🇺🇸 How are South Philly's reps in Congress navigating Trump?

Welcome to another South Philly Scoop. Thanks so much for finding us.

We have a packed agenda this week!

• A deep-dive into what our elected officials are up to in Washington so far this year …

• A very busy week of openings and closings around the neighborhood …

• Spring is definitely approaching, because our neighborhood event calendar is absolutely packed this weekend with events big and small …

• Should two South Philly piers be added to the city Register of Historic Places?

Let’s get into it below. If you like what you see in this newsletter, please subscribe here and share with a friend!

How our House reps have voted this year 🗳️🇺🇸

The federal government has been … let’s say, um, active … since Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office in January.

South Philadelphia’s two reps in the House of Representatives are of the opposition party, representing two very blue districts, and they no doubt disagree with the president on just about everything. They expressed their displeasure on Tuesday as Trump spoke to a joint session of Congress.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon reps the fifth district, which is primarily in Delco but does include some of the far southern reaches of South Philly — portions of Girard Estates, Packer Park, and the Sports Complex.

Rep. Dwight Evans reps the third district, which covers almost all of South Philly, and indeed almost all of Philadelphia west of Broad Street. It’s one of the most Democratic districts in the country, per the Cook Political Report. Evans is recovering from a stroke that he suffered in May of 2024, and he returned to in-person attendance in D.C. in January.

Evans did not attend Trump’s joint address to Congress — even though he says he was physically well enough to do so — but instead posted a list of demands on social media.

Scanlon did attend the joint address, but says she left midway through.

What’s more important than social media posts and attendance at a speech, however, are what the reps are actually doing legislatively in Washington.

So let’s break down every vote and all sponsored legislation coming from South Philly’s two House reps, as well as any remarks they’ve made on the House floor.

In a future week, we’ll look at Pennsylvania’s two United States Senators, John Fetterman (D) and Dave McCormick (R).

Outline of key House legislation so far this year 📝

Laken Riley Act: It requires the Department of Homeland Security to take into its custody and deport undocumented immigrants who are charged with theft and violent crime. It passed 264-159, with 48 Democrats joining the GOP. Trump signed it into law shortly after. Opponents say that the bill eliminates due process for those even simply accused of a crime.

Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act: Imposed sanction on the International Criminal Court in response to arrest warrants it issued for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The bill passed 243-150, with 30 total Dems not voting.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: Prevents federally funded schools from allowing transgender athletes from playing in women’s sports. The bill passed on party lines in the House, but seems dead in the Senate.

Fix Our Forests Act: This bill claims to provide further protections for forests from wildfire, but it also removes oversight of some actions under the long-standing National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act. The bill passed with bipartisan support, 279-141. It was opposed by a large group of environmental organizations.

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Opponents call this bill “disingenuous,” saying that all it does is stigmatize and fear-monger around abortion. The bill penalizes medical professionals who do not provide care to an infant who is born after an abortion attempt — the argument is that, of course, medical professionals already have an obligation to do that. It’s the third time a bill of this nature has passed the House, but it’s never gotten further.

Here’s Scanlon, speaking on the House floor, in opposition:

A House budget resolution was passed by a tight 217-215 margin, and it’s priorities include big tax cuts for the wealthy and deep, deep cuts to federal spending — likely on Medicaid and the social safety net. The Senate won’t take up their own budget resolution until the spring.

HALT Fentanyl Act: Permanently classifies fentanyl as a schedule I drug — seems simple enough, but opponents say that it would not solve any root problem. It would also impose mandatory minimum sentencing on even the lowest level drug dealer who may not know what they’re selling, repeating the mistakes of how we handled the crack epidemic in the 80s.

Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: The bill enhances penalties for those who attempt to evade law enforcement by the border, but opponents call it performative and say that it won’t actually solve a real-world problem. They also claim that it’s too broad and could lead to discriminatory enforcement.

Protecting American Energy Production Act: Limits federal oversight over fracking, a hot button issue in portions of Pennsylvania. Opponents argue that fracking is an environmental risk. The bill passed the house by a vote of 226-188.

How Scanlon and Evans voted on each 🗳️

Other activity in Washington by our reps 🎤

Scanlon has spoken on the Congressional record a few times this session.

On Elon Musk taking a hatchet to the federal workforce, she said, in part: “Americans are justifiably concerned that these unelected intruders are acting as judge and jury on people's lives and livelihoods as they gleefully and illegally feed tens of thousands of jobs and vital programs into a woodchipper.”

She also rose to the lectern to denounce the “bogus buyout plan” of federal workers by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Evans has not spoken in the chamber yet this session, likely due to continued recovery from that stroke.

