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Parker's big bet on Kensington's McPherson Square revamp

Despite recent public safety efforts, the square remains a haven for open-drug use and homelessness.

Public Safety

Work is now underway on the next phase of the renovation of McPherson Square in Kensington.The big picture: The rehab of the notorious public green space — widely known as Needle Park — could become the biggest test of Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/06/drug-treatment-center-philadelphia-holmesburg" data-vars-content-id="893fc9f1-b9f3-4bb5-9baa-9f4b0375da8e" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big bet on Kensington&#x27;s McPherson Square revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/06/drug-treatment-center-philadelphia-holmesburg" target="_self">Cherelle Parker&#x27;s</a> ultimate goal of shutting down <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open-air drug markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/09/29/xylazine-tranq-philadelphia-fentanyl" data-vars-content-id="893fc9f1-b9f3-4bb5-9baa-9f4b0375da8e" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big bet on Kensington&#x27;s McPherson Square revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/09/29/xylazine-tranq-philadelphia-fentanyl" target="_self">open-air drug markets</a> in the neighborhood.

What to know about LeBron James' preseason debut against the Knicks

Preseason or not, it doesn't matter when the Knicks are in town.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeJawn era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="4d46a984-c985-48e1-92b3-af68782896d5" data-vars-headline="What to know about LeBron James&#x27; preseason debut against the Knicks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" target="_self">LeJawn era</a> officially starts today.Why it matters: Sixers fans will get their first peek at how much LeBron James has left in the tank when he makes his preseason debut, likely logging limited minutes against the defending-champion Knicks.

Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus

Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense political pressure from the Trump administration.

Education

Philadelphia-area universities are largely failing to create a healthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" target="_self">free speech</a> climate on campus, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" target="_self">new national ranking</a>.Why it matters: Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" target="_self">political pressure</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" 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">Trump</a> administration and efforts by some universities to change policies in response.

Block by Block Philly competes with LA and Chicago in cleanest-city showdown

Philly is seeking redemption after losing to Chicago by just four bags in 2025.

You can call them the Fightin&#x27; Filthies: Block by Block Philly is leading more than a dozen neighborhood cleanups in a friendly competition with two other big cities.

New streetery designs could boost Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene

It's the city's latest attempt to revive a popular outdoor dining experience that has nearly gone extinct.

Food and Drink

The new streetery displays at Love Park offer a glimpse into the future of Philadelphia&#x27;s outdoor dining scene. Why it matters: The prototypes are the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s latest attempt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/philly-wants-to-make-outdoor-dining-easier-ahead-of-the-fifa-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="fcf88476-7f28-4d46-b0e9-af910e6c3163" data-vars-headline="New streetery designs could boost Philadelphia&#x27;s outdoor dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/03/philly-wants-to-make-outdoor-dining-easier-ahead-of-the-fifa-world-cup" target="_self">city&#x27;s latest attempt</a> to revive a popular outdoor dining experience that has nearly gone extinct.

Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses

Fill out your social calendar with these can't-miss events.

🚨 First Friday is here! Look for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special events and exhibits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday" target="_blank">special events and exhibits</a> at galleries, showrooms and shops across the city. They include: <ul><li>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-release party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrPpZZjguD/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrPpZZjguD/" target="_blank">re-release party</a> of the Beatles&#x27; &quot;Rubber Soul&quot; album at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hideaway Music" data-vars-click-url="https://hideawaymusic.org/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hideawaymusic.org/" target="_blank">Hideaway Music</a> in Chestnut Hill from 5-8pm. </li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Passyunk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbeTnNMvkOG/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbeTnNMvkOG/" target="_blank">East Passyunk</a> will be lit up with cool light projections, interactive installations and music from 7-11pm at 11th Street and E Passyunk Ave. </li></ul>🍿 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reel October" data-vars-click-url="https://filmadelphia.org/series/reel-october/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmadelphia.org/series/reel-october/" target="_blank">Reel October</a> will be showing classic flicks on 35mm all weekend, including &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Birth" data-vars-click-url="https://filmadelphia.org/movies/birth/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmadelphia.org/movies/birth/" target="_blank">Birth</a>&quot; tonight and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Separation" data-vars-click-url="https://filmadelphia.org/movies/a-separation/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmadelphia.org/movies/a-separation/" target="_blank">A Separation</a>&quot; on Sunday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Film Society&#x27;s theater" data-vars-click-url="https://filmadelphia.org/" data-vars-content-id="06fc9c01-26e7-435c-9886-57c2693ae573" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmadelphia.org/" target="_blank">Film Society&#x27;s theater</a> in Center City.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Philly

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="57634a58-09cc-4c71-84af-2a16df479b4e" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to Fishtown on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Philly weekender: Festivals galore, orchestra season and Phillies 

Fill up your social calendar with these can't-miss events.

