Ramp from Morris Street to southbound I-95 closed for bridge repairs
South Philadelphia drivers will face a long-term traffic detour after PennDOT closed the ramp from Morris Street to southbound I-95 as part of a major regional bridge repair project.
The ramp closure will remain in effect through Oct. 2. Motorists seeking access to southbound I-95 will be detoured via Water Street, Tasker Street, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Oregon Avenue and Front Street.
PennDOT officials said drivers should allow extra travel time because delays and backups are expected along the detour route.
The closure is part of a $60.4 million federally funded project to perform high-priority repairs on interstate bridges across the Philadelphia region. The work includes repairs to bridge decks, steel structures, concrete supports, expansion joints, guiderails and overhead sign structures. Roadway lighting will also be upgraded to LED fixtures.
Drivers can check traffic conditions and detours through PennDOT’s free 511PA website, mobile app and phone service. ••
South Philadelphia projects receive millions in state capital grants
Several South Philadelphia projects are among more than $28.6 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants announced by state Sen. Nikil Saval for Pennsylvania’s 1st Senatorial District.
Major local awards include $4 million for a new waterfront manufacturing facility at Rhoads Industries in the Navy Yard, $4 million for renovations to the Philadelphia Eagles’ training facility and $2 million to modernize the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 union hall.
Other South Philadelphia recipients include $2 million for a new pavilion at Penn’s Landing Park, $1.4 million for a new operations center at the Philadelphia Sports Complex, $750,000 to redevelop Marian Anderson Recreation Center’s athletic field, $500,000 for upgrades to Philly House’s dining hall and kitchen and $500,000 to restore Hamilton Hall on South Broad Street as the Village of Industry and Art, featuring affordable artist studios and community space.
“Philadelphia’s greatest strength lies in its communities,” Saval said. “When we invest in the people and places that make our city so utterly special, we’re fortifying our region for everyone who makes their home here.”
The state-funded grants support economic development, cultural institutions, recreation and community projects throughout Philadelphia. ••
Live! Casino agrees to fund $2 million Sports Complex traffic project
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has agreed to contribute $2 million toward a road improvement project aimed at easing traffic congestion around the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced.
The funding will help pay for construction of a new westbound on-ramp from Seventh Street to Interstate 76, part of a broader traffic mitigation plan backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker. The project is intended to improve traffic flow around the Sports Complex, where Live! Casino is located.
The agreement was approved during the Gaming Control Board’s monthly public meeting as part of the ongoing process to resolve issues related to the pending renewal of the casino’s gaming license.
The new I-76 ramp is expected to improve access to the Sports Complex and reduce congestion for motorists traveling to Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers games as well as concerts and other major events in South Philadelphia. The total project, which includes a new I-76 westbound entrance ramp, upgraded traffic operations, improved signage, new traffic signals and additional infrastructure improvements, is expected to cost a total of $30 million. ••
City offers forgivable loans to help Philadelphia businesses expand
Established businesses in South Philadelphia and across the city can apply for a new round of the city’s Boost Your Business program, which will provide 20 companies with $50,000 forgivable loans to support growth.
The initiative, offered through the city Department of Commerce in partnership with PIDC, is designed to help businesses expand operations, increase revenue, win new contracts and create jobs. Loans are forgiven after one year if recipients meet their stated growth goals while participating in business advising and support sessions.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the program helps businesses “grow, create jobs and invest in our neighborhoods,” while Acting Commerce Director Karen Fegely noted the city has invested $2 million in the program since 2021.
Eligible businesses must be located in Philadelphia, have operated for at least two years and generate at least $350,000 in annual revenue.
A hybrid information session will be held Aug. 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Applications are due Aug. 31. Previous recipient Jireh Dev LLC said the funding helped the company launch a website, hire two employees and nearly double its profits. ••
Philadelphia reviews property tax relief eligibility, adds $33.5M in revenue
The city Department of Revenue says a review of Real Estate Tax relief programs has generated an additional $33.5 million in tax revenue for the city and the School District of Philadelphia by removing homeowners who no longer qualified for assistance.
The compliance review examined 22,041 tax accounts beginning in 2025 after months of data analysis. Officials removed 13,355 properties from one or more tax relief programs, while 7,904 homeowners were confirmed eligible to continue receiving benefits. Reviews of 782 properties remain ongoing.
Revenue Commissioner Kathleen McColgan said the effort is intended to ensure tax relief reaches eligible homeowners.
“We want eligible homeowners to get the relief they deserve,” McColgan said. “These compliance projects help ensure that program participation is accurate, fair and accessible to residents who truly qualify.”
