SEPTA workers and trolleys participating in test runs seen near the Trolley Tunnel at 40th and Woodland on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Photo West Philly Local)

UPDATE (1/1/2026): SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel will remain closed through early January until the necessary repairs are complete and test trolley runs are successful, according to a Dec. 31 announcement by SEPTA. The repairs in the tunnel are expected to be completed by the end of this week, after which SEPTA will begin running test trolleys. A target re-opening date for the tunnel has not been announced yet, but is expected to be announced shortly, according to SEPTA.

12/13/2025: SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel closure is expected to continue until the end of December, as more testing is needed before the tunnel can reopen for regular service, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA.

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A new eatery specializing in halal chicken shawarma, Barakat Chicken, is in the works for the northeast corner of 43rd and Walnut. The space was previously occupied by a Chinese restaurant. While more details are currently not available, it looks like the new restaurant should open soon as the signage is already there.

The area around Walnut between 43rd and 45th Streets is known for halal food, featuring Muslim-owned food markets and restaurants. We hope that Barakat Chicken will be a great addition to the local halal restaurant scene.

The Soapbox exhibit at Knockbox Cafe (Instagram photo).

The Soapbox, the West Philadelphia-based community print-making studio and zine library, is moving from 47th and Kingsessing to a new space on the 4500 block of Baltimore Avenue, according to a recent announcement on social media.

To support the relocation, which is expected to take place in the spring, the non-profit arts organization has launched a fundraising campaign. As part of this campaign, community members are invited to stop by Knockbox Cafe (45th and Pine) now through the end of the month to check out a fundraising art show by Soapbox artists.

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Burrito Feliz, an award-winning Philadelphia food truck business, is about to open its first brick-and-mortar location serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The storefront at 4403 Chestnut Street has been secured by the owners since Spring 2024, and it looks like the opening is going to happen this winter, as soon as some issues with PGW are resolved.

Burrito Feliz, founded by Mexican natives Miguel Nolasco and his wife Leticia Jolapa, began its operation as a food cart in 2017 and was upgraded to a truck in 2019. Since then, the green food truck serving Mexican favorites has gained huge popularity and won the Best in Philly award in 2021 for its birria. Burrito Feliz is also known for its flavorful chicken tinga and Baja shrimp tacos, and more. Burrito Feliz also has vegan options and offers catering.

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UPDATE (12/8/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 14, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA: “We know this closure has been frustrating, and we appreciate your continued patience. We are making good progress and hope to have more detailed news soon.”

UPDATE (11/30/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 7 as additional testing of the overhead wires in the tunnel must be completed, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA. All trolleys will remain on diversion to 40th and Market during this time.

UPDATE (11/24/2025):  The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue for another week – through at least Sunday, Nov. 30 – according to a recent announcement by SEPTA.

(11/20/2025): The SEPTA Trolley Tunnel remains closed this week while crews continue repairing an overhead wire.

The problems with the wire began in October, soon after new “sliders” (the part that connects the trolley to the overhead wire) were installed on most trolleys. Outages in the tunnel caused some 450 passengers to be evacuated.

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A Campaign for Working Families volunteer at work. (Photo courtesy of CWF)

Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact in West Philly this winter? Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is recruiting volunteers for the 2026 tax season.

Each year, thousands of Philadelphians rely on free, trustworthy tax preparation to access the refunds and tax credits they’ve earned. Through CWF’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, trained community volunteers help low- to moderate-income families file accurate tax returns at no cost. Your time and compassion can directly support residents in reducing financial stress, building stability, and keeping more money in their pockets.

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