All Access

All-Access Weekly Digest

Standard

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Alerts

Alert

blue

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Philadelphia. Written by local reporters.

Axios Philadelphia

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Philadelphia Members

Membership

Hollywood writers' contract deal includes historic AI rules

Writers and producers can agree to use AI on a project — but writers can't be made to use it.

Technology

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement to finally end" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/wga-strike-end" data-vars-content-id="ee3cccfe-1b52-459f-827f-d58738b92e3e" data-vars-headline="Hollywood writers&#x27; contract deal includes historic AI rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/wga-strike-end" target="_self">agreement to finally end</a> the 148-day-long Hollywood writers strike includes landmark rules governing the use of AI in Hollywood projects. Why it matters: Legal, creative and labor norms around AI are unsettled, and the guidelines set today are likely to set patterns for the future.

Illustration of robot hands typing on a typewriter.

Millions more students eligible for free school meals

Some 3,000 more school districts will become eligible for meals at no cost.

Politics & Policy

Millions of more students will gain access to free breakfast and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lunch at school" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/school-districts-brace-for-rising-lunch-prices" data-vars-content-id="e72061e7-e003-4f19-94a2-fc521930a8fc" data-vars-headline="Millions more students eligible for free school meals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/school-districts-brace-for-rising-lunch-prices" target="_self">lunch at school</a>, the U.S. Department of Agriculture&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/09/26/usda-expands-access-school-breakfast-and-lunch-more-students" data-vars-content-id="e72061e7-e003-4f19-94a2-fc521930a8fc" data-vars-headline="Millions more students eligible for free school meals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/09/26/usda-expands-access-school-breakfast-and-lunch-more-students" target="_blank">announced</a> Tuesday.Driving the news: The expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will make some 3,000 additional school districts serving more than 5 million students eligible for meals at no cost.

Charted: Congress' most rebellious freshman lawmakers

Voting against your party can be politically risky, especially for a newcomer.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) has voted against the majority of her party 18% of the time since the start of this Congress — more than any other freshman representative or senator, according to Quorum data.Why it matters: Voting against one&#x27;s party can be politically risky — or a political asset for swing-seat lawmakers seeking to showcase their independence. The stakes are even higher with such narrow majorities governing both the House and Senate.

Democrat Bob Menendez finds unlikely defenders in the GOP

"It's up to him and the voters of New Jersey to make the resignation decision."

As embattled Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bob Menendez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/26/senate-democrats-bob-menendez-resign" data-vars-content-id="38e84781-58b4-4eec-b6d6-6ec73141bf04" data-vars-headline="Democrat Bob Menendez finds unlikely defenders in the GOP" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/26/senate-democrats-bob-menendez-resign" target="_self">Bob Menendez</a> (D-N.J.) faces calls to resign from more than half of Senate Democrats, a surprising group of lawmakers is backing up his decision to stay and fight: Republicans.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a stark example of how the two parties have diverged on the question of what scandals and legal challenges disqualify someone from serving in public office.

Donald Trump committed fraud by exaggerating wealth, judge says

The ruling comes days before the civil trial is set to begin on New York AG Letitia James' lawsuit.

A New York state judge ruled Tuesday that former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="97ae79ad-42a1-418d-bd98-7cda21cca066" data-vars-headline="Donald Trump committed fraud by exaggerating wealth, judge says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> committed fraud by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exaggerating his net worth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/08/trump-net-worth-inflated-billions-new-york" data-vars-content-id="97ae79ad-42a1-418d-bd98-7cda21cca066" data-vars-headline="Donald Trump committed fraud by exaggerating wealth, judge says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/08/trump-net-worth-inflated-billions-new-york" target="_self">exaggerating his net worth</a> on financial records, according to a court filing. The big picture: The ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron comes days before the trial is set to begin on Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Attorney General Letitia James&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/21/trump-new-york-criminal-referral-fraud-irs" data-vars-content-id="97ae79ad-42a1-418d-bd98-7cda21cca066" data-vars-headline="Donald Trump committed fraud by exaggerating wealth, judge says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/21/trump-new-york-criminal-referral-fraud-irs" target="_self">New York Attorney General Letitia James&#x27;</a> civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his business on allegations of falsifying business records.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd during a campaign rally on September 25, 2023 in Summerville, South Carolina.

Happy Birthday, Gritty: Philadelphia's furry friend turns 5

Gritty is growing up before our eyes! He's got a girlfriend now, a new tattoo and soon a calendar.

