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Axios Philadelphia
With Biden out, Josh Shapiro emerges as possible VP pick
With President Biden ending his re-election bid, there's growing chatter that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro could be a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.Why it matters: Shapiro, who's positioned himself as a moderate Democrat, has many advantages for a national ticket, including representing a pivotal swing state that former President Trump's campaign has indicated will be central to their campaign strategy.The former state lawmaker and attorney general has decades of political experience, and some swing voters view Shapiro as Democrats' next rising star.The big picture: Shapiro is among several Democratic governors getting attention for the VP spot, as...
Philadelphians to root for at the Paris Olympics
Opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics in Paris are one week from today, and there are plenty of hometown athletes to keep an eye on.The big picture: 35 Olympians from Pennsylvania will compete in the games, including a handful from Philadelphia.Several more will compete in the Paralympics, which begin Aug. 26.By the numbers: We have the fifth-most competitors in the country behind California, Florida, Texas and Illinois.Here are a few athletes and events to watch:Joel Embiid: Men's basketballThe seven-time All-Star is coming off one of his best seasons, which was interrupted by a meniscus tear that doomed his chances...
Pennsylvania brings back ready-to-drink cocktails
Ready-to-drink cocktails are returning to Pennsylvania's restaurants and gas stations.Why it matters: You'll soon be able to pick up canned cocktails at your neighborhood spots.State of play: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill on Wednesday, which will make High Noons, Surfsides and other spirit-based drinks available to carry out in 60 days (but no, not in time for Labor Day).How it works: Restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations can sell to-go until 11pm.The drinks can't contain more than 16 ounces or have an alcohol content of more than 12.5%, but you can buy up to two six-packs at...
A massive IUD named Freeda is coming to Philadelphia
She's purple. She's 20-feet tall. And her name is Freeda.Why it matters: She's also a giant inflatable IUD on a nationwide tour to advocate for the protection of birth control access. Her next stop is Philadelphia.Driving the news: Freeda will be posted up outside City Hall Friday between about 10am and noon.The birth control device has also made stops in Baltimore, Richmond (Virginia), Miami, and Washington, D.C.Catch up quick: The massive IUD, an idea from Americans for Contraception, went viral after the organization debuted it at D.C.'s Union Station on June 5 — when the U.S. Senate was voting on the Right to Contraception Act.Nearly all Republicans blocked the bill.Between the lines: When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas said in a concurring opinion the court should reconsider decisions protecting birth control access.Zoom in: Access to contraceptives in Pennsylvania isn't protected by state law.Yes, but: A bill to protect and expand access to contraception passed in the Democrat-controlled state House last month.The proposal remains parked in a Senate committee.What's next: Freeda's next stops are Raleigh and then Charlotte, North Carolina.
Philadelphia's population is graying quickly
Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosThe Philadelphia area's 65-and-up population increased significantly from 2020 to 2023 while the region saw declines in nearly all other age groups.Why it matters: Cities with growing senior populations must be mindful of older residents' specific needs, like affordable housing and transportation.The big picture: The spike in seniors here matched the trend in other big U.S. cities, reflecting a broader national phenomenon.America's overall 65-plus population rose 9.4% between 2020 and 2023, to about 59.2 million people, per the U.S. Census Bureau.By the numbers: The region's senior population increased by 95,000 residents, up 9.3%. The...
Philadelphia's population is graying quickly
Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosThe Philadelphia area's 65-and-up population increased significantly from 2020 to 2023 while the region saw declines in nearly all other age groups.Why it matters: Cities with growing senior populations must be mindful of older residents' specific needs, like affordable housing and transportation.The big picture: The spike in seniors here matched the trend in other big U.S. cities, reflecting a broader national phenomenon.America's overall 65-plus population rose 9.4% between 2020 and 2023, to about 59.2 million people, per the U.S. Census Bureau.By the numbers: The region's senior population increased by 95,000 residents, up 9.3%. The...
Weekender: Ben Franklin's B-day bash, summer festivals
🎉 Enjoy the Delaware Riverfront at the Glen Foerd estate in Northeast Philly Thursday for this monthly Third Thursday event. Food trucks, Minas Brazilian Music, lawn games and activities. 6-8pm, register in advance.🎶 The Night Market in Mayfair returns tonight, featuring the Great Scott Band and vendors. 6-9pm at Frankford and Cottman avenues.🍽️ Find restaurant discount deals during University City Dining Days, running through July 28. Dinner and lunch options range from $20-$40 at dozens of restaurants.🎂 Celebrate Franklin Square's 18th birthday on Saturday with free carousel rides (for the first 100 guests), crafts, activities and a scavenger huntBen...
Weekender: Ben Franklin's B-day bash, summer festivals
🎉 Enjoy the Delaware Riverfront at the Glen Foerd estate in Northeast Philly Thursday for this monthly Third Thursday event. Food trucks, Minas Brazilian Music, lawn games and activities. 6-8pm, register in advance.🎶 The Night Market in Mayfair returns tonight, featuring the Great Scott Band and vendors. 6-9pm at Frankford and Cottman avenues.🍽️ Find restaurant discount deals during University City Dining Days, running through July 28. Dinner and lunch options range from $20-$40 at dozens of restaurants.🎂 Celebrate Franklin Square's 18th birthday on Saturday with free carousel rides (for the first 100 guests), crafts, activities and a scavenger huntBen...
