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. ••
Neilson says budget will boost Navy Yard
State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, announced that the 2026-27 Pennsylvania budget includes a significant economic development initiative that will help position the Philadelphia Navy Yard for future growth while creating and retaining family-sustaining jobs. The budget authorizes the state Department of Community and Economic Development to designate one additional Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone in a city and county of the first class, providing a tool to attract new investment in Philadelphia’s shipbuilding industry. Under the new budget language, DCED may designate up to 350 acres of underutilized property that was formerly used as a naval base or commercial shipbuilding facility as a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone. Businesses locating within the designated area will be eligible for tax exemptions, abatements, deductions and credits available through the Keystone Opportunity Zone program for up to 10 years. Neilson noted that recent discussions throughout the region have underscored the importance of strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing base and expanding opportunities for skilled trades workers. The legislation requires applications for the new Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone designation to be submitted to DCED by Oct. 1. If approved, the designation will become effective on Aug. 1, 2027, providing eligible businesses with incentives for up to a decade.
“This investment gives Philadelphia another competitive advantage in attracting shipbuilding and maritime businesses to the Navy Yard,” Neilson said. “These are exactly the kinds of jobs we should be fighting for — jobs that allow workers to support their families with good wages, quality healthcare and secure retirement benefits.” ••
BLOCS will serve 43,000-plus students this school year
BLOCS, Pennsylvania’s leading scholarship organization dedicated to the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, announced a year of historic achievement in fundraising. As BLOCS closes the end of its fiscal year, the nonprofit organization reports it is on track to raise $250 million in need-based scholarships.
Through this level of funding, BLOCS estimates it will be able to serve more than 43,000 students in the coming school year. This is the largest population that BLOCS has served in a single school year in its 40-plus-year history.
“BLOCS is proud to reach this milestone of serving over 43,000 students in the coming year,” said CEO Rob Delany. “We are incredibly grateful to our more than 150 corporate donors, thousands of individual donors and hundreds of school partners who work with us in each facet of the EITC program to create opportunities for deserving students.”
In addition to the increased number of students served, BLOCS ensures that children receive the greatest scholarship support possible. More than 98 cents of every dollar contributed to BLOCS is directed to a student as a need-based scholarship.
BLOCS is the leading scholarship organization dedicated to raising need-based scholarships through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. As an independent charitable organization BLOCS provides access to high-quality, value-based education for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade across the state. Through the generosity of its donors, BLOCS partners with more than 500 schools. More can be found at www.blocs.org. ••
Apply to become Philly police officer
The Philadelphia Police Department is accepting applications for new police officer recruits through Aug. 2.
The department has expanded its recruitment campaign with a new series of professionally produced videos highlighting the experiences of officers. The videos provide prospective applicants with an authentic look at the people behind the badge, the many career opportunities available and the reasons officers chose to serve the City of Philadelphia.
“We know today’s applicants want to hear directly from the men and women doing the job,” said Capt. John Walker, commanding officer of the Recruitment Unit. “These stories showcase the purpose, opportunity and sense of service that define this profession. If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference every day, we encourage you to explore what the Philadelphia Police Department has to offer.”
Prospective applicants can learn more about the hiring process, salary and benefits, qualifications, specialized career opportunities and view the department’s new recruitment videos by visiting www.JoinPhillyPD.com/Reels
Additional information about becoming a Philadelphia police officer is available at JoinPhillyPD.com. ••
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. ••
Phillies game fundraiser
Home Runs for Holly, a charity that benefits cancer patients, will be holding a fundraiser at the Phillies vs. Washington Nationals game at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, Aug. 3, at 6:40 p.m. Tickets cost $36, and the seats are in the 400 level behind home plate. There will also be a pregame tailgate party. For tickets, call Christine at 215-906-8179 or Nick at 215-964-1944. ••
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:
• July 25: Norphans at the Beach, Keenan’s, North Wildwood
• 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. ••