News

New restaurants to watch in Philadelphia this fall

Food and Drink

Pennsylvania adopts automatic voter registration

The policy could have significant implications for the November and 2024 elections.

Why you should watch the new Jason Kelce documentary

Not all gridiron greats show their layers, but the  documentary gives an intimate peek at Kelce beyond the field.

Sports

Philadelphia gets spotlight on NYT's 2023 best restaurants list

Simple Mexican sandwiches and "head-turning" Asian cuisine.

Three of Philadelphia&#x27;s best dining spots — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kalaya" data-vars-click-url="https://kalayaphilly.com/" data-vars-content-id="e723dcd3-16e3-42c0-a207-780510e947b9" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia gets spotlight on NYT&#x27;s 2023 best restaurants list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kalayaphilly.com/" target="_blank">Kalaya</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Chingon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elchingonphilly.com/" data-vars-content-id="e723dcd3-16e3-42c0-a207-780510e947b9" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia gets spotlight on NYT&#x27;s 2023 best restaurants list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elchingonphilly.com/" target="_blank">El Chingon</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="My Loup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myloupphl.com/" data-vars-content-id="e723dcd3-16e3-42c0-a207-780510e947b9" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia gets spotlight on NYT&#x27;s 2023 best restaurants list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myloupphl.com/" target="_blank">My Loup</a> — made the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times&#x27; third annual list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#" data-vars-content-id="e723dcd3-16e3-42c0-a207-780510e947b9" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia gets spotlight on NYT&#x27;s 2023 best restaurants list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#" target="_blank">New York Times&#x27; third annual list</a> of the country&#x27;s best restaurants.Why it matters: Our restaurateurs are knocking it out of the park.

Animated illustration of three chef hats popping up out of nowhere, one after another.

Pietramala and Heavy Metal Sausage named among best new restaurants

It's a golden age for the city's restaurant and bar scene.

A pair of Philadelphia restaurants were named to Bon Appétit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best New Restaurants of 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-new-restaurants-2023/" data-vars-content-id="0a47ff95-de63-43b1-a2a1-032df3efb71f" data-vars-headline="Pietramala and Heavy Metal Sausage named among best new restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-new-restaurants-2023/" target="_blank">Best New Restaurants of 2023</a>.The big picture: It&#x27;s a golden age for the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2023-james-beard-award-winners" data-vars-content-id="0a47ff95-de63-43b1-a2a1-032df3efb71f" data-vars-headline="Pietramala and Heavy Metal Sausage named among best new restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2023-james-beard-award-winners" target="_blank">restaurant</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a43989427/best-bars-america-2023/?mc_cid=6d165df97a&amp;mc_eid=79407d7834" data-vars-content-id="0a47ff95-de63-43b1-a2a1-032df3efb71f" data-vars-headline="Pietramala and Heavy Metal Sausage named among best new restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a43989427/best-bars-america-2023/?mc_cid=6d165df97a&amp;mc_eid=79407d7834" target="_blank">bar</a> scene.

Illustration of utensils with hungry emojis on them.

Focus groups: Pa. swing voters view Shapiro as Dems' next darling

Some say they'd like to see the rookie governor run for president in 2024 over President Biden.

Politics

Some Pennsylvania swing voters believe Gov. Josh Shapiro could become the Democrats&#x27; next rising star sooner rather than later, according to our latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Engagious/Sago" data-vars-click-url="http://www.swingvoterproject.com/" data-vars-content-id="3b9d700d-b706-4cef-9f4c-366e19c7cbd3" data-vars-headline="Focus groups: Pa. swing voters view Shapiro as Dems&#x27; next darling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.swingvoterproject.com/" target="_blank">Engagious/Sago</a> focus groups.Driving the news: More than a third of Pennsylvania swing voters in two online focus groups conducted last week said they&#x27;d like to see Shapiro run for president in 2024 over President Joe Biden.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro looks on as President Biden delivers remarks during an I-95 briefing.

Philly City Council gets moving on ban of overdose prevention sites

The ban would stretch over nine of 10 Council districts.

City Council is teeing up legislation to essentially ban overdose prevention sites throughout most of Philadelphia.Why it matters: The proposal would hinder the opening of any potential facility and shift more control over that process to lawmakers.

Philadelphia's share of million-dollar homes rises

Low inventory is pushing up prices nationwide and sending more into seven-figure territory.

