City Budget Fights, ICE at PHL, and the 'No Kings' Protest: Here's What Philly Was Talking About
Welcome to Yesterday in Philly—no TV anchor vibes, just the Philly headlines you actually need.
City Hall: Budgets and New Taxes
City Council started hearings on Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $6.9 billion budget proposal. There’s drama, as usual—with Parker pushing new taxes on hotels, deliveries, and rideshares. (Think: your next Uber ride or Wawa order could get pricier.) Also, word is Parker wants to put more cops on the street, but lots of questions flying about where the money’s really going.
Meanwhile, the Pa. House passed a $15 minimum wage bill. Shapiro’s backing it. No change yet, but keep an eye out.
Getting Around: SEPTA & Bridge Closures
SEPTA is finally piloting real-time arrival screens at ten bus and trolley stops. Miracles do happen. If you’ve ever squinted at a busted schedule, you know this is a big deal.
Heads up for July: the Ben Franklin Bridge is shutting down for its 100th anniversary. That’s a full car and pedestrian closure. Philly’s gonna party; your commute will suffer.
Also: the 'No Kings 3' protest is hitting Center City this Saturday. Expect street closures and transit detours. Plan accordingly if you're headed downtown.
Airport & ICE Drama
ICE agents showed up at PHL airport to help TSA with staffing during the government shutdown. DA Krasner dropped a strongly worded letter warning agents to behave. If you’ve got a flight soon, expect extra security theater.
Bonus airport news: PHL broke a Guinness World Record for "Longest Line of Cheesesteaks." (Honestly, if this isn't the most Philly record possible, what is?)
Quick Hits
- Kermit Gosnell, the infamous West Philly abortion doc, died in prison at 85.
- Rocky fans: the Rocky statue is moving inside the Museum of Art for a bit. Still photo ops, just with climate control.
- The Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park reopens April 4. Get your snacks and bubble tea soon.
- Sixers update: Paul George returns tonight after his 25-game suspension. Embiid still questionable. (Maybe Tyrese Maxey can just keep doing everything?)
- Events: Cherry blossom strolls at Morris Arboretum, Chelsea Handler at The Met, a birthday party for a miniature cow, and more things to do this week.
That’s the city in a nutshell. See you tomorrow.
