRT, which the administration opposes.

The PECO strike ended with a union agreement offering pensions and improved healthcare. Swimming in Devil’s Pool is discouraged due to harmful chemicals and runoff. Unusual events marked the 2026 Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S.

Devil’s Pool in Wissahickon Valley Park is a popular summer destination for locals seeking relief from Philadelphia's heat, but the Philadelphia Water Department advises against swimming due to harmful chemicals and bacterial risks. The site faces environmental issues from trash and runoff, prompting cleanup efforts by the Friends of Wissahickon and some visitors.

Pope Leo XIV praised the United States for its history of welcoming immigrants and upholding religious liberty during a livestreamed Liberty Medal ceremony. The event, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, was moved indoors due to extreme heat and coincided with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Philadelphia faces a heat wave during its semiquincentennial celebrations, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees. The city plans to issue a Code Red warning and open cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents. Public events, including a Fourth of July concert and FIFA World Cup match, may be affected by the extreme heat.

Philadelphia's Germantown was home to the first U.S. paper mill, established by German immigrant William Rittenhouse in 1690. The mill supported early printing, newspapers, and religious materials, using recycled linen rags and water power. The industry expanded as other colonies adopted papermaking ahead of the Revolutionary War.

Eastwick, a flood-prone neighborhood in Philadelphia, has historically faced flooding due to its marshland geography and climate change. Residents have self-organized to address recurring flood damage after years without federal aid, leading to a city-initiated pilot program with flood alarms and sensors to improve preparedness.

Herr’s released three winning chip flavors for its fifth annual 'Flavored by Philly: Taste of 250' competition, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The flavors—Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbecue, and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese—were tested, with Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries declared the office and Instagram poll favorite. The company emphasized Philadelphia’s historical significance and its role in the celebration.

A reporter explores Philadelphia's Indian mango market, highlighting the popularity of imported mangoes and the role of Dil Mango More, a business run by chef Vikas Khanna. The article details the process of joining a WhatsApp group to access Alphonso mangoes, considered the 'king of mangoes,' and mentions the high demand for these fruits.

Weavers Way Co-op, founded in 1972 in West Mt. Airy, has grown into a community hub with over 4,000 members. The co-op emphasizes shared economic models, local food systems, and civic engagement, supported by residents who value its progressive and historical character.

A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's attempt to replace a slavery exhibit at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia. The city had sued to recover the removed panels, securing an injunction in February. Juneteenth weekend events in Philadelphia include parades and festivals, while a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling adds state oversight to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

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.

A $25 million program in Philadelphia is providing support for unhoused individuals with drug use and health challenges. Joey Essinger, an unhoused individual, recovered from heroin use and homelessness after joining the program, though he now requires a wheelchair due to a foot injury.

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.

City officials are addressing complaints about heavy police presence at Philly Pride, with social media videos showing numerous officers and barricades. LGBTQ+ leaders criticized excessive force and disrespectful actions by police, while the police commissioner cited the event's scale as a challenge.