Real Estate

Roughly 2.5% of homes are worth at least $1 million in the Philadelphia metro area, up slightly from a year ago, per a new report from Redfin.Why it matters: Low inventory is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushing up prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/housing-prices-affordability-rise-fall-2023-goldman-sachs" data-vars-content-id="94838626-e484-4bd8-aca5-7066f72d53bf" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s share of million-dollar homes rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/housing-prices-affordability-rise-fall-2023-goldman-sachs" target="_self">pushing up prices</a> nationwide and sending more into seven-figure territory.

Philadelphia's apartment conversions to rise in coming years

About 22% of units pegged for conversion in the city's pipeline will be from office buildings and hotels, per a report by RentCafe.

Philly will lead a growing national trend of converting unused buildings to apartments, per a new report.Why it matters: Cities across the nation with fewer commuters and more shuttered businesses are scrambling to revive downtowns in the post-pandemic world.

Illustration of a hand holding a key surrounded by abstract shapes. 

Philadelphia sees rise in new businesses, per Yelp data

Business openings have surpassed 2019 levels.

Business

New business listings on Yelp jumped a whopping 28% across the Philadelphia area in July, compared to the same time last year.Why it matters: That&#x27;s a good measure of economic sentiment — people generally don&#x27;t take the risk of spinning up a new venture if they foresee economic peril ahead.

Comcast's in-office mandate could boost Center City

Roughly 8,000 employees will have to return to the office for four days a week.

Comcast&#x27;s new return-to-office mandate will bring thousands of its employees back to Center City for at least four days a week, starting today.Why it matters: The technology giant is Philly&#x27;s largest private downtown employer, and the policy could give a jolt to the area&#x27;s pandemic recovery.

Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting

The move comes hours after a judge ruled prosecutors hadn't shown enough evidence that Dial committed a crime in the fatal shooting.

The Philadelphia District Attorney&#x27;s Office is refiling charges against police officer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mark Dial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/08/philly-police-officer-surrenders-in-eddie-irizarry-killing" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/08/philly-police-officer-surrenders-in-eddie-irizarry-killing" target="_self">Mark Dial</a> in the fatal shooting of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eddie Irizarry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/police-shooting-philadelphia-video" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/22/police-shooting-philadelphia-video" target="_self">Eddie Irizarry</a> after a judge dismissed them on Tuesday.Why it matters: Irizarry&#x27;s death has outraged community members and the 27 year old&#x27;s family, who are demanding accountability and justice in the case that&#x27;s been the subject of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conflicting police accounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/philadelphia-police-shooting-kensington" data-vars-content-id="2ff80b0b-34bf-4f45-b5b6-3f1628bcbdaf" data-vars-headline="Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/17/philadelphia-police-shooting-kensington" target="_self">conflicting police accounts</a>.

Photo illustration of a Philadelphia police cruiser with lines radiating from it.

The dangerous work of Philadelphia's anti-violence patrols

Grassroots anti-violence groups Stop Killing Us and Philly Truce have asked for more police officer escorts after the incident on Sept. 17.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/28/philadelphia-ranks-near-bottom-of-safety-poll" data-vars-content-id="625f85ef-16eb-47e4-a77f-3bca244dac5a" data-vars-headline="The dangerous work of Philadelphia&#x27;s anti-violence patrols" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/28/philadelphia-ranks-near-bottom-of-safety-poll" target="_self">Philadelphia</a> violence interrupters say they&#x27;re beefing up security measures after volunteers were threatened during a peace walk in Kensington.Why it matters: The patrols are organized to help de-escalate conflict in some of Philly&#x27;s most dangerous neighborhoods, but the organizers say the recent targeted threat makes it harder for them to recruit volunteers.

Illustration of a handgun casting the shadow of a bullhorn on a red background.

New crime docuseries debuts on 2018 fatal stabbing in Philadelphia

The killing and trial drew debate about race, privilege and class across the city.

A new docuseries premieres Tuesday about one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Philadelphia&#x27;s recent history — the 2018 fatal stabbing of a real estate developer by a food delivery worker in Rittenhouse.Why it matters: The killing and trial drew debate about race, privilege and class across the city, along with national media attention.

Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called "off the wall"

The payments caused strife inside an agency that has faced scrutiny for a lack of transparency.

