Yesterday in Philly: Summer Strikes, Speed Cameras, and Soul Queens
Welcome to your weekend catch-up! Here’s what went down in Philly while you were busy dodging potholes and prepping for Wawa Welcome America.
Labor Trouble, Transit Updates, and Cameras Catching Speeders
- PECO workers are threatening their first strike — ever — if a deal doesn’t get done by July 4. About 1,600 union employees could walk off the job, which might mean power and service headaches in the middle of the holiday heat. Read more here.
- The PPA’s warning period is over: Speed cameras on Route 13/Frankford Ave are now issuing real tickets. Slow down or pay up. Details
- PennDOT lane closures are coming (shocker!) to Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties — expect slowdowns through the fall. Find out if your commute is screwed
City Moves & Oddities
- City officials are defending Philly’s ‘ICE Out’ law in court, saying it reduces "confusion and fear" around federal immigration agents. The feds aren’t pleased. What you need to know
- Massive law enforcement raid in Olney: Authorities found a grow operation, firearms, and chemicals in what’s now a federal investigation. Neighbors spent the day peeking from behind the blinds. Full story
- Meanwhile, dog rat hunting is officially a thing – with residents walking pups at night to help crush Philly’s rodent population. Public service, or just weird?
Philly Culture: From Soul Classics to 300 Artists on Main Street
- Barbara Mason, a Philly teen soul star in the ‘60s, is back on the radar thanks to — what else? — TikTok. Her classic "Yes, I'm Ready" is everywhere again. Reminisce here
- Looking for plans? Manayunk Arts Festival (over 300 artists) is running through the weekend. Glen Foerd’s RiverFest offers free kayaking and family time. Manayunk info here | RiverFest details
- Bradley Cooper’s first flick, Wet Hot American Summer, is back in Center City theaters for its 25th birthday. Because Philly never gets tired of talking about its own. Showtime info
Sports: Silly Season for the Sixers (and Some Phillies Buzz)
- Sixers are about to make offseason moves — new front office, max-cap space, possible splash with names like Paul George floating. Free agency drama incoming. Offseason primer
- MLB trade rumors link the Phillies to Matt Chapman and Wilson Contreras, while the latest series in Washington was basically bonkers.
- If you care, Sixers’ Summer League schedule is out.
One Last Thing...
- Thomas Paine: Philly’s most impactful resident ever? One argument here — at least until Bradley Cooper wins an Oscar.
Enjoy the weekend! And look out for more Fourth of July event news soon.
