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

Construction work will begin on the Safe Spaces for Cycling Project, starting the week of April 26th (weather permitting), according to today’s announcement by Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams.

The project involves the upgrading or reconfiguring bike lanes with the installation of pavement markings, flexible delineator posts, and bike lane related signage.

The following streets in West Philadelphia are included within the scope of this project:

• Parkside Avenue from Girard Ave to 52nd St. Continue Reading

Starting today, the city’s Department of Public Health began posting links on their website where residents can schedule a COVID vaccine appointment without an invitation at the FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics in Center City and North Philadelphia and at city-run neighborhood vaccination clinics, including the clinic located at the University of the Sciences in West Philadelphia.

To make a vaccine appointment, go here.

As was reported last week, FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics also began accepting walk-ups in addition to those people who had been invited to schedule an appointment after filling out the COVID Vaccine Interest form online or by calling 311. These options are also still available.

The City of Philadelphia has recently expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to all residents over the age of 16, so anyone within this age group can now sign up for an appointment or just walk in.

The city has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to all adults (age 16 and older) today, which is three days earlier than the previously announced date (April 19). Public Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley made the announcement this afternoon and the new eligibility is effective immediately.

Multiple vaccination sites around the city have reported appointment vacancies, according to Farley. People over the age of 65 are still strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as one of the most vulnerable groups. Continue Reading

Philadelphia has extended its agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue the operation of the mass COVID vaccine clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) until May 25. The clinic has again begun administering first doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week after completing the administration of second doses over the past three weeks to those who received their first doses last month.

On Wednesday, the FEMA-run Center City clinic began accepting walk-ups.

Continue Reading

Many small local businesses have been hit very hard by the pandemic, but they’re holding on and some even have some exciting news to share with the community:

Lil Pop Shop Partners with Weckerly’s Ice Cream

From left to right: Weckerly’s owners Andy Satinsky and Jen Weckerle, and Lil Pop Shop owner Jeanne Chang (Photo by Megan Kelly).

West Philly’s Lil Pop Shop and Fishtown’s Weckerly’s Ice Cream, have recently announced a new partnership. Starting this Friday, April 16, Lil Pop Shop customers will be able to enjoy a variety of scoops and other ice cream treats from Weckerly’s. Over in Fishtown, Weckerly’s flagship shop (9 W. Girard Ave.) will offer a selection of Lil Pop Shop’s small-batch fruit and cream based-pops. Continue Reading