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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

Renting alone is too expensive for Gen Z in Philly

Fifty-one is the new 25, at least when it comes to living alone.

Real Estate

Fifty-one is the new 25, at least when it comes to living alone in the Philadelphia metro.Why it matters: That&#x27;s about the average age of a solo renter in the region, according to the latest census data. Many young Americans are splitting<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" steep rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/inflation-rent-prices-cost-of-living" data-vars-content-id="29e5ad7b-f3e8-4d9c-ad45-a6b607d11ef1" data-vars-headline="Renting alone is too expensive for Gen Z in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/inflation-rent-prices-cost-of-living" target="_self"> steep rents</a> that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eat into their income" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gen-z-rent-income-housing" data-vars-content-id="29e5ad7b-f3e8-4d9c-ad45-a6b607d11ef1" data-vars-headline="Renting alone is too expensive for Gen Z in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gen-z-rent-income-housing" target="_self">eat into their income</a>.

Share of renters who live alone by metro area, 2022

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.

You need $75,003 annually to buy a house in metro Philadelphia

Why it matters: Americans haven't felt this discouraged about home buying in decades.

The median income in Philadelphia is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$56,517" data-vars-click-url="https://data.census.gov/all?q=Philadelphia+County,+Pennsylvania,+median+income" data-vars-content-id="bdae1200-1fbf-4171-ac4f-ace511d7bdd1" data-vars-headline="You need $75,003 annually to buy a house in metro Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.census.gov/all?q=Philadelphia+County,+Pennsylvania,+median+income" target="_blank">$56,517</a> a year, but you&#x27;ll need to earn $18,486 more than that to comfortably afford the metro area&#x27;s median-priced home, per a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" new analysis from Redfin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-income-afford-home-record-high/" data-vars-content-id="bdae1200-1fbf-4171-ac4f-ace511d7bdd1" data-vars-headline="You need $75,003 annually to buy a house in metro Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-income-afford-home-record-high/" target="_blank"> new analysis from Redfin</a>.Why it matters: Americans haven&#x27;t felt this<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" discouraged about home buying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/housing-market-2023-mortgage-fall-predictions" data-vars-content-id="bdae1200-1fbf-4171-ac4f-ace511d7bdd1" data-vars-headline="You need $75,003 annually to buy a house in metro Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/housing-market-2023-mortgage-fall-predictions" target="_self"> discouraged about home buying</a> in decades.

Illustration of a door knocker in the shape of a dollar sign

How long it takes to break even on your Philadelphia home

Get comfy, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/insurance-rates-climate-change-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="d45a4889-c440-400a-88eb-5780098276c4" data-vars-headline="How long it takes to break even on your Philadelphia home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/27/insurance-rates-climate-change-extreme-weather" target="_self">Philly homeowners</a>.<ul><li>It can take up to 15.3 years to break even on your purchase, per Zillow data exclusively shared with Axios.</li></ul>

Tour million-dollar homes in Philadelphia at Open House Philly

It's like a real-life version of "House Hunters" without having to take out a mortgage with a crazy high interest rate.

This weekend is your chance to step through million-dollar homes in some of Philly&#x27;s most expensive neighborhoods.Why it matters: It&#x27;s like a real-life version of &quot;House Hunters&quot; without having to take out a mortgage with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crazy high interest rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/07/us-mortgage-rates-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="df7aaea1-0501-44ef-b8b1-38762dd7f222" data-vars-headline="Tour million-dollar homes in Philadelphia at Open House Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/07/us-mortgage-rates-housing-market" target="_self">crazy high interest rate</a>.

An image of a penthouse Arthaus in Philadelphia

Gen-Z is spending 30% of income or more on rent in Philly

The majority of Philadelphia&#x27;s Gen-Zers are coughing up at least 30% of their income for rent, according to the latest U.S. census data.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steep prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/housing-market-2023-mortgage-fall-predictions" data-vars-content-id="696f7a78-1801-4190-af8d-d473b3e729a2" data-vars-headline="Gen-Z is spending 30% of income or more on rent in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/housing-market-2023-mortgage-fall-predictions" target="_self">Steep prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" data-vars-content-id="696f7a78-1801-4190-af8d-d473b3e729a2" data-vars-headline="Gen-Z is spending 30% of income or more on rent in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> pose seemingly insurmountable hurdles to homeownership — and in many places renting isn&#x27;t necessarily an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordable alternative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/16/rent-growth-crisis" data-vars-content-id="696f7a78-1801-4190-af8d-d473b3e729a2" data-vars-headline="Gen-Z is spending 30% of income or more on rent in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/16/rent-growth-crisis" target="_self">affordable alternative</a>.

Starr's restaurant in Rittenhouse Square shapes up

It'll do brunch, weekday lunch and dinner. Zoning officials are expected to look at the project this fall.

Food and Drink

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stephen Starr restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/18/stephen-starr-new-restaurant-rittenhouse-square" data-vars-content-id="8bdf0437-bff5-4755-aa68-ca0f1dae0643" data-vars-headline="Starr&#x27;s restaurant in Rittenhouse Square shapes up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/18/stephen-starr-new-restaurant-rittenhouse-square" target="_self">Stephen Starr restaurant</a> coming to Rittenhouse that we told you about earlier this year is taking shape.What&#x27;s happening: Starr is planning to open an Italian version of his popular French bistro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parc" data-vars-click-url="https://parc-restaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="8bdf0437-bff5-4755-aa68-ca0f1dae0643" data-vars-headline="Starr&#x27;s restaurant in Rittenhouse Square shapes up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parc-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Parc</a> in the former flagship Barnes &amp; Noble store, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inquirer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/food/restaurants/starr-italian-restaurant-parc-rittenhouse-square-20230928.html" data-vars-content-id="8bdf0437-bff5-4755-aa68-ca0f1dae0643" data-vars-headline="Starr&#x27;s restaurant in Rittenhouse Square shapes up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/food/restaurants/starr-italian-restaurant-parc-rittenhouse-square-20230928.html" target="_blank">Inquirer</a>.

Philadelphia's share of million-dollar homes rises

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

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. 

Investor behind 35-property sale in West Philly

The portfolio of properties primarily in Cobbs Creek is raising concerns in the neighborhood that the sale could lead to raised rents and displacement.

The investor behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="35 properties for sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/28/zillow-philadelphia-tiktok" data-vars-content-id="355fb1ca-fb58-42b0-b9b3-0b9e13fd4b12" data-vars-headline="Investor behind 35-property sale in West Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/28/zillow-philadelphia-tiktok" target="_self">35 properties for sale</a> in a pocket of West Philly is Thomas Domalski, according to city and state records reviewed by Axios.Why it matters: The group of homes primarily in Cobbs Creek is raising concerns that the sale could lead to higher rents and displacement.

Illustration of a magnifying glass with a key for the handle.

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.

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