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On top of Philly news

Being a lifeguard in Philly was my favorite summer job | Opinion

Opinion

The author as a lifeguard at the Feltonville public pool in the 2000s

Being a lifeguard in Philly was my favorite summer job | Opinion

Making money, friends, and community connections — watching over the pool offered it all.
jessderivera-headshot-crop2
By Jessica deRivera
A middle-to-older aged woman in black pants and a lavender shirt lets go of her orange bowling ball at the beginning of the lane, while the rest of the bowling alley stretches behind her

Philly’s two blind bowling leagues head to nationals this weekend

The competition has been around since the ‘50s, but local groups are striking out with new bowlers.
lisabryant
By Lisa Bryant
Wildwood Boardwalk, Memorial Day 2021

‘Down the shore’ explained: A history of Philly’s favorite summer travel phrase

You won’t hear the phrase much outside this region, but in Philadelphia it’s ubiquitous.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
chamberofcommerce-inclusivegrowth

Sponsored

This dashboard is tracking the Philly region’s economic growth since the pandemic

It measures four key markers: job growth, small business growth, wage growth, and poverty reduction.
clairgreenwood
By Claire Greenwood, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
 ·  May. 27
Glenn 'Hurricane' Schwartz in his early days at NBC10

‘Hurricane’ Schwartz retires from NBC Philadelphia after a storm-blazing TV weather career

Philly’s bowtie-wearing meteorologist basically set the format for Weather Channel reporting.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  May. 27
Margarita

Latino Life in Philly

The Philadelphia Latino Film Festival is back, bringing food and drink deals at restaurants around the city

Check the Gusto Grub Guide for in-person or delivery specials, and look for pop-ups at movie events.
bibianacorrea
By Bibiana Correa
 ·  May. 27

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Spread the word
Pa. Republican Senate candidates David McCormick, left, and Mehmet Oz

Election 2022

It’s a recount for Oz vs. McCormick: What you need to know about Pa.’s super-close race for Republican Senate nominee

We should know the results by June 8.
By Asha Prihar and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
 ·  May. 26
binax-covidtests

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philly is giving free COVID-19 tests to party throwers and event organizers

Party on, Philadelphia? The Health Department knows people aren’t going to stop gathering, so there’s an online application to help make it safer.
lizzymclellanravitch-headshot
By Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
 ·  May. 25
Jawn Morgan on the back of a SEPTA bus

There’s a reason for the ‘Jawn Morgan’ billboard blitz, beyond tormenting residents

Philly has quite the reputation when it comes to personal injury lawsuits.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  May. 25
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro during an abortion rights rally at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in May

Election 2022

No pressure: Pa.’s Josh Shapiro is being painted as the potential savior of democracy

National voices say Pennsylvania’s next executive could wield great influence over the 2024 presidential election, and the country’s future.
lizzymclellanravitch-headshot
By Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
 ·  May. 25
Singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez painted next to the front entrance at Tina Taco’s in Fishtown neighborhood

Latino Life in Philly

A big tribute and dance party for Philly to celebrate what Selena means to them

Brooklyn Bowl hosts the first local edition of the touring “Forever Selena” event commemorating the late Tejano singer.
By Bibiana Correa and Elizabeth Estrada
 ·  May. 25
clarkpark-marketvendor-jewelry-crop

Anxious Clark Park vendors are hoping for city solutions, like single-day permits or relaxed requirements

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said she’ll be “working with stakeholders” on a resolution.
emilywhite
By Emily White
 ·  May. 24
Volunteers who helped create and maintain Viola Street Community Garden in Parkside speak at a press conference announcing the 'Restore Community Land' plan

Philadelphia’s $10 million buyback plan could save hundreds of community gardens and lots from sheriff’s sale

Councilmember Brooks’ “Restore Community Land” plan would address bank-owned properties from a failed bond deal from 1997.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  May. 24
Workers install upgraded curb ramps on South Broad Street in 2018

Philly Streets is creating a new unit to speed fixing potholes and make sidewalks more accessible

The curb ramp repair crew has the potential to save the city millions in contractor costs.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  May. 23
Climbers struggle as their teammates climb on their shoulders during the greased pole competition in Montrose Piazza on Sunday

