All Access

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Alerts

Alert

blue

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

Axios Philadelphia

Standard

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Philadelphia Members

Membership

How Philadelphia's holiday tree gets to City Hall

Getting the city's long-time tradition ready is a feat of logistics and willpower.

News

Pennsylvania simplifies mail-in voting

Officials say the changes were needed in a state where elections are won by slim margins.

Closures tied to 30th Street Station redesign coming in January

The project includes upgrades to public spaces and refurbishing the Metropolitan Lounge.

Without a Cue spins "A Christmas Carol" into interactive murder mystery

If you go: Every Friday-Sunday through Dec. 30. Tickets: $40.

Culture

Scrooge was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.Driving the news: Actors at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Without a Cue Productions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.withoutacue.com/" data-vars-content-id="cf0dce57-a11d-40f0-ae6c-a548d48d49bf" data-vars-headline="Without a Cue spins &quot;A Christmas Carol&quot; into interactive murder mystery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.withoutacue.com/" target="_blank">Without a Cue Productions</a> are reprising &quot;A Christmas Carol,&quot; the Charles Dickens&#x27; classic, into an interactive murder mystery.

Cast members from "Dickens of a Murder," a murder mystery based on "A Christmas Carol."

Charted: Multigenerational households in Philadelphia County

The intrigue: Living close to family or friends can improve your health and happiness.

Multigenerational households — three or more generations under one roof — are on the rise in the U.S.By the numbers: The share of multigenerational households in Philadelphia County is 11% — the highest in the state.

Philadelphia picks design for new Harriet Tubman statue

The statue will be the first of a historic Black woman figure in the city's vast public art collection.

The city selected a winning design Monday for the new Harriet Tubman statue at Philadelphia&#x27;s City Hall.Why it matters: The statue will be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first of a historic Black woman figure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/20/philadelphia-womens-monuments-public-art" data-vars-content-id="b330b3ec-423c-4b00-ab81-7a557080433e" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia picks design for new Harriet Tubman statue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/20/philadelphia-womens-monuments-public-art" target="_self">first of a historic Black woman figure</a> in the city&#x27;s vast public art collection.

Israeli American chef Michael Solomonov's go-to Rosh Hashanah brisket recipe

The James Beard-winning chef behind Philly's Zahav restaurant was born in G'nei Yehuda, Israel.

For Rosh Hashanah, Philadelphia&#x27;s star Israeli American chef Michael Solomonov has one go-to staple: his late mother&#x27;s coffee-braised brisket recipe. Catch up quick: Solomonov, who was born in G&#x27;nei Yehuda, Israel, and raised in Pittsburgh, has won three James Beard Foundation Awards and authored three cookbooks with his business partner Steve Cook.

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

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

Sports

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>

Pennsylvania 6-year-old wins national mullet competition

Rory Ehrlich intends to buy an alpaca for his sister with the $5,000 he won for taking first in the USA Mullet Championships.

A Pennsylvania 6-year-old has been crowned the mullet champion.Why it matters: When mulling your next haircut, remember mullets are once again fashionable.

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

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.

How Meek Mill went from rapper to culture hero: an oral history

A mini oral history of how the chart-topping musician became a face of criminal justice reform.

You may remember it: the day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meek Mill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/10/meek-mill-kevin-hart-school-scholarships" data-vars-content-id="e12e68f8-3542-479f-9de3-532051120ed3" data-vars-headline="How Meek Mill went from rapper to culture hero: an oral history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/10/meek-mill-kevin-hart-school-scholarships" target="_self">Meek Mill</a> walked into a Philadelphia courtroom for a hearing, and Judge Genece Brinkley sent him back to prison for popping illegal wheelies while on probation in 2017.Why it matters: It was a seismic moment in the history of hip-hop, one that would transform a chart-topping musician with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="64 Billboard hits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.billboard.com/artist/meek-mill/" data-vars-content-id="e12e68f8-3542-479f-9de3-532051120ed3" data-vars-headline="How Meek Mill went from rapper to culture hero: an oral history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.billboard.com/artist/meek-mill/" target="_blank">64 Billboard hits</a> into something else entirely: a face of national criminal justice reform.What&#x27;s happening: To mark this week&#x27;s 50th anniversary of hip hop, we&#x27;re going behind the scenes with a mini-oral history of that moment, and what it wrought.

Photo illustration of Meek Mill in front of a pattern reminiscent of an early Hip-hop show flyer.

Spending on kids' birthday bashes is over-the-top

Philly-area parents are dropping thousands of dollars on their little one's big day.

Wanna be a rockstar parent?Here&#x27;s an idea: Send an emissary to wrangle Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.<ul><li>Next, commission Jesus to raise John Lennon and George Harrison from the dead. Have the reunited Beatles play a live set in your backyard. For your child&#x27;s next birthday party.</li></ul>Oh, and livestream the entire thing!Driving the news: Half-kidding, as that&#x27;s only a somewhat exaggerated version of what Philly-area parents are doing when throwing their kids outrageous birthday bashes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Inquirer." data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/business/childrens-birthday-party-spending-cake-invitations-20230713.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=must_read_alerts_07_14_2023&amp;sfmc_id=0031U000027Xyn8QAC&amp;sub_source=must_read_alerts_newsletter&amp;list_name=DE37_Newsletter_Must_Read&amp;int_promo=newsletter&amp;et_rid=661521543" data-vars-content-id="436a4558-ce34-41a4-91b7-7aa8d868e4d1" data-vars-headline="Spending on kids&#x27; birthday bashes is over-the-top" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/business/childrens-birthday-party-spending-cake-invitations-20230713.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=must_read_alerts_07_14_2023&amp;sfmc_id=0031U000027Xyn8QAC&amp;sub_source=must_read_alerts_newsletter&amp;list_name=DE37_Newsletter_Must_Read&amp;int_promo=newsletter&amp;et_rid=661521543" target="_blank">per the Inquirer.</a>

Illustration of a shocked eagle looking at a phone, reading a message bubble that has flame emojis.

It's Beyoncé Day: Philly facts about Queen Bey

Remember when Sixers fans booed Beyoncé?

Things to Do

Bey&#x27;s back. Here&#x27;s some fast facts about the world&#x27;s biggest pop star, in Philly.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎼 She&#x27;s a &quot;Survivor.&quot;</h2>Philly&#x27;s a tough crowd, and no one is immune from their irascible antics, not even Queen B.

Beyoncé performing during her "Renaissance World Tour."

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Politics & Policy

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can't operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north

The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> told Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> last Sunday that he is concerned about a possible Israeli military operation in southern Gaza after the current pause in fighting ends, two U.S. officials told Axios.Driving the news: The Biden administration is extremely worried that an Israeli operation in the southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaza Strip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" target="_self">Gaza Strip</a> — where 2 million Palestinians are concentrated — would lead to significantly more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civilian casualties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" target="_self">civilian casualties</a> and deepen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanitarian crisis in the enclave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" target="_self">humanitarian crisis in the enclave</a>, the officials said.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18. Photo: Handout/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images

Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt

"I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room," the Tuesday email said.

More than 800,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan borrowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" target="_self">student loan borrowers</a> are set to receive a message from President Biden Tuesday afternoon.Why it matters: The email, shared in advance with Axios, is a direct appeal from the president to beneficiaries of his administration&#x27;s debt forgiveness push, as his approval rating among Democrats hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" target="_self">record low</a> last month, jeopardizing his 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" target="_self">re-election</a> bid.

Biden speaks at a lectern with American flags behind him.