Philadelphia

Following his blockbuster transfer from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Philadelphia 76ers, NBA superstar LeBron James reportedly plans to live in New York City and commute to Philadelphia by helicopter, a strategy compared to former German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Lehmann, during his time at VfB Stuttgart, lived near Munich and flew by helicopter to training to save time and be with family. The 150-kilometer flight between New York and Philadelphia takes about 45 minutes, versus 90 minutes by car. James would not be the first Sixers player to do this; J.J. Redick commuted from Brooklyn during his tenure, and Wilt Chamberlain also lived in New York while playing for Philadelphia. NBA insider Shams Charania noted that this commuting option made Philadelphia more attractive to James.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:11 AM UTC

Paraguay defender José Canale, who came on as a substitute in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against France, told ESPN that the French team, like Germany, did not like engaging in physical duels. The match, played on July 4 in Philadelphia, saw France win 1-0 via a penalty by captain Kylian Mbappé. Canale, a Lanus defender, stated that South American football is 'more difficult' than European football, adding that pushing French or German players slightly was enough to disrupt their game. The article also notes Paraguay's aggressive tactics, including fouls and provocations, which frustrated the French team. The victory advanced France to the quarterfinals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:55 PM UTC

The Trump administration, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee on Thursday challenging the city's ban on law enforcement wearing face coverings while on duty. The DOJ argues that the measure is unconstitutional when applied to federal agents, citing recent legal victories in similar cases against California, Virginia, and Philadelphia. The lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to override local ordinances that restrict federal law enforcement activities, particularly regarding mask-wearing. The DOJ is asking the court to join the growing number of rulings that have sided with the administration on this issue.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:54 PM UTC

Wrexham defender Zak Vyner is looking forward to witnessing the club's immense popularity in the United States during their pre-season tour. The Championship side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has gained a massive global following thanks to the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary. Vyner, who joined from Bristol City in January, has been impressed by fan support on social media and during European friendlies, but teammates say the US reception is even bigger. Wrexham will face Leeds United in Tampa, Liverpool in New York, and Sunderland in Philadelphia. Vyner, 29, is fully fit after groin and toe injuries and aims to make an impression on the tour to secure his place for the upcoming Championship season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:27 AM UTC

The article analyzes the rapid growth of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing, which has evolved from a niche tool for ESG improvements into a mainstream, multibillion-dollar financing mechanism for commercial real estate. It highlights how C-PACE is now used in new construction, mid-construction rescue capital, multifamily recapitalizations, and office-to-apartment conversions. Rafi Golberstein, CEO of PACE Loan Group, notes that spreads have tightened and eligibility has expanded. Specific examples include a $10.6 million C-PACE loan for a 114-unit multifamily project in Philadelphia after a bank backed out, and a $35 million loan for a studio complex in St. Louis. The article positions C-PACE as a flexible alternative to traditional mortgage debt, particularly for stalled projects or atypical assets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:11 PM UTC

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency selected TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard to build two Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIVs), named 'Golden Defender' and a second unnamed ship, under a $2 billion contract. The vessels will replace the aging Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, supporting ballistic missile test monitoring in the Pacific and President Trump's 'Golden Dome' defense initiative. The first MRIV is scheduled for delivery in June 2030.

13 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:14 PM UTC

President Donald Trump and the White House have promoted the Freedom Fuel Network, a chain of gas stations in the Philadelphia area selling gas at $3.47 per gallon. The venture is backed by a disparate group including an NFL kicking coach, a GOP fundraiser, and New Jersey entrepreneur Shamikh Kazmi, who along with his brother Syed was ordered to pay over $600,000 for stealing more than 230,000 gallons of fuel. Blue Owl Capital, an investment firm in which Trump previously held up to $25 million in stock, owns about a third of the properties. The White House denied any personal connection or funding from Trump but acknowledged discussions with the network's organizers. The Kazmi brothers face multiple civil judgments and lawsuits from former suppliers and franchisors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:08 PM UTC

Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI) and TOTE Services have secured a contract to deliver new Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIVs) for the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA), supporting the Golden Dome missile defence programme. TOTE Services will serve as vessel construction manager (VCM), while Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia will handle construction. The MRIVs, with the first named 'Golden Defender', will replace the aging Pacific Tracker (built 1965) and Pacific Collector (built 1970). The contract was announced at the christening of the NSMV Lone Star State. The project replicates the VCM model used on the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, aiming for better oversight and cost control. The first MRIV is scheduled for delivery by 2030. The order is expected to sustain and expand shipyard employment in Philadelphia, supporting US maritime industrial base revitalization as a national security priority.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:59 PM UTC

The article investigates the Freedom Fuel Network, a chain of gas stations selling discounted gas in honor of President Trump, and the dubious background of its operators, the Kazmi brothers. It details a history of alleged fraud, including stealing over $667,000 in phantom gas, multiple undisclosed credit agreements, default judgments, and lawsuits from landlords and franchisors. The brothers partnered with Wall Street firm Blue Owl, which took over a portfolio of gas stations after a previous operator's bankruptcy. The article questions the legitimacy of the Freedom Fuel stations, which gained media attention after a White House video promoted them, and suggests the operation may be a Potemkin-like facade.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:30 AM UTC

This investigative report from The American Prospect examines the dubious business practices behind the Freedom Fuel Network, a chain of gas stations selling discounted fuel in honor of President Trump. The article traces the network's operators, Syed and Shamikh Kazmi, who have a history of unpaid debts, default judgments, and legal disputes with major franchisors like 7-Eleven and Phillips 66. It reveals that the Kazmis took over stations from Blue Owl, a Wall Street firm that inherited a portfolio of troubled gas stations after the liquidation of Mountain Express. The report highlights a pattern of phantom fuel invoices, failed deposits on major real estate bids, and a fast-food venture that largely failed to launch. The Freedom Fuel stations gained media attention after a White House YouTube video promoted them, but the article questions their legitimacy and financial sustainability, framing them as a Potemkin operation tied to kleptocratic practices.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:30 AM UTC

The article investigates the Freedom Fuel Network, a chain of gas stations selling discounted gas in honor of President Trump. It traces the network's operators, Syed and Shamikh Kazmi, who have a history of legal disputes, unpaid debts, and alleged fraud. The Kazmis previously stole over $667,000 in phantom gas from a distributor and have multiple default judgments against them. They took over stations from Blue Owl, a Wall Street firm that inherited the properties after a prior operator's bankruptcy. The Freedom Fuel stations gained media attention for selling gas at $3.47 per gallon, promoted via a White House YouTube video. The article suggests the operation is a Potemkin-like facade masking deeper financial and legal troubles.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:30 AM UTC

This article analyzes the financial benefits for older white-collar workers who lose their jobs and transition into shipbuilding trades. It highlights that the U.S. needs roughly 300,000 shipbuilding workers, with jobs paying around $100,000 without a college degree. JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in training programs. The core financial argument is that Social Security benefits are calculated based on a worker's 35 highest-earning years. By replacing low-earning or zero-earning years with a $100,000 trade salary in one's mid-50s, a retiree could increase their monthly Social Security check by $200 to $400. The article also advises against early panic-claiming of benefits, noting that delaying claims past full retirement age increases benefits by about 8% per year until age 70.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 05:00 PM UTC

The 2026 MLB All-Star Village in Philadelphia set attendance records with more than 111,000 visitors over four days, far exceeding the predicted 80,000. Hosted by Capital One in the final year of a $125 million sponsorship, the event covered 500,000 square feet of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, featuring three baseball fields, batting and pitching experiences, virtual reality attractions, historical exhibits, merchandise sales, and food from multiple MLB ballparks. Retail sales surged 45% from the 2025 event in Atlanta, with headwear accounting for nearly 25% of all products sold. The Village employed approximately 1,500 local workers and worked with over 40 Philadelphia-area vendors. The event coincided with the nation's 250th birthday celebration, fulfilling a promise by Commissioner Rob Manfred to former Phillies owner David Montgomery. Next year's All-Star Game is scheduled for Wrigley Field in Chicago.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 07:06 PM UTC