Two commissioners at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/21/philadelphia-cpoc-executive-director-search" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/21/philadelphia-cpoc-executive-director-search" target="_self">Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog</a> have been charging the agency for activities that weren&#x27;t dictated for payment by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city law" data-vars-click-url="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-300902" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-300902" target="_blank">city law</a>, according to records obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The payments caused strife inside the Citizens Police Oversight Commission — an agency that has repeatedly faced scrutiny for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lack of transparency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" target="_self">lack of transparency</a> in how it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="operates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/29/cpoc-video-hack" data-vars-content-id="1641c148-b3e3-4e4d-bcc0-96885f0293d1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called &quot;off the wall&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/29/cpoc-video-hack" target="_self">operates</a>.

Illustration of a police hat with coins falling into an open hand.  

Nearly 20% of Philadelphia seniors are working past 65

That decision is rarely by choice and instead often driven by fear and financial insecurity, advocacy groups say.

Nearly 1 in 5 Philadelphia seniors are working past the age of 65.Why it matters: That decision is rarely by choice and instead often driven by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/retirement-income-us-401k" data-vars-content-id="b0bedad1-4c3b-4f13-ba12-407b54980195" data-vars-headline="Nearly 20% of Philadelphia seniors are working past 65" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/retirement-income-us-401k" target="_self">fear</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/26/retirement-savings-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="b0bedad1-4c3b-4f13-ba12-407b54980195" data-vars-headline="Nearly 20% of Philadelphia seniors are working past 65" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/26/retirement-savings-washington-state" target="_self">financial insecurity</a>, advocacy groups say.

Illustration of an office chair with a doily on top, sitting on front of vintage wallpaper.

Philadelphia's police watchdog pays for help in new leader search

The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has been trying to permanently fill its leadership void for more than a year.

Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog will pay an outside firm to help the agency find a new executive director after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initial search imploded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" data-vars-content-id="445032cf-1528-488c-914d-afcfd2ee2e6b" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog pays for help in new leader search" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/06/02/cpoc-executive-director-search" target="_self">initial search imploded</a> following infighting among commissioners.Why it matters: The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has been trying to permanently fill its leadership void for more than a year, rebooting the process in June after three commissioners resigned over the board&#x27;s decision to extend an offer to a former police officer.

Illustration of a "hello my name is..." sticker shaped like a police badge.

Remote work in Philadelphia region falls from pandemic highs

The share of people who work from home in the Philly metro was 18.6% in 2022.

Remote work declined in the Philadelphia metro last year as more workers clocked in at the office, per newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau.Why it matters: Center City and other downtown economics depend on those offices being full.

Meet Philadelphia's youth poet laureate Oyewumi Oyeniyi

She'll work with the Free Library of Philadelphia to create community programming.

Oyewumi Oyeniyi&#x27;s name means royalty in the West African language of Yoruba — and now she&#x27;s basically royalty in Philadelphia.Driving the news: The 17-year-old senior at Cristo Rey High School fittingly wore a tiara when she was introduced this week as the city&#x27;s youth poet laureate.

Philadelphia youth poet laureate Oyewumi Oyeniyi

Philadelphia's median income rises, Pennsylvania's falls

But sky-high inflation erased income gains in the city.

Philadelphia households saw modest gains in median income last year, new census data shows.Why it matters: While incomes fell nationally and statewide, Philly bucked that trend as the city&#x27;s poverty rate ticked downward.

Philly police made progress in discipline reforms, says report

The city's police watchdog says fewer police officers are getting slaps on the wrist over allegations of serial misconduct.

Philadelphia&#x27;s police watchdog says fewer officers are getting slaps on the wrist over allegations of serial misconduct.Driving the news: The number of disciplinary cases resolved with training and counseling dropped more than 40% in 2022, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/media/20230912150242/Collaborative-Review-and-Reform-of-PBI-Part-2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5784c177-4d8e-42d3-8593-024e94a95897" data-vars-headline="Philly police made progress in discipline reforms, says report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/media/20230912150242/Collaborative-Review-and-Reform-of-PBI-Part-2.pdf" target="_blank">per a new report</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Citizens Police Oversight Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/05/06/philadelphia-citizen-police-oversight-commission-set-up" data-vars-content-id="5784c177-4d8e-42d3-8593-024e94a95897" data-vars-headline="Philly police made progress in discipline reforms, says report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/05/06/philadelphia-citizen-police-oversight-commission-set-up" target="_self">Citizens Police Oversight Commission</a> (CPOC).

Illustration of a police badge wrapped up in yellow tape that reads, "Police Line Do Not Cross."

