Philadelphia will lift COVID restrictions on June 11, according to today’s announcement by city officials, except for a mask mandate.

Some restrictions will be lifted or eased next week. Beginning Friday, May 21, there will be no density limits for retail stores, offices, libraries and museums. Philadelphia is also lifting restrictions on outdoor pools. Also, people will be able to purchase and consume alcohol without having to purchase food. Continue Reading

Here’s a chance to hear from Philadelphia District Attorney candidates – Democrat Larry Krasner (the incumbent), Carlos Vega, a retired prosecutor (D), and Chuck Peruto, a criminal defense attorney (R). All three are scheduled to participate in a public forum organized by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Chapter.

The forum will take place online on Thursday, May 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be moderated by Tamala Edwards, ABC News Anchor. Registration is required at http://bit.ly/DistrictAttorney2021 Continue Reading

Starting Wednesday, May 5, Philadelphia voters participating in the 2021 Primary Election will be able to drop off their mail-in or absentee ballots at mobile ballot drop-off events, organized by the Philadelphia City Commissioners.

Numerous voted ballot frop-off events, staffed by the personnel from the Board of Elections, have been scheduled at various locations around the city, including in several West Philly neighborhoods: Continue Reading

President Joe Biden will visit the 30th Street Station on Friday, April 30, to mark the 50th anniversary of Amtrak, according to reports. Biden’s visit is part of his “Getting America Back on Track” tour marking his first 100 days in office.

During his visit, Biden is also expected to advocate for his $2.3 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan, which includes $80 billion funding for Amtrak.

CVS has joined other pharmacies in Philadelphia to provide COVID vaccinations to residents. Many CVS locations in the city, including a few stores in West Philly, have vaccine appointments available. To schedule an appointment, go here. You can also try to walk in. The following West Philly locations have COVID vaccines: 4849 Market St., 3925 Walnut St., 3401 Walnut St.

In other Philadelphia COVID vaccine news, the FEMA-run vaccination clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center has about 4,000 Pfizer vaccine doses that are set to expire this Thursday. Philadelphia residents age 16 and older or those who work in the city are welcome to stop by today or tomorrow by 4 p.m. to get their first dose of the vaccine. No appointment is required. Continue Reading

There has been an increase in carjacking incidents in many city neighborhoods, according to reports, a worrying trend that is likely part the overall increase in violence in the city during the pandemic.

A very brazen armed carjacking attempt took place on Wednesday, April 21 near 46th and Pine Streets, which led to an arrest of three suspects. The incident took place at 3:30 p.m. on Pine Street in front of the Garden Court condominium, according to reports. The male victim, a Garden Court resident, had just placed an item in his parked car when he was approached by four masked young males, each armed with a gun, according to police.

The suspects took the car keys from the victim and his wallet, got in the vehicle and sped off. The victim was able to hide his phone and called 911 immediately after the incident. Police responded within a few minutes and spotted the stolen vehicle nearby. After a pursuit the vehicle crashed into a fence on a dead end street and three out of the four suspects were apprehended when they tried to flee the crash scene. Continue Reading