Chicago White Sox first-time All-Star Tristan Peters, a former Savannah Bananas player, faced a family health emergency during MLB's All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. Just before the game, his wife Erin experienced severe back pain and was unable to get out of bed, requiring an emergency hospital visit where she underwent CAT scans. The couple spent the night in the hospital with their baby, getting minimal sleep. Despite her pain, Erin encouraged Peters to participate in the All-Star Game. Peters responded with a three-word tribute: 'She's so amazing.' The article highlights Peters' unlikely journey from playing briefly for the Savannah Bananas in 2021 to becoming a breakout major leaguer batting .301 with 75 hits for the White Sox, and how the health scare added perspective to his All-Star experience.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:30 PM UTC

Business Insider reporters visited the two most popular FIFA Fan Festivals in the United States during the 2026 World Cup, held in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Atlanta's festival at Centennial Olympic Park drew over 500,000 visitors, averaging 27,000 per day, while Philadelphia's at Lemon Hill attracted more than 425,000 attendees despite extreme heat. Both festivals featured jumbo screens for match viewing, brand activations from sponsors like Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and Michelob Ultra, and strong security and volunteer presence. Atlanta's event was located near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Philadelphia's offered a more relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere. The festivals provided free, community-oriented World Cup experiences for fans unable to attend matches in stadiums, with both cities emphasizing hospitality and local engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 11:17 AM UTC

East Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, a hub of independently owned small businesses, is leveraging the 2024 World Cup to attract international soccer fans. Despite the city denying street-closure permits for planned block parties, local entrepreneurs have taken a self-reliant approach, using their own cars to block streets and setting up projector screens for game screenings. The East Passyunk Business Improvement District (EPABID) has organized marketing campaigns, including subway ads, to promote the neighborhood as the closest commercial corridor to the stadium. Businesses report increased foot traffic during a typically slow summer period, with international visitors purchasing unique items like vinyl records. Owners express frustration with city bureaucracy but remain optimistic about the economic boost from the tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:33 AM UTC

The Guardian assesses the United States' performance as the primary host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which held 78 matches across 11 cities. The report card grades various aspects: stadiums received a B+ for atmosphere but noted concourse congestion; transport earned a D+ due to car-centric infrastructure and costly, slow travel; affordability received an F, as ticket prices far exceeded historical norms, with FIFA admitting the tournament was used as a revenue-generating 'ATM'; hospitality was mixed, with positive fan community spirit but criticism over Trump administration policies that barred referees, team staff, and fans from certain nations. The analysis highlights a contrast between enthusiastic fan environments and systemic accessibility and cost issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

The Guardian provides a report card evaluating the United States' performance as the primary host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which held 78 matches across 11 cities. The analysis grades several categories: Stadiums (B+) for atmosphere but poor concourse flow; Transport (D+) for inadequate public transit and high costs; Affordability (F) for exorbitant ticket prices, parking fees, and overall costs that made the tournament inaccessible to most fans; and Hospitality (mixed) for welcoming volunteer efforts but criticized for Trump administration policies that barred referees, team staff, and fans from certain nations. The article notes FIFA acknowledged the pricing was unsustainable for future tournaments. Only the third-place match in Miami and the final in East Rutherford remain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

As the 2026 World Cup concludes, The Guardian assesses the United States' performance as the primary host nation. The US held 78 matches across 11 cities. Stadiums received a B+ grade for atmosphere and design, though concourse congestion was noted. Transport earned a D+ due to car-centric infrastructure and costly, slow travel to venues. Affordability received an F, with ticket prices far exceeding historical norms and FIFA admitting to treating the tournament as an 'ATM'. Hospitality was mixed: community spirit among fans was praised, but Trump administration policies barred referees, team staff, and fans from certain nations (including Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal), with FIFA failing to intervene. The analysis highlights a stark contrast between successful fan atmosphere and systemic accessibility failures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 AM UTC