Things to do in Philly this weekend

Things to Do

Looking for weekend plans? We&#x27;ve got you covered.😋 Thursday is the last <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayfair Night Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/871763307914924/" data-vars-content-id="691366a3-9088-4f1d-9fca-ddad1ccddf77" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Philly this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/871763307914924/" target="_blank">Mayfair Night Market</a> of the season in Northeast Philly. Check out live music, craft and food vendors and a bounce house for the kids from 6-9:30pm.

Illustration of two martini glasses forming the "W" in "weekend."

Globe-trekking puppet Little Amal visits Philadelphia

Amal, which means "hope" in Arabic, is a human rights symbol.

Little Amal is getting the Philly treatment.Driving the news: The giant, globe-trekking puppet — which has become a symbol of human rights — is being feted by many organizations and local leaders during her first stop Wednesday at Columbus Park as the city rolls out the red carpet for her two-day stay.

New Jason Kelce documentary starts streaming

See the seasonlong grind up close, along with more tender moments as Kelce and his wife welcome their third child.

The new Jason Kelce documentary was supposed to be a swan song, chronicling his last season in the NFL.Yes, but: The Eagles&#x27; center upended his plans to retire and is still cutting a rug years later.

Celebrate Philly's literary culture at Bookstore Crawl

Bookworms, this is the weekend you&#x27;ve been waiting for.What&#x27;s happening: The first-ever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phillybookstorecrawl.com/" data-vars-content-id="9b4a2342-d4b8-41bd-991d-0f81adc85cce" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Philly&#x27;s literary culture at Bookstore Crawl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phillybookstorecrawl.com/" target="_blank">Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl</a> is happening on Saturday at more than 20 businesses in the Philly area.

Illustration of a sun with rays made from an open book

We tried the world's biggest bounce house in South Philly

Enjoy inflatable fun at the Navy Yard, including a "Ninja Warrior"-style obstacle course.

It was one small step for this man, and one giant leap for bounce house enthusiasts.<ul><li>My partner and I recently took on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;inflatable goliath&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/31/big-bounce-america-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="b8a3bfe6-b606-49d1-abe1-7a08de6a4e55" data-vars-headline="We tried the world&#x27;s biggest bounce house in South Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/31/big-bounce-america-philadelphia" target="_self">&quot;inflatable goliath&quot;</a> at Philly&#x27;s Navy Yard, and with each gravity-defying step, we felt some of the euphoria that astronaut Neil Armstrong did during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his famous lunar expedition." data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZb2mqId0A" data-vars-content-id="b8a3bfe6-b606-49d1-abe1-7a08de6a4e55" data-vars-headline="We tried the world&#x27;s biggest bounce house in South Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZb2mqId0A" target="_blank">his famous lunar expedition.</a></li></ul>

Strangers hold hands and dance inside the world's biggest bounce house in Philly. 

Pennsylvania artist brings art exhibit to National Mall

Vanessa German's piece "Of Thee We Sing" is a statue of Black opera singer Marian Anderson at the Lincoln Memorial, where she delivered her famous 1939 performance

Culture

When she pondered what the National Mall missed, Pennsylvania artist Vanessa German quickly realized it was a monument to the human heart.Driving the news: German is a self-taught artist who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made a name for herself in Pittsburgh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2022/09/22/heinz-award-vanessa-german-artist-pittsburgh-ashville-nc/stories/202209200098" data-vars-content-id="0dd9ac3b-636c-4615-a5d2-97e2b8c2e34e" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania artist brings art exhibit to National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2022/09/22/heinz-award-vanessa-german-artist-pittsburgh-ashville-nc/stories/202209200098" target="_blank">made a name for herself in Pittsburgh</a>. She is one of six artists whose work will appear at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Beyond Granite: Pulling Together,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.beyondgranite.org/" data-vars-content-id="0dd9ac3b-636c-4615-a5d2-97e2b8c2e34e" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania artist brings art exhibit to National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.beyondgranite.org/" target="_blank">&quot;Beyond Granite: Pulling Together,&quot;</a> a month-long exhibit debuting this weekend at one of America&#x27;s most hallowed venues.

Rending of Pennsylvania artist Vanessa German's installation, "Of Thee We Sing" at the National Mall.

Jalen Hurts is becoming the NFL's most quotable quarterback

As the season opener approaches, we're reflecting on a few of our favorite Hurt-isms.

