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Axios Philadelphia
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...
Zahav owners to open oyster bar in old Philadelphia firehouse
The successful duo behind James Beard-winning Zahav is opening an Israeli-inspired oyster bar in Olde Kensington this fall.Why it matters: CookNSolo's Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook are hitmakers in the Philly food scene — think Goldie, Federal Donuts, Laser Wolf, K'Far and more — and they tell the Inquirer their latest venture promises more of a cozy, neighborhood bar feel.Driving the news: Jaffa Bar, named after the Israeli coastal city known for its fruit orchards, will seat 120 people and span two stories inside a shuttered 19th-century firehouse on North Howard Street.The menu will include a mix of seafood dishes and bar classics, such as yellowtail pastrami, scallops, fried chicken thighs and a Jaffa Burger. The second floor. Rendering: Courtesy of CookNSolo/Boxwood ArchitectsZoom in: The restaurant will have three bar areas: a 10-seat oyster bar, 15-seat first floor bar and 11-seat second floor bar.The intrigue: Its cocktail program, designed by bar manager Sean Byrne, will feature citrus-rich drinks including the Jaffa Orange, similar to an Orange Julius.The restaurant will accept walk-ups or online reservations. A bar on the first floor. Rendering: Courtesy of CookNSolo/Boxwood ArchitectsSign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
Former Philadelphia labor leader John Dougherty sentenced to 6 years
Disgraced labor leader John Dougherty was sentenced to six years on Thursday for his federal bribery and embezzlement convictions, per the AP.The big picture: Dougherty had been a political kingmaker in Philadelphia and state politics for decades before getting indicted in 2019.Driving the news: Dougherty, the former long-time business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, will begin serving his sentence Sept. 4, per the Inquirer.Within 15 days, he also must pay $50,000 in restitution to the union that he bilked.Yes, but: The judge noted the full amount of restitution Dougherty must pay will be determined...
What to do this weekend in Philadelphia: Barnes on the Block and ice cream festival
⛳ The pop-up park at the Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway reopens Thursday at 4pm. Check out the beer garden, mini-golf course and daily scheduled events.🍦 Reading Terminal Market hosts its annual outdoor ice cream festival Saturday from noon-4pm on Filbert Street.Expect a dozen vendors, demonstrations, ice cream eating contests, music and a children's workshop. Pay as you go.🦕 It's Dino Weekend at Morris Arboretum and Gardens! Take part in dinosaur-related activities, and check out the ongoing exhibit about plants in the age of the dinos. Tickets: $20 for adults; free for kids under 18.🫐 Taste the fruit of the season at Linvilla Orchards' Blueberry Festival on Saturday from 8am-6pm in Media.On tap: pick-your-own fruit, a magician, a bubble magic show and pie-eating contests. Free to enter; $11 to pick fruit, plus cost.🧶 Craft your heart out at the free Craft Fair and Textile Family Day at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Check out the vendors, demonstrations and food. Sunday, noon-4pm. Free but RSVPs are recommended.🎨 Barns on the Block returns Sunday at 20th Street and the Parkway.Plenty of live performances, food trucks, a beer garden, art displays and family-friendly art-making activities. Noon-5pm.Sign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
Biden gets top Pennsylvania Democrats' support against dropout calls
Many of Pennsylvania's top Democrats remain in President Biden's corner despite a disastrous debate and calls within the party for him to drop his re-election campaign.Why it matters: The backing of Pennsylvania delegates and political powerbrokers in the biggest swing state is crucial for Biden as he tries to quell concerns about his ability to take on former President Trump in November.Driving the news: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and several others in the state's congressional delegation are rallying behind the president, who's insisted he's staying in the 2024 race.Fetterman and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey joined Biden Sunday as he campaigned...
How Philly plans to revive the troubled Office of Homeless Services
Philadelphia is bringing in more outside help to get the Office of Homeless Services' finances in order.Why it matters: OHS overspent its budget by about $15 million in recent years, triggering investigations and a City Council hearing centered on the agency's financial bungling.Driving the news: The city is hiring an independent consultant to help improve oversight and streamline financial operations at the beleaguered agency, per city bidding documents.The goal is to ensure OHS achieves "sustained financial health and stability" after the city's inspector general identified several problems with how the agency spent taxpayers funds.Catch up quick: Former Mayor Jim Kenney's...
Inside the $100M plan to transform the Avenue of the Arts
A $100 million plan is in the works to overhaul the Avenue of the Arts into a pedestrian-friendly park.Why it matters: The facelift would add new green space, art and public amenities to a drab stretch of South Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue.Driving the news: Nonprofit Avenue of the Arts Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its plans to transform the area with upgraded landscaping, seating, sculptures and outdoor performing spaces.What they're saying: "This project is needed right now because there have been no significant improvements to the infrastructure of this street for 30 years," executive director Laura Burkhardt...
Tierra Whack's Philly restaurant recommendations
Philly rapper Tierra Whack dished out some hometown restaurant recommendations in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.Driving the news: Whack says Pod in University City is her go-to spot for sushi.Also on her short-list: Youma, a West African restaurant in West Philly; Fishtown's Kalaya and Mamajuana.Plus, the vendors at Spruce Street Harbor Park.State of play: Whack is spending time in Philly this summer after releasing her album World Wide Whack.Sign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
Philadelphia under excessive heat warning
Data: National Weather Service HeatRisk forecast; Map: Will Chase/AxiosDangerously hot weather is scorching the Philadelphia region.Why it matters: Exposure to extreme or prolonged heat caused by climbing global temperatures is the top weather-related killer in the U.S.State of play: The Philly metro is under an excessive heat warning through 8pm Wednesday, when temperatures are forecast to climb to 95.The National Weather Service says heat indices will reach as high as 109. The agency warns that people without effective cooling or adequate hydration are most at risk.Go deeper: Cool things to do in a Philadelphia heat waveSign up for Axios Philadelphia for free.
