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New Philly property assessments bring big tax hikes for some

The Kensington neighborhood saw the largest jump in its average property values — 15.3%.

Real Estate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Property tax reassessments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/real-estate-reassessments-property-taxes" data-vars-content-id="0814d8de-9ee0-4464-94f0-6fb4cbcf2398" data-vars-headline="New Philly property assessments bring big tax hikes for some" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/25/real-estate-reassessments-property-taxes" target="_self">Property tax reassessments</a> are back in Philly this year and, for many, that means higher bills — just don&#x27;t call it a tax hike.Why it matters: Even without raising the property tax rate, the city can collect more revenue as reassessments reflect rising property values.

Canadian wildfire smoke puts Philly under "Code Purple" air quality alert

Trash pickup has been suspended and pools are closed Friday.

Climate

Smoke from raging Canadian wildfires is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drifting into the Northeast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/14/wildfire-smoke-boston-yellow-sky-air-quality-massachusetts-canadian-wednesday-forecast" data-vars-content-id="6c697525-f665-4a58-9e30-5cbd3f378be2" data-vars-headline="Canadian wildfire smoke puts Philly under &quot;Code Purple&quot; air quality alert" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/07/14/wildfire-smoke-boston-yellow-sky-air-quality-massachusetts-canadian-wednesday-forecast" target="_self">drifting into the Northeast</a>, putting Philadelphia under a &quot;Code Purple&quot; air quality alert.Why it matters: Health officials are urging residents to stay indoors due to increased health risks, especially for older adults and people with underlying respiratory conditions.

Trump admin replaces President's House slavery exhibit panels overnight

It's part of the Trump administration's push to eliminate what it calls "improper ideology" from national parks nationwide.

News

Trump administration-approved educational panels are now greeting visitors at Philadelphia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President&#x27;s House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/19/trump-slavery-exhibit-independence-national-historic-park-restored" data-vars-content-id="fc42542e-aace-44be-9943-7b1b4ab4c9be" data-vars-headline="Trump admin replaces President&#x27;s House slavery exhibit panels overnight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/19/trump-slavery-exhibit-independence-national-historic-park-restored" target="_self">President&#x27;s House</a> slavery exhibit after months of legal fights over the site&#x27;s interpretation of history.Why it matters: The Trump administration has remade one of the nation&#x27;s most visited historical sites.

Philadelphia libraries are having a standout year

The Free Library of Philadelphia is experiencing a renaissance this year, with visitor numbers rising sharply.Why it matters: Who says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading is dead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="6b7e1764-fbd3-429d-b3a8-9cc202eec333" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia libraries are having a standout year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" target="_self">reading is dead</a>?

Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region

Experts say you should set out sooner than later.

Transit

Nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="700,000" data-vars-click-url="https://6abc.com/post/fourth-of-july-weekend-travel-holiday-aaa-forecast-4th/13427944/" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://6abc.com/post/fourth-of-july-weekend-travel-holiday-aaa-forecast-4th/13427944/" target="_blank">700,000</a> travelers in the Philadelphia region are expected to hit the road for the during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, per AAA.Why it matters: That&#x27;s a lot of extra congestion on our highways, as some residents look to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escape" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" target="_self">escape</a> Philly&#x27;s huge same-day stress test: a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup match" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyfwc26.com/matches" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyfwc26.com/matches" target="_blank">World Cup match</a> coupled with a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert and fireworks show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/27/july-4-concert-one-philly-mayor-parker-slogan" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/27/july-4-concert-one-philly-mayor-parker-slogan" target="_self">concert and fireworks show</a>.

Philly celebrates Cinco de Mayo without big festival

While El Carnaval de Puebla was canceled, you can head to a South Philly block party and other events Tuesday.

Culture

Philadelphia is marking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cinco de Mayo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/03/why-americans-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo" data-vars-content-id="b4e093a5-2d4e-4f39-bb87-8085473c33ff" data-vars-headline="Philly celebrates Cinco de Mayo without big festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/03/why-americans-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo" target="_self">Cinco de Mayo</a> with a block party and other events across the city Tuesday.The big picture: Philly&#x27;s largest celebration was called off over immigration enforcement concerns.

How to volunteer during Martin Luther King Day Jr. weekend in Philadelphia

This is one of those times Philadelphians step up and show why we're called the City of Brotherly Love.

Roll up your sleeves and make a plan to volunteer this weekend during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.Why it matters: Philadelphians will show why we&#x27;re called the City of Brotherly Love.