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game, held in Philadelphia and broadcast on FOX and FOX Deportes, drew an average audience of 8.794 million viewers, making it the most-watched Midsummer Classic since 2008. The game, which saw the American League defeat the National League 4-0, peaked at 10.186 million viewers between 8:45-9:00 PM ET. This represents a 21% increase over the 2025 All-Star Game (7.185 million). FOX also reported strong regular-season viewership, averaging 2.266 million viewers heading into the break, a 10% year-over-year increase and the network's best start since adopting the April schedule in 2023. Additionally, FOX's MLB All-Star Game Selection Show drew 5.897 million viewers, the highest since the show's inception in 2007, boosted by its placement near FIFA World Cup broadcasts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:26 PM UTC

This article, published by the French Ministry of Defense, provides a concise historical overview of the United States Declaration of Independence. It explains that after Britain's costly victory in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), new taxes imposed on the Thirteen Colonies led to rising tensions. The American War of Independence began on April 19, 1775, with clashes near Boston. On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was approved by colonial representatives, marking a definitive break with the United Kingdom. The article concludes with the British defeat at Yorktown in October 1781, aided by Franco-American forces, which ended British domination over the colonies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:47 AM UTC

Foot Locker is adding Salomon sneakers to its product lineup for the first time, launching on July 19 in select stores and online. The retailer will offer three Salomon models (XT-6, XT-6 GTX, and XT-Whisper) priced between $145 and $200. The partnership comes as Foot Locker continues transforming its merchandising strategy under new parent company Dick's Sporting Goods, which purchased the chain for $2.4 billion in September 2025. Foot Locker's chief merchant Michelle Wang said the collaboration has been in development for some time and aligns with Salomon's expansion into North America. To celebrate the launch, Foot Locker will host farmer's market-inspired pop-up events in New York (Aug 1), Los Angeles and Philadelphia (Aug 8), and Miami (Aug 15), featuring local vendors, DJs, and gift-with-purchase offerings. The move is part of Foot Locker's broader strategy to broaden its brand portfolio and meet evolving consumer preferences ahead of the critical back-to-school season.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article analyzes the potential historical significance of 21-year-old golfer Aldrich Potgieter's performance at the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club. Despite the course presenting U.S. Open-level difficulties, Potgieter has survived the initial rounds effectively in his first PGA Championship appearance. The report details that a victory would make him the fourth-youngest winner in the tournament's history, trailing only Gene Sarazen (who won twice under age 22) and Tom Creavy. At 21 years and eight months, Potgieter would surpass notable champions like Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, who all won their first PGA titles at age 23. Additionally, the piece highlights that Potgieter could become the tenth player ever to win the PGA Championship in their debut, joining recent winners like Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley. Currently, Potgieter has limited major championship experience, with this being only his fifth major start and second cut made. The article provides context on his age, previous best finish, and the rarity of such an achievement for a golfer of his tenure.

1 reports · 1 sources

At the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, numerous high-profile golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau, Adam Scott, and Viktor Hovland, failed to make the 36-hole cut. Challenging course conditions with strong winds contributed to a volatile leaderboard, eliminating five of the world's top 13 players. DeChambeau finished seven-over par, marking his second consecutive major missed cut. The early exits of these stars have opened the field for potential first-time major champions among the remaining competitors heading into the weekend rounds.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated May 16, 04:29 AM UTC

During the second round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink in Philadelphia, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm struggled with his driving accuracy in the final holes, causing him to lose momentum. Although Rahm had performed solidly through the first part of the day, reaching as high as third place, he missed five fairways in the last nine holes. This erratic play led to bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes, resulting in an even-par round of 70 strokes. Consequently, Rahm finished the day in sixteenth place, three strokes behind the leaders, Americans Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy. He ended the round one stroke behind Scottie Scheffler and fellow Spaniard David Puig. The challenging course conditions, characterized by difficult pin placements and movement in the greens, tested the players' courage. While Rahm showed promise earlier in the tournament, his inability to consistently hit fairways on the Donald Ross-designed course has raised questions about his contention status for the weekend rounds.