Homeowners under review received at least two notices and had 60 days to verify their eligibility before benefits were removed. Those who believe they were incorrectly removed may appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes. Residents with questions about eligibility are encouraged to contact the Department of Revenue before additional taxes, interest or penalties accrue. ••
WXPN announces free Homegrown Live concert
WXPN announced the latest installment in its Homegrown Live concert series that will take place on Aug. 12 at World Stage, 3025 Walnut St. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and features Philadelphia-based artists Birdie Busch, Max Davey and Dylan Zangwill. Free tickets (must RSVP) are available at xpn.org.
Homegrown Live is WXPN’s free concert series celebrating the music scene of the Philadelphia region. Featuring emerging artists heard on the station, the series brings WXPN’s spirit of music discovery to the stage — offering live, in-person performances that showcase original talent growing right in our own backyard.
About the upcoming show, WXPN Midday host Mike Vasilikos says, “Birdie Busch has long been a favorite of XPN and we’re thrilled that she’s back with a new album. It’s a warm and inviting collection of songs that we can’t wait for folks to hear live. Plus, Dylan Zangwill and Max Davey are both exciting up-and-comers on the Philly music scene. They are both primed to win over the crowd.” ••
The Prime Rib earns national wine award at Live! Casino Philadelphia
The Prime Rib at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has been recognized by Wine Spectator with its 2026 Award of Excellence for the restaurant’s wine program.
The annual awards honor restaurants with exceptional wine service and lists. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants offering at least 75 wine selections that complement their menus through quality producers and a well-balanced range of styles and prices.
“Receiving Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion and dedication our entire team brings to The Prime Rib every day,” General Manager Lawrence Gardner said. “We’ve worked hard to build a wine program that is both approachable and exceptional.”
The South Philadelphia steakhouse features a collection of Old World and New World wines and regularly hosts wine-pairing events. ••
Scanlon pushes permanent standard time over daylight saving proposal
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, whose 5th Congressional District includes parts of South Philadelphia, urged lawmakers to reject legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, arguing the change would create darker winter mornings and pose health and safety risks.
Speaking on the House floor, Scanlon instead promoted her bipartisan Sunshine for Our Kids Act, which would make standard time permanent while allowing states to adopt permanent daylight saving time if they choose.
Scanlon said permanent daylight saving time would force millions of Americans, including schoolchildren, to begin their days before sunrise during the winter. She pointed to a failed 1974 experiment with year-round daylight saving time, saying public support faded after concerns about children traveling to school in the dark.
“The science has only become clearer since then,” Scanlon said, citing research linking permanent daylight saving time to disrupted sleep, heart disease and other health problems.
The House later passed the Sunshine Protection Act by a 308-117 vote, though its prospects in the Senate remain uncertain. ••
South Philadelphia projects receive state redevelopment funding
Several projects in and around South Philadelphia are among those receiving state redevelopment grants as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s latest round of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding. Statewide, nearly $445 million will support 356 projects, including more than $122 million for 129 projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Local awards include $2 million for a new Penn’s Landing park pavilion, $1.4 million for a new operations center at the Philadelphia Sports Complex, $4 million to expand the Philadelphia Eagles’ training facility, $500,000 for safety and accessibility improvements at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and $4 million for a waterfront fabrication facility at Rhoads Industries. Other funded projects include upgrades at the Attic Youth Center, the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia Zoo, Simons Recreation Center and Ministry of Awe.
“Every day, my administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we’re proud to support hundreds of projects across the commonwealth that will create jobs, strengthen our economy and deliver real results for our communities,” Shapiro said. “Through this round of RACP investments, my administration is investing nearly $445 million in projects to revitalize communities, create more opportunity and drive long-term growth. Pennsylvania is open for business, and we will continue working with the private sector, nonprofits and organized labor to make our commonwealth a leader in economic development, job creation and innovation.” ••
Scanlon introduces bill to expand Social Security survivor benefits
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, whose 5th Congressional District includes parts of South Philadelphia, has introduced legislation aimed at increasing Social Security benefits for more than 1 million surviving spouses and divorced spouses.
The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would eliminate several restrictions on survivor benefits, including allowing widows, widowers and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive full survivor benefits regardless of age. The bill would also ease limits that permanently reduce benefits when a deceased spouse claimed Social Security before full retirement age.
“Social Security has been a critical and essential lifeline for retired, disabled and low-income workers for decades,” Scanlon said. “Obscure benefit caps and outdated arbitrary legal restrictions have created obstacles for beneficiaries, particularly women, during some of the most vulnerable periods in their lives.”
