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Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania

A new mandate specifies that all Pennsylvania students must be taught cursive in public and private schools.

Education

Pennsylvania has enshrined cursive into its school curriculum.Why it matters: Spending valuable class time teaching students to put pen to paper is a growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" data-vars-content-id="eb4ffba5-a21e-485f-8559-5e8693185315" data-vars-headline="Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" target="_self">nationwide</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" data-vars-content-id="eb4ffba5-a21e-485f-8559-5e8693185315" data-vars-headline="Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" target="_self">trend</a>, despite students using computers for more and more assignments.

This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust

Mason Lesser, a former pro surfer, is as intense as his classic, 600-degree Baker's Pride oven.

Food and Drink

Philly pizzeria owner Mason Lesser loves three things: making dough, surfing and going to the gym.The big picture: The 25-year-old former pro surfer is making a name for himself in Philly&#x27;s ultra-competitive food scene, cranking out New York-style pizzas every 10 minutes at his Fishtown shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marina&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://marinaspizzaco.com" data-vars-content-id="bfd0a2ef-e8b9-406d-88ac-2df14fb712fb" data-vars-headline="This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://marinaspizzaco.com" target="_blank">Marina&#x27;s Pizza</a>, which opened late last year.<ul><li>Helped by a six-person crew, Lesser works between 10 and 14 hours a day, seven days a week. And he has a message for people who warn him about his relentless pace that&#x27;s as saucy as his homemade pies.</li></ul>

HOA fees rise in Philly metro as more homes list with fees

Climbing HOA fees add to the already high cost of homeownership.

Real Estate

More homes listed for sale in the Philadelphia region came with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" data-vars-content-id="a4e4e221-48ae-46cb-aa2a-f8d773318f99" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise in Philly metro as more homes list with fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" target="_self">homeowners association</a> fees in 2025 — and those dues grew from the previous year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="a4e4e221-48ae-46cb-aa2a-f8d773318f99" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise in Philly metro as more homes list with fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: Climbing HOA fees add to the already high cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="a4e4e221-48ae-46cb-aa2a-f8d773318f99" data-vars-headline="HOA fees rise in Philly metro as more homes list with fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

Parker's big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares

The mayor's third spending plan signals Parker isn't slowing down as she hikes spending by approximately 2% over last year.

Politics

Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s roughly $7 billion budget blueprint targets Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/16/homelessness-on-the-rise" data-vars-content-id="1149a5eb-5bc6-48ea-96ef-d75e5dfc6a78" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/16/homelessness-on-the-rise" target="_self">homelessness epidemic</a> as a top priority while eyeing new fees on the gig economy.Why it matters: The mayor&#x27;s third spending plan signals Parker isn&#x27;t slowing down as she hikes spending by approximately 1.8% <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/13/philly-budget-cherelle-parker-housing-tax-cuts" data-vars-content-id="1149a5eb-5bc6-48ea-96ef-d75e5dfc6a78" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/03/13/philly-budget-cherelle-parker-housing-tax-cuts" target="_self">over last year</a> and digs in on improving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quality-of-life issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/31/philadelphia-block-cleanup-schedule" data-vars-content-id="1149a5eb-5bc6-48ea-96ef-d75e5dfc6a78" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/31/philadelphia-block-cleanup-schedule" target="_self">quality-of-life issues</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/04/12/philadelphia-mayor-cherelle-parker-public-safety-plan-kensington" data-vars-content-id="1149a5eb-5bc6-48ea-96ef-d75e5dfc6a78" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/04/12/philadelphia-mayor-cherelle-parker-public-safety-plan-kensington" target="_self">public safety</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2024/06/27/year-round-school-does-not-spell-huge-changes-for-parents-and-teachers/" data-vars-content-id="1149a5eb-5bc6-48ea-96ef-d75e5dfc6a78" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big $7B budget: More shelter beds and new fees on deliveries, ride shares" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2024/06/27/year-round-school-does-not-spell-huge-changes-for-parents-and-teachers/" target="_blank">schools</a>.

Frigid winter brings high utility costs to Philly customers

Higher utility costs are becoming the norm.

Climate

Gas and electric bills are shooting up this winter due to prolonged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frigid temps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/09/philly-will-start-to-partially-thaw-after-polar-plunge" data-vars-content-id="b2e6c2cc-c8e9-4abe-8f74-a250fb772541" data-vars-headline="Frigid winter brings high utility costs to Philly customers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/09/philly-will-start-to-partially-thaw-after-polar-plunge" target="_self">frigid temps</a> in the Philadelphia region.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Higher utility costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/01/rising-energy-bills-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="b2e6c2cc-c8e9-4abe-8f74-a250fb772541" data-vars-headline="Frigid winter brings high utility costs to Philly customers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/01/rising-energy-bills-pennsylvania" target="_self">Higher utility costs</a> are becoming the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="norm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/electric-power-bill-costs-ai-grid-reasons" data-vars-content-id="b2e6c2cc-c8e9-4abe-8f74-a250fb772541" data-vars-headline="Frigid winter brings high utility costs to Philly customers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/electric-power-bill-costs-ai-grid-reasons" target="_self">norm</a>.