Philly tradition: Grease pole competition returns at Italian Market Festival

Heat didn’t stop people from attempting to climb the fabled 30-foot tower of slick.
erinblewett
By Erin Blewett
 ·  May. 23
The city has refused to commit to designate a specific percentage of federal relief funds for youth housing

Broke in Philly

Can Philly count? Advocates say hundreds more young people are experiencing homelessness than the city will acknowledge

Eighteen to 24-year-olds often “couch surf” if they can, and generally avoid agency services.
stevevolk
By Steve Volk
 ·  May. 23
Pina Colada from Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria

What to eat and drink at the 9th Street Italian Market Festival

10 top picks from the giant block party in South Philly.
erinblewett
By Erin Blewett
 ·  May. 21
Gabagool is a new offering from Eight and Sand Beer Co.

Philly Beer

‘Gabagool’ beer is an homage to Italian-American culture from a South Jersey brewery

You can try it at the Italian Market Festival this weekend.
danyaheadshot-2021nov
By Danya Henninger
 ·  May. 21
Rob Cassell in the tasting room at New Liberty Distillery in Kensington

Philly food and drink scene

Kensington’s New Liberty Distillery acquired a Bucks County boozemaker, and the deal could change the craft spirits landscape

Meanwhile, Bluecoat gin is now owned by a whiskey-maker in Kentucky.
ianmikrut
By Ian Mikrut
 ·  May. 21
Suffragists in Pennsylvania campaigning for the right to vote

Headlines of Yore

A first in 1922: Two Pa. women secure major party nominations for Congress

One was a professor, while the other was related to Ben Franklin.
aviwolfmanarent
By Avi Wolfman-Arent
 ·  May. 21
franklinfountain-icecream-green

Philly food and drink scene

Where to get ice cream in Philly: Mapping soft serve, gelato, and scoop shops

Scoops, soft serve and gelato: A guide to cooling down on a hot day.
By Billy Penn Staff
 ·  May. 20
Aaliyah Manon, a student at Liguori Academy, in one of the reading nooks

Port Richmond school gets a library after years of planning, and students are reading up a storm

Donations are helping Liguori Academy fill up the shelves.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
 ·  May. 20
Temple University Station, a central Regional Rail stop in Philadelphia

SEPTA kicks off Regional Rail makeover by asking you to dream up your ideal schedule

Convenience? Speed? Frequency? The transit authority is asking riders to help prioritize what gets addressed first.
lizzymclellanravitch-headshot
By Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
 ·  May. 20
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    The author as a lifeguard at the Feltonville public pool in the 2000s
    Being a lifeguard in Philly was my favorite summer job | Opinion
    A middle-to-older aged woman in black pants and a lavender shirt lets go of her orange bowling ball at the beginning of the lane, while the rest of the bowling alley stretches behind her
    Philly’s two blind bowling leagues head to nationals this weekend
    Wildwood Boardwalk, Memorial Day 2021
    ‘Down the shore’ explained: A history of Philly’s favorite summer travel phrase
    chamberofcommerce-inclusivegrowth
    This dashboard is tracking the Philly region’s economic growth since the pandemic
    morningroundup-skyline2a
    Another recount for Pa. voters; ‘Hurricane’ Schwartz retires from NBC10; Inspectors flee L&I | Morning roundup
    Glenn 'Hurricane' Schwartz in his early days at NBC10
    ‘Hurricane’ Schwartz retires from NBC Philadelphia after a storm-blazing TV weather career
    Margarita
    The Philadelphia Latino Film Festival is back, bringing food and drink deals at restaurants around the city
    Pa. Republican Senate candidates David McCormick, left, and Mehmet Oz
    It’s a recount for Oz vs. McCormick: What you need to know about Pa.’s super-close race for Republican Senate nominee
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    Free COVID tests for events; ‘Jawn Morgan’ billboard blitz; Insomnia Cookies new Center City HQ | Morning roundup
    binax-covidtests
    Philly is giving free COVID-19 tests to party throwers and event organizers
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    $10M land buyback plan; Philly teen gun violence survey; Solutions for Clark Park vendors | Morning roundup
    Jawn Morgan on the back of a SEPTA bus
    There’s a reason for the ‘Jawn Morgan’ billboard blitz, beyond tormenting residents
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