The legislation would also extend child-in-care benefits until a child turns 18, or 19 if still in school, and require the federal government to better inform surviving spouses about available benefits and filing deadlines. ••
Live! Casino names new general manager
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has named gaming industry veteran Jason Birney as its new executive vice president and general manager, Cordish Gaming Group announced.
Birney will oversee the day-to-day operations of the South Philadelphia casino and hotel, including gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, marketing and guest experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia family,” Joe Billhimer, chief operating and development officer for Cordish Gaming Group, said in a statement, citing Birney’s leadership experience and ties to the Philadelphia market.
Birney most recently served as head of interactive operations for Penn Entertainment, overseeing brands including ESPN BET, Hollywood Casino and theScore. He previously held several leadership positions at Hollywood Casino properties in Ohio and began his gaming career with Caesars Entertainment, working at Harrah’s and Showboat in Atlantic City and Harrah’s Philadelphia.
“I’m honored to join the exceptional team at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia,” Birney said. “I look forward to building on its strong foundation and continuing to deliver legendary experiences for our guests and community.”
Birney has more than 20 years of gaming industry experience and was recognized as one of Global Gaming Business magazine’s “40 Under 40” emerging leaders in 2018. ••
Fire Fighters Local 22 receives new contract via arbitration
An arbitration panel has awarded a new two-year contract for Philadelphia firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical personnel represented by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22, city officials announced.
The contract, reached through Pennsylvania’s binding interest arbitration process for police and fire unions, is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2027. It provides a 3 percent wage increase effective July 1, 2025, a 1 percent raise Jan. 1, 2026, tied to health care savings, another 3 percent increase July 1, 2026 and a 1 percent increase in longevity pay beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The award also creates a new pay scale for fire service paramedics starting July 1, 2026, to improve recruitment and retention.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the award recognizes firefighters’ and paramedics’ service while balancing the city’s long-term financial responsibilities.
Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said the agreement supports the department’s workforce and operational readiness. The city said it has hired 290 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and civilian personnel since January 2024 and is reviewing the award’s fiscal impact. ••
Philadelphia Chick-fil-A restaurants raise $108K for resident battling Rett syndrome
More than 60 locally owned Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Philadelphia region raised more than $108,000 for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust through this year’s “Mac & Cheese for Molly” campaign.
The annual fundraiser honors Molly Foley, a Philadelphia-area resident diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects girls and can impair speech, movement and communication. Proceeds from the campaign support research into treatments and a cure for the condition.
“It is an honor to partner with Miracles for Molly to support the Rett Syndrome Research Trust,” Bob Fanelli, owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Whitman Square in Northeast Philadelphia, said in a statement. “Seeing more than 60 Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Philadelphia area come together behind this cause speaks to the power of our local community and our shared commitment to making a difference.”
The campaign brought together independently owned Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Philadelphia area in support of the regional fundraising effort. ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is looking for volunteers for the 2026-27 school year. Each coach reads one-on-one with a K-3rd grader for at least one hour per week after school. Visit ost.phila.gov/philly-reading-coaches or email PRC@phila.gov ••
New website for Review
The South Philly Review has returned to the website patimes.media.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site also includes a way to read the paper in “flipbook” style and a link to subscribe to the print edition. Copies of the paper can be found at the locations in this link: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 23, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub (www.tryzub.org), County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham. The festival will feature Ukrainian arts and crafts, music, dance, food, refreshments, baked goods, vendors, live historical reenactments and a celebration of Ukraine’s independence. Admission is $20 at the gate. Kids under 15 are free. Parking is free. For each paid admission, $2 will be donated to humanitarian relief for war victims in Ukraine. Call 267-664-3857 or email info@tryzub.org ••
North Catholic 100th anniversary events
A number of events are planned for the 100th anniversary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the opening of Northeast Catholic High School.
Here is the schedule:
• Sept. 8: Photos on steps of North Catholic building
• Sept. 22: Alumni Association Golf Outing, North Hills Country Club
• Oct. 3: Homecoming/all-year reunion at Cannstatter’s, 1-5 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Mass at North Catholic building, coffee and doughnuts afterward
• Nov. 8: Gathering of Alumni, family and friends, FOP Lodge 5
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day at St. Dominic
Call 215-543-1051 or necathalum@aol.com ••
Thrill Show on Sept. 19
The 71st annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The cost is $15 per person or $35 for a family up to five. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Host foreign exchange student
ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. Students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Holly at 800-677-2773, visit asse.com or send an email to asseusasouth@asse.com to request more information or start the application process. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. ••
