ACME Markets, a Philadelphia based company, has opened its newest store at 40th and Walnut (former Fresh Grocer location) this morning.

Here are some more details on what the new store includes:

• A Deli department featuring such meal solutions as sushi, Poke bowls, Asian hot bar, focaccia pizza, BBQ station, and ACME’s first ever Sally the Robot salad station
• A full-service Butcher Block featuring fresh cut meats prepared daily by on-site butchers and a full-service seafood department
• A bakery with freshly made pastries, hot Italian bread, cookies, and cakes for special occasions
• Natural, organic, and gluten-free products throughout the store
• A beer and wine section, featuring local craft beer options
• In-store Starbucks  Continue Reading

The City Council unanimously passed new regulations today limiting the use of consumer fireworks. The new legislation makes it illegal to set off fireworks after 9 p.m. except on federal holidays and when such use is in full compliance with the Fire Code. The legislation was introduced by Councilmember David Oh.

Oh drafted the legislation after hearing from distressed residents across the city.

“This is an issue that has impacted every single neighborhood in Philadelphia,” he said.  Continue Reading

Voters can now pick up or drop off their voted ballots at a new satellite election office in West Philadelphia. The new office has opened over the weekend at Alain Locke School (4550 Haverford Ave.). The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Today is the last day for Pennsylvania residents to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election. If you’re eligible to vote, but haven’t registered yet, you can also do it at the new election office. The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 27th.

Another election office in West Philadelphia is located at Overbrook Elementary School (Annex Trailer), 2032 N. 62nd St. For information on other citywide election office locations, go here.  Continue Reading

Photo from Ice Cave’s Facebook page.

After closing for a few weeks, the popular Baltimore Avenue business Ice Cave has reopened at a new location – across the street from their previous location near 45th and Baltimore. The shop, which sells authentic Taiwanese shaved ice and other cool treats, is now located at 4520 Baltimore Avenue, in much bigger space (it was previously occupied by West Philly Ballroom and Latin Dance studio).

Owner Po Chang, a Drexel University graduate, opened Ice Cave four years ago. Like many small businesses, Ice Cave experienced some hardship during the past few months. From their Facebook page:  Continue Reading

The School District of Philadelphia announced a plan Wednesday that would allow public school students from kindergarten through 2nd grade to return to classrooms two days a week across the city beginning Nov. 30.

At each school, kindergarten through 2nd grade students will be sorted into two groups. One group will attend class in person on Monday and Tuesday and the other group on Thursday and Friday. All students will participate in remote learning on Wednesdays, according to the plan.

The plan is opt-in, so parents can also choose to keep students at home where they will participate in online direct instruction, independent learning and small group instruction. The hybrid plan could be scrapped for a particular classroom or school if the “vast majority” of students don’t opt in or if “significant numbers” of teachers are unable to teach in person, according to the plan.  Continue Reading

The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election in Pennsylvania is Monday, Oct. 19. If you’re eligible to vote, but haven’t registered yet, check out these four options. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s team is also offering delivery of voter registration forms and mail-in ballot applications to 3rd District residents (West and Southwest Philadelphia).

To request an application, residents can call her office at 215-686-0460 or fill out this form.  Continue Reading