Jalen Hurts has turned around the Birds&#x27; fortunes on the field. But behind a microphone, he&#x27;s turning into a walking, talking fortune cookie.Hot take: The man spits wisdom that would make Confucius and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yogi Berra" data-vars-click-url="https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/the-50-greatest-yogi-berra-quotes" data-vars-content-id="ba58dcea-2676-42bf-a299-1a077610eda0" data-vars-headline="Jalen Hurts is becoming the NFL&#x27;s most quotable quarterback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/the-50-greatest-yogi-berra-quotes" target="_blank">Yogi Berra</a> proud.

Philadelphia Eagles season preview: Tough schedule and big tests

The Eagles' season-opener will test how prepared they are to make another Super Bowl run.

A &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rare bird" data-vars-click-url="https://store.inquirer.com/products/jh-rare-bird-inquirer-paperback-commemorative-book" data-vars-content-id="ce4d344d-9ff9-44cb-bfc2-e3034ee8d927" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Eagles season preview: Tough schedule and big tests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://store.inquirer.com/products/jh-rare-bird-inquirer-paperback-commemorative-book" target="_blank">rare bird</a>,&quot; a rare season and a rare moment.What&#x27;s happening: The Eagles&#x27; regular season starts this Sunday after capturing lightning in a bottle last year.

Philadelphia fans hold up a jersey of Eagles cornerback Darius Slay during training camp.

Phillies pilot facial recognition entry at Citizens Bank Park

Some critics are skeptical of the technology, citing data storing concerns and questions about facial recognition biases.

Phillies fans could face a dilemma that pits convenience against privacy next time they visit Citizens Bank Park.Driving the news: The team rolled out a new facial-recognition pilot program last week at the park&#x27;s first base gate that&#x27;s intended to speed up wait times and get fans inside the stadium sooner.

illustration of a facial recognition system

"Whiting out" Penn State's Axios Local bracket snub

The architect of the "White Out" game is salty about Penn State's first-round exit to Notre Dame in the Axios Local bracket of best college football gameday traditions.

The architect of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;White Out&quot; game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/21/penn-state-college-football-gameday-competition" data-vars-content-id="30204c2b-f5d7-4bd2-b553-d94de5127690" data-vars-headline="&quot;Whiting out&quot; Penn State&#x27;s Axios Local bracket snub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/08/21/penn-state-college-football-gameday-competition" target="_self">&quot;White Out&quot; game</a> is salty about Penn State&#x27;s first-round exit to Notre Dame in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Local bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/21/vote-best-college-gameday-traditions-united-states?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="30204c2b-f5d7-4bd2-b553-d94de5127690" data-vars-headline="&quot;Whiting out&quot; Penn State&#x27;s Axios Local bracket snub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/21/vote-best-college-gameday-traditions-united-states?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">Axios Local bracket</a> of best college football gameday traditions.

The "White Out" crowd at last year's football game between Penn State and Minnesota.

Vote for the best college game day traditions in Axios Local bracket

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands, college football has it all.

Live mascots, fight songs and marching bands — college football has it all. State of play: The game day experience often starts hours before kickoff. With the season starting Saturday, we want to know which school does it best.

Vote for Penn State in Axios Local's college gameday bracket

ESPN college football broadcaster Chris Fowler called it "monochromatic mayhem."

ESPN college football broadcaster Chris Fowler called it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;monochromatic mayhem.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/penn-states-white-out-game-explained/3xa0osdcv0tw1ptayro5o1un6" data-vars-content-id="677cbda5-c078-4b62-8396-14de25c82730" data-vars-headline="Vote for Penn State in Axios Local&#x27;s college gameday bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/penn-states-white-out-game-explained/3xa0osdcv0tw1ptayro5o1un6" target="_blank">&quot;monochromatic mayhem.&quot;</a><ul><li>Sports Illustrated dubbed it the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Greatest Show in College Sports.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/how-the-penn-state-white-out-became-the-greatest-show-in-sports" data-vars-content-id="677cbda5-c078-4b62-8396-14de25c82730" data-vars-headline="Vote for Penn State in Axios Local&#x27;s college gameday bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/how-the-penn-state-white-out-became-the-greatest-show-in-sports" target="_blank">&quot;Greatest Show in College Sports.&quot;</a></li></ul>

Subscribe to Axios Philadelphia

Charges refiled against Philadelphia cop in Eddie Irizarry shooting

The dangerous work of Philadelphia's anti-violence patrols

New crime docuseries debuts on 2018 fatal stabbing in Philadelphia

Scoop: Payments to Philly police watchdog members called "off the wall"

Philadelphia reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Sports 🏅

Food and Drink 🍽

Politics 🇺🇸

Real Estate 🏠

Business 🏦

Axios' 5 big things