New trails in the works for the Philadelphia region

Outdoor green spaces, like trails, can boost quality of life, improve mental health and link neighborhoods.

Things to Do

The network of trails throughout the Philadelphia region is poised to expand even further in the coming years. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outdoor green spaces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/27/best-public-parks-in-us-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="af49be3c-afbe-4a37-b30b-0a6400a2ccd0" data-vars-headline="New trails in the works for the Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/05/27/best-public-parks-in-us-philadelphia" target="_self">Outdoor green spaces</a> such as trails can boost quality of life, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improve mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/tools/parks-rec.html" data-vars-content-id="af49be3c-afbe-4a37-b30b-0a6400a2ccd0" data-vars-headline="New trails in the works for the Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/active-people-healthy-nation/php/tools/parks-rec.html" target="_blank">improve mental health</a>, link neighborhoods and provide a carless commuting option.

Penn Waste debuts AI recycling robots

The robots, created by Amazon-backed startup Glacier, are already being deployed in several cities.

Business

A Pennsylvania waste management company will start using AI-powered robots to sort through trash at one of the largest recycling plants in the Northeast.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penn Waste" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pennwaste.com" data-vars-content-id="72b8bbad-7e0b-48b6-8b2f-1ff22ff1108e" data-vars-headline="Penn Waste debuts AI recycling robots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pennwaste.com" target="_blank">Penn Waste</a> says the robots can more efficiently sort through the hundreds of tons of recycling the plant processes each year.

Philly schools have big solar power potential

Utility bills are typically among schools' top costs.

Philadelphia schools have untapped potential to cash in on the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/09/amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="f5a72a34-2f99-431c-a03c-f8763889c2ec" data-vars-headline="Philly schools have big solar power potential" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/09/amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania" target="_self">demand</a> for energy production.Why it matters: Utility bills are typically among the top costs facing schools.

No end in sight for rising energy bills in Pennsylvania

A perfect storm of factors is expected to hike prices even higher in the years to come.

Environment

Energy costs are surging in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania this summer.The big picture: A perfect storm of factors is expected to hike prices even higher in the years to come.

Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia

Prolonged heat is particularly hazardous to human health.

Heat streaks in Philadelphia are getting more common each year on average compared to 1970, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: Prolonged heat — as Philly and much of the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has experienced this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="2e263135-f433-4038-9b1e-a0f9f8b7775d" data-vars-headline="Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">has experienced this summer</a> — is particularly hazardous to human health.<ul><li>Plus: Multi-day heat streaks are also challenging for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="power grid operators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/us-power-grid-climate-change-extreme-weather-electricity" data-vars-content-id="2e263135-f433-4038-9b1e-a0f9f8b7775d" data-vars-headline="Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/us-power-grid-climate-change-extreme-weather-electricity" target="_self">power grid operators</a>, given all the energy-intensive A/C use.</li></ul>

Keep on stomping, Philly: Lanternflies return

The planthoppers' feeding habits threaten Pennsylvania's vineyards, hops and nurseries.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotted lanternfly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/06/spotted-lanternflies-trends-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="a5f780ec-dd90-42f4-b60a-e4eab417e293" data-vars-headline="Keep on stomping, Philly: Lanternflies return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/06/spotted-lanternflies-trends-pennsylvania" target="_self">Spotted lanternfly</a> season is hitting its peak.Why it matters: The polka-dotted bugs, native to Asia, have spread to more Pennsylvania counties since first appearing in the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11 years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/06/spotted-lanternflies-trends-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="a5f780ec-dd90-42f4-b60a-e4eab417e293" data-vars-headline="Keep on stomping, Philly: Lanternflies return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/06/spotted-lanternflies-trends-pennsylvania" target="_self">11 years ago</a>.

Donating hard-to-recycle items in Philly just got easier

resourcePhilly, the region's first sustainability search engine, is now live.

News

A promising sustainability tool is giving Philly&#x27;s hard-to-recycle items a new shelf life.Why it matters: Philly sends 2.3 billion pounds of waste to landfills and incinerators every year, environmental advocates say.

Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly

Average summer nighttime temperatures increased 4.1°F in Philly between 1970 and 2024.

Warm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" target="_self">summer</a> nights in Philly are starting to feel a little ... well, warmer. Why it matters: Higher overnight temperatures can have health consequences for vulnerable groups, as well as increase demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" target="_self">air conditioning</a>.

Birds in Pennsylvania and nationwide are vanishing fast

Some species like the piping plover have lost half of their population in the last half-century.

Birds that call Pennsylvania home are in serious decline.Why it matters: Birds are indicators of the health of their habitats and signal early warnings of broader trouble to the environment, and potentially to people.