1 reports · 1 sources

Mike Brown has successfully guided the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals, fulfilling the high expectations set by ownership after replacing former coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite facing early playoff adversity and trailing two games in the first round, Brown implemented crucial tactical adjustments that sparked a seven-game winning streak. Key strategic shifts included empowering Karl-Anthony Towns to facilitate offense from the frontcourt, which created spacing for Jalen Brunson, and maintaining confidence in Mikal Bridges despite a poor initial performance against Atlanta. Brown’s leadership style, characterized by open dialogue and collaborative decision-making, has been credited by players for improving team cohesion and performance. The Knicks, who had not reached the conference finals in 25 years prior to Thibodeau’s tenure, are now poised to face either Detroit or Cleveland. Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, was hired to deliver immediate championship contention, and his ability to adapt under pressure has validated the organization's controversial decision to change coaches. His approach balances authoritative decision-making with player input, resulting in optimized performances from key stars and a deep playoff run.

1 reports · 1 sources

David Puig has expressed high praise for fellow golfer Aldrich Potgieter after playing alongside him during the first two rounds of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink. Both players are positioned competitively heading into the weekend, with Potgieter sitting at three under par and Puig at two under. Puig, who shot an impressive 67 on Friday, highlighted Potgieter's exceptional driving distance and overall talent, noting that the South African is longer off the tee than himself. Despite Potgieter finishing his second round with bogeys on the final two holes, Puig described his performance as unbelievable and predicted a bright future for the 21-year-old. Potgieter, who won the Rocket Classic on the PGA Tour last year, has struggled somewhat in 2026 but currently leads the tour in driving distance. This tournament represents a significant opportunity for Potgieter to improve upon his previous major championship finishes, where he had previously missed the cut in four of five appearances. Both athletes are considered among the brightest talents on their respective tours, with Puig competing on LIV Golf and Potgieter on the PGA Tour.

1 reports · 1 sources

During the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia, top professional golfers expressed shock and frustration over the increasingly difficult course setup. Initially perceived as too easy during practice rounds, the course difficulty escalated significantly after PGA of America setup chief Kerry Haigh implemented aggressive pin placements. Players described the greens as having vexing spines and undulations, with Scottie Scheffler labeling the pin locations as the hardest he has seen on tour, comparable to past U.S. Opens. The challenging conditions, combined with windy weather, resulted in modest scoring, countering early predictions of low winning scores. Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood highlighted the deceptive nature of the fairways and the complexity of putting. The article centers on the strategic decision by organizers to test the players' limits, raising questions about whether this extreme setup represents the best test for the championship as hotter weather is forecast for the weekend.

1 reports · 1 sources

Spanish golfer David Puig delivered a standout performance during the second round of the 2026 PGA Championship, shooting a 4-under-par 67 to reach the weekend at two under par overall. The 24-year-old from La Garriga displayed remarkable consistency on the demanding Aronimink course in Philadelphia, recording four birdies and only one bogey. Puig credited his success to patience and effective putting, noting that he felt well-prepared for this major event. This result marks a significant milestone in his career, as he has never previously made the cut on the weekend in a major championship, surpassing his previous best finish of 39th at the 2023 US Open. Despite challenging conditions characterized by wind, clouds, and difficult flag placements, Puig remained solid, even while playing alongside South African competitor Potgieter. Meanwhile, world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled slightly with a 71, citing missed fairways and tricky greens. Puig's performance places him in contention and represents his best start in a major tournament to date.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and pro-Palestine activist, have petitioned an immigration appeals court to reopen and terminate his deportation case. They cite new evidence suggesting the Trump administration improperly engineered the legal outcome to make an example of him. The appeal follows a final removal order issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals in April 2026. Khalil’s legal team points to procedural abnormalities, including a New York Times report revealing his case was flagged as high priority and fast-tracked despite his release from detention. Additionally, three immigration judges recused themselves from the case, a rare occurrence indicating potential interference. The FBI had previously closed an investigation into allegations of violent rhetoric without further action. Khalil, a US permanent resident married to a US citizen, maintains he was targeted for his political views under a rarely used national security provision. His attorneys argue the Department of Justice weaponized the immigration process, lacking concrete evidence of criminal activity while suppressing lawful advocacy. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and immigration enforcement during the Trump administration's crackdown on campus protests.

1 reports · 1 sources