🍨 More scoop …

🔫 Father shot dead under I-95: 55-year-old Assem Hijazi, of the 1100 block of McKean Street, was found Sunday with a bullet wound to the head in his car near the overpass on Ritner Street, down near 2300 Arena. There’s no motive but police do have surveillance footage as they try to track down the killer. [Inquirer $]

🏗️ Old Broad & Snyder McD’s to face wrecking ball: Demolition permits were issued for the long-vacant old McDonald’s building near Broad and Snyder, at 2033 South Broad. That area can definitely use a cleanup, as this particular building is primarily used as sleeping quarters at the corner that’s often an open air drug den. Hopefully demo and a new structure here can help make a difference. [OCF]

🌳 Funding for street trees cut: Part of Trump’s cutting of the federal government? $12 million earmarked to help Philly plant thousands of trees is now gone. The money would have planted trees on many South Philly blocks that are empty of greenery — and very, very warm in the summer without tree cover. [Inky $]

🍽️ Ember & Ash changes menu, adds Sunday brunch: The East Passyunk restaurant has completely tweaked their menu, although they made a point to say that everything will still be cooked over a hearth and fire. They’re also adding Sunday brunch! [Instagram]

🪩 Nightlife space rebrands: We’ve featured several events on our events calendar held upstairs at Rosy’s Taco Bar East, at 6th and Bainbridge. The venue is getting more official now, though, branding as Club 624, calling the space “a blank canvas for nightlife". [Phila Biz Journal $]

🗓️ This week’s South Philly events calendar

We can’t possibly find all of the cool events in South Philly on our own. Please send your submissions each week to [email protected] or DM us on IG at @south.philly.scoop.

Thursday, March 6

Flyers vs. Winnipeg Jets 🏒
⏱️ 7 p.m. 📍Wells Fargo Center

Friday, March 7

Flower Rings Workshop 💐
Make rings out of flowers ! No experience necessary, BYOB for those over 21.
⏱️ 6:30 p.m.
🎟️ $40 available here
📍 Bok Building, Room 210, 9th and Mifflin

WWE Friday Night SmackDown 🤼
The long-running WWE promotion comes to South Philly this week.
⏱️ 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ $130 up to $800+ via Ticketmaster
📍 Wells Fargo Center

Armor For Sleep, Boys Night Out, Hellogoodbye 🎸
Three emo/alt rock bands unite, with Armor For Sleep headlining.
⏱️ 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ $68.50, via Live Nation
📍 TLA, 334 South Street

Rhythm of the Night: 90’s House/UKG/Techno 🪩
⏱️ 9 p.m.
🎟️ $5 advance, $10 day of via eTix
📍 Dolphin Tavern, Broad and Tasker

Saturday, March 8

March Madness Basketball Tournament 🏀
Enter your team of 6-8 players ages 18-24 in this tournament in the Y’s gym. Winners will take home cash. More details here on Facebook.
⏱️ 9:30 a.m. start
🎟️ Free to enter
📍 Christian Street YMCA, 1724 Christian Street

Starkbierfest 2025 🍻
This event is Friday and Saturday, with a pay-as-you-go non-ticketed option Friday night and a paid ticket option all day Saturday. Starkbierfest is the “second big beer festival in Munich,” after Oktoberfest. More details here.
⏱️ 4 p.m. start Friday, 12 p.m. start Saturday
🎟️ Free on Friday, $25 on Saturday
📍 Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street

Flyers vs. Seattle Kraken 🏒
⏱️ 12:30 p.m. 📍Wells Fargo Center

Hot Dog Fundraiser for South Philadelphia Community Fridge 🌭
Donate and get a free hot dog. Good deal. Details here.
⏱️ 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
🎟️ Just donate!
📍 Nikki Lopez Philly, 304 South Street

Sharswood School Bingo & Raffle Night 📚
Benefiting the elementary school in the Whitman neighborhood, your donation gets you 25 raffle tickets and five games of bingo. Event is adults only.
⏱️ 6 p.m, doors at 5:15 p.m.
🎟️ $40 donation at the door, details here
📍 Mummers Museum, 2nd and Washington

Swift Promotions Presents The Future Is Now 🥊
“Showcasing the brightest rising stars in boxing.”
⏱️ 6 p.m.
🎟️ $65 for GA, up to $200 for VIP
📍 2300 Arena, 2300 S Swanson Street

NLL Lacrosse: Wings vs. Albany Firewolves 🥍
It’s the annual Emo Night at the Wings game this Saturday, with The Early November performing at halftime.
⏱️ 7 p.m.
📍Wells Fargo Center

extrABBAganza Dance Party 🪩 
Wear your 70s attire to this celebration of the music of ABBA. Tickets include dinner, and a cash bar is available.
⏱️ 7 p.m.
🎟️ $35 for members of the museum, $40 for non-members
📍 American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue

exes and o’s live with Shannon Beveridge 🎙️
The popular podcast covering queer relationships and sex comes to South Street for a live show.
⏱️ 8 p.m.
🎟️ Starting at $35.25, via Live Nation
📍 TLA, 334 South Street