🗓️ It&#x27;s the final weekend of September, so make it a good one!

Philly weekend: Music festival, art show and ballet

Fill out your social calendar with these fun things to do in Philly.

🪴 Join in on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly Plant Crawl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcRMXgIRPwj/" data-vars-content-id="d4b0f43e-91ab-4266-9d4a-e3b7aaf18342" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Music festival, art show and ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcRMXgIRPwj/" target="_blank">Philly Plant Crawl</a> starting today at more than a dozen shops across the city and &#x27;burbs. <ul><li>Look for discounts, deals and a raffle. Runs through Sunday. </li></ul>🍽️ Chow down for cheap. Manayunk&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/restaurant-week/" data-vars-content-id="d4b0f43e-91ab-4266-9d4a-e3b7aaf18342" data-vars-headline="Philly weekend: Music festival, art show and ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/restaurant-week/" target="_blank">Restaurant Week</a> runs through Sunday with participating restaurants — including Bar Jawn, Blondie and Yanako — offering prix-fixed meals ($15-$45 per person).

Philly weekender: Fringe Festival, honey and Halloween bar 

Fill up your social calendar with these can't-miss events in the region.

🎭 The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fringe Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyfringe.org/" data-vars-content-id="07215d2f-8022-4a51-808d-e80ce273a635" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Fringe Festival, honey and Halloween bar " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyfringe.org/" target="_blank">Fringe Festival</a> is up and running through Sept. 27. <ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyfringe.org/events/?" data-vars-content-id="07215d2f-8022-4a51-808d-e80ce273a635" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Fringe Festival, honey and Halloween bar " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyfringe.org/events/?" target="_blank">massive lineup</a> includes hundreds of theater shows, workshops, classes, films and interactive experiences across the city. Pay as you go. </li></ul>🖼️ Tonight is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Second Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inliquid.org/programming/second-thursday" data-vars-content-id="07215d2f-8022-4a51-808d-e80ce273a635" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Fringe Festival, honey and Halloween bar " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inliquid.org/programming/second-thursday" target="_blank">Second Thursday</a> in No Libs. Swing by N. American Street (1400-1800 blocks) from 5-9pm for gallery events and open-door studios.

Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

🇮🇹 Passyunk goes Italian with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Passeggiata" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" target="_blank">Passeggiata</a> — or evening stroll — tonight starting at 5pm with happy hour specials at bars and restaurants, extended retail business hours and a live jazz popup.🍽️ Last call to score discounts at restaurants in West Philly during the area&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dining Days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" target="_blank">Dining Days</a>. <ul><li>More than a dozen restaurants are offering $20-$40 lunch and dinner deals through Sunday. </li></ul>🚶 Head to Manayunk tonight for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stroll After Hours" data-vars-click-url="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" target="_blank">Stroll After Hours</a> event that brings food trucks, family activities, an outdoor movie and vendors from 6-10pm. <ul><li>Many of the activities will take place on the 100 blocks of Cotton and Grape Streets, which will be closed to traffic. </li></ul>

Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank  Park

Ahead of Friday's kickoff, Axios Philadelphia got a sneak peek yesterday of what's new at Citizens Bank Park, the food, merch and vibes.

Sports

Philadelphia is the center of the baseball world as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" target="_self">MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week</a> arrives.Why it matters: Days after South Philly hosted its final <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" data-vars-content-id="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> match, the city is diving into another mega sporting event as its jam-packed summer rolls on.

Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco's tacos

Award-winning chef Christina Martinez is expanding her culinary empire.

South Philly Barbacoa has set up an outpost at Triple Bottom Brewing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Award-winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/14/cristina-martinez-south-philly-barbacoa-james-beard" data-vars-content-id="ffc134f9-1920-4e2c-aaf5-20cb3817da8c" data-vars-headline="Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco&#x27;s tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/14/cristina-martinez-south-philly-barbacoa-james-beard" target="_self">Award-winning</a> chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christina Martinez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/01/south-philly-barbacoa-cristina-martinez-chefs-table" data-vars-content-id="ffc134f9-1920-4e2c-aaf5-20cb3817da8c" data-vars-headline="Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco&#x27;s tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/01/south-philly-barbacoa-cristina-martinez-chefs-table" target="_self">Christina Martinez</a> is expanding her culinary empire.

World Cup beers cost more in Philly than at most U.S. host venues

Philadelphia ranks among the priciest host cities for drinks, even before food enters the equation.

World Cup fans have to shell out more for water and beer at Philadelphia Stadium than many U.S. host venues. Why it matters: Fans coming for soccer could get their biggest surprise at the concession stand.

Food and Drink 🍽

New streetery designs could boost Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene

Philadelphia weekend: First Friday and haunted houses

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Philly

Philly weekender: Festivals galore, orchestra season and Phillies

Philly weekend: Music festival, art show and ballet