Philadelphia weekend: Carols, sauna pop-up and LEGO

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

Things to Do

😛 The Delco <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fare &amp; Flair Nights" data-vars-click-url="https://visitdelco.com/blog/towns-main-streets/celebrate-the-season-in-delaware-county/" data-vars-content-id="a95be420-49bf-4266-9206-f58341918162" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: Carols, sauna pop-up and LEGO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitdelco.com/blog/towns-main-streets/celebrate-the-season-in-delaware-county/" target="_blank">Fare &amp; Flair Nights</a> take over Media&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rose Tree Park" data-vars-click-url="https://visitdelco.com/things-to-do/family-fun/rose-tree-park/" data-vars-content-id="a95be420-49bf-4266-9206-f58341918162" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: Carols, sauna pop-up and LEGO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitdelco.com/things-to-do/family-fun/rose-tree-park/" target="_blank">Rose Tree Park</a> this weekend. Local merchants, food trucks and entertainment. Saturday-Sunday, 5-8:30pm🏒 Twice the ice. The Flyers take on the Golden Knights tonight at 7pm at the Xfinity Mobile Arena (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-vegas-golden-knights-philadelphia-pennsylvania-12-11-2025/event/300062EFA9CC38BE?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="a95be420-49bf-4266-9206-f58341918162" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: Carols, sauna pop-up and LEGO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-vegas-golden-knights-philadelphia-pennsylvania-12-11-2025/event/300062EFA9CC38BE?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $34+), and then are back in action Saturday at 7pm against Carolina (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-carolina-hurricanes-philadelphia-pennsylvania-12-13-2025/event/300062EFA9CE38C0?landing=c" data-vars-content-id="a95be420-49bf-4266-9206-f58341918162" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: Carols, sauna pop-up and LEGO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/philadelphia-flyers-vs-carolina-hurricanes-philadelphia-pennsylvania-12-13-2025/event/300062EFA9CE38C0?landing=c" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $46+).

Package theft declines in Philadelphia

In Philly, porch theft led to an estimated $450 million in losses last year.

Holidays

Mail package theft across Philadelphia has been trending downward recently, but still accounts for staggering financial losses.Why it matters: The peak <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/09/holiday-market-guide" data-vars-content-id="556fd3d7-bcbb-4ee7-b02b-95868da3a0b8" data-vars-headline="Package theft declines in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/09/holiday-market-guide" target="_self">holiday</a> season is upon us, bringing a surge in deliveries and more chances for porch pirates to strike.

Your guide to Philadelphia's holiday markets

Get into the spirit of the season while supporting local businesses.

If you need to check off that holiday wish list, Philadelphia&#x27;s markets have you covered.Why it matters: You&#x27;re knocking off two partridges with one stone: Getting in the season&#x27;s spirit. Check. <ul><li>Supporting local businesses. Check.</li></ul>

Giving Tuesday: Back Philly news and children's literacy

Because they're the gifts that keep on giving.

There&#x27;s a little <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scrooge" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/8ycNuvNcymI?si=xkSblVWwuLIjDcJV&amp;t=115" data-vars-content-id="2029a4a2-3350-4353-8676-8e1147f70afc" data-vars-headline="Giving Tuesday: Back Philly news and children&#x27;s literacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/8ycNuvNcymI?si=xkSblVWwuLIjDcJV&amp;t=115" target="_blank">Scrooge</a> inside us all — but today, let&#x27;s channel the benevolent, redeemed one at the end of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Christmas Carol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziwQx5hDVec" data-vars-content-id="2029a4a2-3350-4353-8676-8e1147f70afc" data-vars-headline="Giving Tuesday: Back Philly news and children&#x27;s literacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziwQx5hDVec" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a>.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s Giving Tuesday and a single day of charity can have a profound ripple effect on someone&#x27;s life.

How to watch Philadelphia's 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade

Billed as the oldest in the country, this year marks the 106th march of the annual tradition.

Start your Turkey Day with Philadelphia&#x27;s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday.Why it matters: Billed as the oldest in the country, this year marks the 106th march of the annual tradition.

Tips for avoiding Thanksgiving travel headaches around Philly

Planning ahead is your best shot at skipping (most of) the crowds on the roads and in airports.

The busy Thanksgiving travel season is underway.Why it matters: Planning ahead is your best shot at skipping (most of) the crowds on the roads and in airports.

Mapped: Pennsylvania's share of veterans

Veterans Day is Tuesday — and that means we&#x27;re saluting Pennsylvania&#x27;s roughly 601,500 veterans. By the number: The comes to 5.8% of the Commonwealth&#x27;s civilian population 18 and over, putting Pennsylvania 39th among all states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, per 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data

A table lists best and worst driving times for the nine-day July 4 holiday period, from June 27 to July 5. Worst traffic usually falls from noon to evening, longest on July 1 at noon-9 p.m. Best travel is generally before late morning or noon, except July 4 after 3 p.m.