Ladies of the 2010’s Dance Party 🪩
A dance party to celebrate International Women’s Day.
⏱️ 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
🎟️ $5 early, $7 day of via Eventbrite
📍 Milkboy, 4th and South (note: this event is at also at the Center City Milkboy)

Sunday, March 9

Pet Vaccine Clinic 💉
No exam fees for cats and dogs at this Whitman Plaza vet office. Details here.
⏱️ Cats from 11 to 12:30 p.m., dogs from 1-3 p.m.
🎟️ Vaccines start at $35, up to $47
📍 Love City Vet, Whitman Plaza, 330 West Oregon Avenue

Meet Your New Pup 🐶
Get to know foster dogs who are looking for their new homes, and maybe bring one home! More details here.
⏱️ 12 p.m.
🎟️ Free
📍 Monster Pets, 21 Snyder Avenue

Flyers vs. Seattle Kraken 🏒
⏱️ 1 p.m. 📍Wells Fargo Center

Sixers vs. Utah Jazz 🏀
⏱️ 7:30 p.m. 📍Wells Fargo Center

Monday, March 10

Property Management Strategies in Philadelphia 🏡
For those involved or looking to get involved in real estate, this workshop provides networking opportunity and insights from those involved in the business.
⏱️ 6:30 p.m.
🎟️ $5, via Eventbrite
📍 Newbold Exchange, 1727 Snyder Avenue

Oomprov Presents: A Craic Jawn! Improv Comedy Night 🎭
“At the end of the rainbow, you'll find a cold beer and some of Philly's funniest improv comedy teams!”
⏱️ 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ $15 via Eventbrite
📍 Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street

Tuesday, March 11

Ska-Jazz Party at Bob & Barbs 🎷
Per the organizer: “You’ll hear ska done jazz, jazz done ska, and many other genre-blending musical concoctions - fluid on the spectrums.”
⏱️ 9 p.m.
🎟️ Free
📍 Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, 15th and South

Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators 🏒
⏱️ 7 p.m. 📍Wells Fargo Center

Openings and closings

If you’re opening a new business and would like to be included in this part of the newsletter, shoot us a quick note at [email protected].

🥯 Slice & Schmear re-opens: The former Korshak Bagels at 10th and Morris re-opened in 2024 under this new brand, and now it looks like it’s changed hands again. A big UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT sign, as well as new menu boards and some interior improvements are visible. According to social media, their grand re-opening was last week. Anybody try it yet? [IG]

🛍️ Italian Market specialty goods store to close: Salt & Vinegar, the 9th Street outpost featuring local goods, gifts, foods, and drink, will mark its final day on Sunday the 16th.

🇮🇹🥢 Italian-Asian fusion opens on Passyunk: We shared the news last month that Flannel, the East Passyunk Southern food staple, would be closing to re-brand. They’re now DaVinci & Yu, a blend of Italian and Asian cuisine under the same owners. Now you can get items such as orange chicken parm in a touched-up space that includes a much bigger bar. We hear karaoke will be a weekend staple at the new spot as well.

🍕 Little Italy Pizza closes: The pizzeria at 9th and South, not to be confused with the other Little Italy at 4th and Queen, has closed for good. Word is the landlord raised the rent a ton. The last day was Friday.

🍩 Coffee and donuts on Point Breeze Ave: Ringo, the new coffee and donuts shop that we’ve seen under construction for a few weeks now, is officially open at the corner of Point Breeze Avenue, Federal Street, and 20th. The photos on IG look so good.

🍕 Oregon Avenue pizza joint has new name: The old PIZZASHOP.COM at 7th and Oregon — before that, Ralph & Rickey’s — has changed names again. It’s now Angelina’s Pizza with a cute pink sign. They don’t appear to be open yet — not sure if this is rebranding or a complete change in ownership.

🥡 New Chinese spot in Point Breeze: Early reviews rave about the new South Sichuan restaurant offering Chinese food at 19th and Tasker. “Authentic Sichuan flavors in South Philadelphia,” they say on IG.

🍗 Asad’s Hot Chicken opens: We told you a few weeks back that the rapidly-growing hot chicken chain would be opening in Snyder Plaza. They are now indeed open, in the same strip as Boston Market and Dunkin at 57 Snyder Avenue.

This week’s old school photo

A weekly South Philly Scoop feature - an old school photo from somewhere in South Philly, and a bit of the history and background behind it.

Here we see a photo from August 27, 1914 showing construction of Piers 38 and 40 along the Delaware River.

The Southwark Municipal Piers, as they became to be known, were designed in the Beaux Arts style that was dominant in civic architecture at the time.

The piers are currently in front of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, which will vote at an upcoming meeting on whether or not to place them on the city’s Register of Historic Places.

Here is an excerpt from the detailed proposal that sits in front of the commission:

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See youse next Thursday.