What we know about the spill in a Delaware River tributary
A chemical spill this weekend in Bucks County led to worries about tap water in Philadelphia, as over half the city’s water supply comes from the Delaware.
- No contaminants have been found in Philly’s drinking water and it’s safe through at least midnight tonight, officials said late Sunday, after an alert that sent people rushing to empty bottled water off store shelves.
What’s the deal with the changing timelines, where did the spill come from, who’s working on cleaning it up, and what chemicals were in it? We explain.

The club for ‘working women’ that’s now a boutique hotel
The New Century Guild launched in 1882 to support the increasing number of working women in Philadelphia, providing education, networking, and more.
- A place to eat workday lunch was one of the basic needs fulfilled by the guild, Asha Prihar reports — at the time, women weren’t supposed to go to restaurants by themselves.
The club’s Locust street HQ is now a boutique hotel that pays homage to the history, and the organization still exists as the Gender Justice Fund.
→ From a newspaper to health insurance

RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Sen. Fetterman is expected to return to the Senate “soon” after 5+ weeks hospitalized for depression, his staff said. He’s been working while at Walter Reed, meeting with staff and cosponsoring legislation. [AP/Inquirer$]
- Most government documents are available to the public, but how can you get your hands on them? A guide to requesting records in Pa. [Spotlight PA]
- Where do mayoral candidates stand on environmental issues? Q&As with eight of the contenders on cycling, flooding, tree canopy, and vacant lots. [Grid]
- Want to help spread the word about traffic safety? The city is recruiting Vision Zero ambassadors with a $1,500 stipend. Applications are due this Sunday, April 2. [Vision Zero PHL/Office Forms]
- The Lady Hoofers, a regional women’s tap dance troupe, is returning to the stage for the first time since COVID with a spring series at Penn’s Landing. [Metro]
- Steve Coates, aka Coatesy, Flyers broadcaster extraordinaire, is retiring after 43 years covering with the franchise. [NHL]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney has no public appearances scheduled for today. He has been entirely absent from any briefings or announcements about the water situation.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎤 Jim Gardner leads a trio of moderators for another edition of the Citizen’s “Ultimate Job Interview” of Philly mayoral candidates, held at the Fitler Club. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 27)
🌆 The candidates next appear at Houston Hall in UCity for the Crosstown Coalition’s forum focusing on schools, jobs, housing, trash, and management skills. (7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 28)
👗 Make your own screen print and learn about the namesake fashion house at the opening of the monthlong “Radically Marimekko” exhibit at the American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park. (5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29)
🍹 Kensington’s Penn’s Treaty Coworking hosts a Women’s History Month networking afternoon, with breakout groups and an early roofdeck happy hour. (12:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 29)
Catch up on the previous week
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