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Philadelphia will host one of six FIFA World Cup games on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Public safety agencies are adopting artificial intelligence tools to enhance their response capabilities, highlighted by a recent workshop at the University of Pennsylvania. Meta's open-source AI models are being utilized for projects including robotics for disaster response.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will release her public schedule for Thursday, July 31, 2025, detailing her planned appearances and activities. The schedule is part of the mayor's ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement.
PECO launched a $10 million Customer Relief Fund to assist low- and moderate-income residents facing rising summer energy bills. Eligible customers can receive a one-time grant of $500, administered by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, starting August 4. This initiative aims to alleviate financial stress from increased utility costs during the summer months.
Five people, including two children, were shot Wednesday outside Christy Rec Center in West Philadelphia. The shooting followed an earlier fight at the public pool, leaving one teen in critical condition and another in stable condition. Local officials vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood faces heightened summer heat exposure due to a lack of trees and cooling resources. To combat this, the Office of Sustainability launched the Strawberry Mansion Heat Resilience Initiative, building on previous efforts in Hunting Park. The initiative focuses on community engagement and long-term planning to enhance heat safety.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will outline her public schedule for Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The announcement comes as part of the Office of the Mayor's ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about local governance activities.
The Law Department will host its 31st Annual CLE Conference in Bangalore, India, on July 29, 2025. The event will focus on various aspects of the legal services industry and feature discussions involving stakeholders such as the police force and municipal council. Attendees can expect insights from key figures, including the chief executive officer of the Department of Revenue.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill banning mobile service units in Kensington's 7th District has not yet been enforced as the city finalizes the permitting process. Outreach groups express concern over operating without guidance on permits, while the mayor’s office assures that enforcement will begin only after providers have ample time to comply.
High school students with disabilities participated in a summer employment program at Philabundance Community Kitchen in South Philadelphia, making meals for children in need. Pennsylvania L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker praised the program's role in building skills and confidence. OVR has connected over 500 students to paid work experiences this summer.
Philadelphia's Realty Transfer Tax rate increased to 4.578% effective July 1, 2025, up from 3.278%. The increase will fund affordable housing initiatives, including the H.O.M.E. Plan, which aims to create 30,000 affordable housing units. Exemptions apply for certain family transfers and wills.