Philadelphia police watchdog loses investigative director
There's more turnover at Philadelphia's police watchdog after the agency announced this week its investigative director has left the role.Why it matters: The sudden departure of Jamison Rogers delivers another blow to the 3-year-old agency, which has been racked with infighting and has yet to conduct a single police misconduct investigation.Driving the news: Rogers is leaving the Citizens Police Oversight Commission to become Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's chief of staff.He'll be replaced by Nicholas Kato, who was hired earlier this year as CPOC's chief investigator — Rogers' second-in-command.Kato, a Temple law school graduate, worked for the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and...
Philadelphia police watchdog loses investigative director
There's more turnover at Philadelphia's police watchdog after the agency announced this week its investigative director has left the role.Why it matters: The sudden departure of Jamison Rogers delivers another blow to the 3-year-old agency, which has been racked with infighting and has yet to conduct a single police misconduct investigation.Driving the news: Rogers is leaving the Citizens Police Oversight Commission to become Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's chief of staff.He'll be replaced by Nicholas Kato, who was hired earlier this year as CPOC's chief investigator — Rogers' second-in-command.Kato, a Temple law school graduate, worked for the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and...
Philly kicks off America's 250th birthday bash early with TED Talks
America's 250th anniversary is two years away, but Philadelphia's massive celebration starts now.Why it matters: As the cradle of American democracy, Philly is planning for a blowout year in 2026 to mark the Semiquincentennial alongside FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game.Driving the news: A special TED Talks series tied to the anniversary kicks off today.The first TED Democracy fireside chat will explore civic engagement and the opportunities afforded in a democratic society at the National Constitution Center from 5-7pm.Baratunde Thurston, a comedian and writer known for his hit podcast "How to Citizen," and NPR president and CEO...
Philly kicks off America's 250th birthday bash early with TED Talks
America's 250th anniversary is two years away, but Philadelphia's massive celebration starts now.Why it matters: As the cradle of American democracy, Philly is planning for a blowout year in 2026 to mark the Semiquincentennial alongside FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game.Driving the news: A special TED Talks series tied to the anniversary kicks off today.The first TED Democracy fireside chat will explore civic engagement and the opportunities afforded in a democratic society at the National Constitution Center from 5-7pm.Baratunde Thurston, a comedian and writer known for his hit podcast "How to Citizen," and NPR president and CEO...
TikTok scandal engulfs middle school in Philadelphia suburb
Middle-school students in a Philadelphia suburb made fake TikTok accounts impersonating teachers and posting disparaging and inflammatory content, the New York Times reports.Why it matters: The social media attack at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern — the first of its kind on such a scale in the U.S. — affected at least 20 educators, and led to the suspensions of several students.Some teachers say they're now leery of reprimanding students who act out in class because they fear being targeted in future online posts.Catch up quick: Students culled real photos from teachers' social media profiles and used them to set...
Pennsylvania felony murder case could impact Philadelphia inmates
During their 15-minute calls, Lorraine Haw almost forgets that her son, Phillip Ocampo, is locked up for the rest of his life.But she's reminded each time the automated voice cuts in on the recorded prison line with a countdown.Why it matters: Hundreds of Philadelphians like Ocampo are serving mandatory life sentences for felony murder, but the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will weigh a case this fall that could potentially change their fates.The big picture: The appeal from Derek Lee, an Allegheny County man convicted and sentenced for felony murder in 2016, has significant implications for Pennsylvania, which has one of the...
What to know about melanoma's threat in Pennsylvania
Data: cancer.gov; Map: Axios VisualsThe rate of Pennsylvanians being diagnosed with melanoma is slightly below the national average, according to the National Cancer Institute.Why it matters: Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it's responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.By the numbers: New cases of melanoma rose 2% to 3% annually in the U.S. between 2015 and 2019, Axios' Tina Reed reports.The number of people diagnosed with skin cancer over age 50 has increased in particular, says Shanthi...
Philadelphia police watchdog suspends commissioner
Philadelphia's police watchdog this week suspended commissioner Rosaura Thomas as it investigates allegations of misconduct.Why it matters: The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has been racked by infighting since it formed two years ago and is in the midst of a leadership transition.Driving the news: The commission didn't detail the allegations but said in a statement the action was "in the best interest of the Commission and the community we serve."The other side: Thomas tells Axios she believes she's being suspended as retribution for being a whistleblower in an investigation into allegations that a citizen leveled at the husband of CPOC...
Philadelphia police watchdog suspends commissioner
Philadelphia's police watchdog this week suspended commissioner Rosaura Thomas as it investigates allegations of misconduct.Why it matters: The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has been racked by infighting since it formed two years ago and is in the midst of a leadership transition.Driving the news: The commission didn't detail the allegations but said in a statement the action was "in the best interest of the Commission and the community we serve."The other side: Thomas tells Axios she believes she's being suspended as retribution for being a whistleblower in an investigation into allegations that a citizen leveled at the husband of CPOC...
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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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