Heat waves trigger Amtrak delays, SEPTA slowdowns
You're not the only one moving slower in a heat wave. Extreme temperatures can cause Amtrak delays and lead to slowdowns on SEPTA.Why it matters: Climate change impacts transportation and we're feeling the effects with hotter, longer commutes.The big picture: Prolonged high temperatures can cause outdoor rail tracks to expand and deform.That means Amtrak and SEPTA trains can operate at slower speeds when heat spikes and railways are closely monitored for kinks.Abnormalities aren't very common, but precautionary measures are taken to keep riders safe.State of play: Travelers are experiencing longer lag times on Amtrak. As the heat dome formed in...
Philadelphia gun violence is declining
Philadelphia has seen staggering drops in homicides and shootings in 2024, compared to the same period last year.The big picture: The city is on track to see one of its least violent years in more than a decade.By the numbers: Violent crime is down 12% from this time last year, per city police data.Homicides have been nearly halved and shootings are down 34% — a trend consistent in many of the nation's biggest cities following huge jumps during the pandemic.Philadelphia has also seen double-digit percentage point drops in rapes, and robberies and aggravated assaults where the perpetrators used a firearm,...
Heat waves are getting worse in the Philadelphia region
Data: EPA; Note: New York City, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver are excluded for incomplete data in this period; Chart: Axios VisualsThe Philly region remains in the grip of a heat wave with temps forecast to reach 100 Tuesday and stick in the high 90s on Wednesday.The big picture: Heat waves in the Philadelphia metro are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense, per new data from the EPA.Why it matters: Human-caused climate change is likely fueling this trend and it's only going to get worse.State of play: The length of heat waves in the Philly region ticked up an...
Philadelphia sets record for snow — in July
In the midst of soaring summer temperatures, Philadelphia set a new record for snowfall in July.Driving the news: A "trace" amount of snow was recorded on Sunday at the Philadelphia International Airport, per the National Weather Service (NWS).It was technically hail — but the NWS says it still counts since it's under the umbrella of "frozen precipitation."The big picture: Having trace amounts of snow in the summer months here isn't as rare as you think.It's happened more than a dozen times since 1911, including twice in 2011, per NWS.Sign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
FOX29 host Mike Jerrick recovering from prostate cancer surgery
FOX29 anchor Mike Jerrick briefly returned to his show "Good Day Philadelphia" Monday after being off the air for several weeks — but this time, from his doctor's office.The big picture: The long-time newscaster — a local institution who leads one of the region's top-rated morning news shows alongside Alex Holley — is opening up about his battle with prostate cancer as he recovers from surgery.State of play: Jerrick was diagnosed in May. He decided to have his prostate removed after his doctors found signs the cancer appeared to be spreading, per FOX29.He's been off the air for nearly a month.What he's saying: "I wasn't suspended, I wasn't fired, I didn't get into trouble, I wasn't on a long vacation. I was getting this taken care of," Jerrick told his station.Context: Jerrick has co-hosted "Good Day Philadelphia" since 2009 and is known for his zany, and at times boundary-pushing, comments and reports — including when he posed for his own boudoir photoshoot.What's next: Jerrick is expected to return to the show in the coming weeks.Sign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
Amber Rose's MAGA saga
Philly-born model and TV personality Amber Rose will speak at this week's Republican National Convention.Why it matters: Tapping the biracial celebrity to stump for him signals that former President Donald Trump is looking to court younger, more diverse voters.Driving the news: Rose announced on X that she'll appear at the convention, which runs Monday-Thursday in Milwaukee. She didn't say when she'll take the stage.Trump's toughest primary opponent Nikki Haley was added as a speaker as the GOP looks to portray a sense of unity following the attempted assassination.Other speakers include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, UFC CEO Dana White and...
Cobbs Creek Golf Course lands major backer in $150M rehab
West Philly's Cobbs Creek Golf Course is making progress on its massive restoration project, which just picked up another major backer.Why it matters: Reviving the historic golf course into a first-rate public pitch and building new facilities would put Philly back on the map of the golf world — with the bonus of potentially hosting PGA Tour events.State of play: Nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation expects a new two-story driving range, a 9-hole, par-3 short course and a Tiger Woods-sponsored learning lab to open in 2025.Plus: PGA Major winner Jordan Spieth's family foundation recently gifted a $250,000 grant for a junior...
Cobbs Creek Golf Course lands major backer in $150M rehab
West Philly's Cobbs Creek Golf Course is making progress on its massive restoration project, which just picked up another major backer.Why it matters: Reviving the historic golf course into a first-rate public pitch and building new facilities would put Philly back on the map of the golf world — with the bonus of potentially hosting PGA Tour events.State of play: Nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation expects a new two-story driving range, a 9-hole, par-3 short course and a Tiger Woods-sponsored learning lab to open in 2025.Plus: PGA Major winner Jordan Spieth's family foundation recently gifted a $250,000 grant for a junior...
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Axios Philadelphia, anchored by Michael D'onofrio and Taylor Allen, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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