Billy Penn

South Street in Philadelphia has struggled to recover from a decline that began over 20 years ago, currently facing a commercial vacancy rate of 30%. To address the struggling area and alleged lack of variety, one proposed solution is standardizing zoning along the corridor to allow easier redevelopment, potentially attracting new anchor businesses.

The Avenging the Ancestors Coalition plans its annual Slavery Commiseration at the President’s House site on Independence Mall, commemorating the 1619 anniversary of documented enslaved Africans arriving in America. The event and the coalition are highlighted amid ongoing controversy concerning attempts by the Trump administration to change historical exhibits. These changes include the removal of placards detailing George Washington's ties to slavery from the exhibit.

SEPTA is rolling out Phase One of its "New Bus Network" across dozens of Philly-area routes this weekend. This major service overhaul involves adding two new bus lines, Route 72 and Route 76, while simultaneously discontinuing several established routes such as Route 35 and Route 47M. Furthermore, multiple existing routes, including the Route 17 and Route 25, will have altered or reduced service schedules.

State Rep. Ben Waxman is proposing legislation that would mandate a licensed driver for any automated transit vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds. The bill addresses safety concerns over technological mishaps in densely populated cities and also cites worries from the Transit Workers Union regarding potential job losses. These efforts are part of a broader push by lawmakers to regulate artificial technology.

Philadelphia's smart loading zones, managed by the CurbPass system, issue automatic tickets for unauthorized parking in specific downtown areas, causing fines for some drivers while improving traffic flow and commercial vehicle access. The system allows registered vehicles to park for up to an hour with a per-minute charge, increasing curb turnover and reducing double-parking hazards.

The $9.5 million project to revamp Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard includes a wide sidewalk, new bike path, 60+ trees, and improved infrastructure, enhancing access to the Delaware River Trail. Managed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the project aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in South Philadelphia.

Philadelphians are participating in a 24-hour SEPTA transit ride to oppose budget cuts and fare increases, advocating for the permanent Zero Fare Program for students and a proposed Transit Access Fund. Organizers and advocates, including Julio Rodriguez and Council member Mark Squilla, highlight the importance of accessible and affordable transit for students and low-income residents.

John Bucci Jr. revamped his family’s cheesesteak recipe, leading to its 2002 recognition as the best in Philadelphia. Ken Silver rebuilt his fire-damaged Jim’s South Street restaurant and highlighted the pandemic’s mixed impact on his business.

Philly's City Council renamed Taney Street to LeCount Street in 2024 to honor civil rights activist Caroline LeCount, replacing the name of Roger B. Taney, who authored the Dred Scott decision. The change, advocated by activists like Samaya Brown and Leo Vaccaro over six years, set a precedent for future street name changes in the city.

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.