Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is without doubt one of the most well-known cities in america. In between two rivers, the sprawling metropolis may seem to be one in every of many different American cities, however on the coronary heart of Philadelphia lies a wealthy metropolis teeming with American historical past and tradition. Serving because the nation’s first capital, town has been politically essential all through the American Revolution and in the course of the anti-slavery motion. It stays a significant heart for commerce, training, and tradition to at the present time and is Pennsylvania’s largest metropolis.
Geography Of Philadelphia
Aerial view of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is situated within the southeast of Pennsylvania, in its personal county named Philadelphia County. Positioned between the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River, it’s each metropolis and port with a variety that stretches throughout 135 sq. miles (350 sq. km). Philadelphia pioneered the type of arranging buildings and roads in a grid-shaped trend, a lot of its format being designed by William Penn within the 1700’s. Sitting proper on the Delaware River, it shares the borders with town of Camden, New Jersey, the 2 related by the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Philadelphia additionally accommodates numerous parks and tree-shaded downtown squares – well-known ones embrace Rittenhouse Sq., Washington Sq., Logan Sq., et cetera.
Local weather Of Philadelphia
Philadelphia is comparatively hotter than different American cities, with constant year-long precipitation. The common temperature in a yr is round 55.9 °F (13.3°C), with temperatures that may vary from 33.0°F (0.6°C) throughout chilly months to 78.1°F (25.6°C) throughout sizzling months. Snowfall is inconsistent throughout winter months. Some winters have gentle snow whereas others can have giant snowstorms. The heaviest snowfall to happen in Philadelphia was in the course of the North American Blizzard of 1996, wherein 30.7 in (78 cm) fell onto town. Throughout the summer season months, the moist, maritime airflow of the North Atlantic Ocean influences the area, inflicting humid and moist climate circumstances in comparison with different months.
Transient Historical past Of Philadelphia
Independence Corridor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia is notable for its wealthy historical past, first being based by William Penn when he acquired the state of Pennsylvania in 1681 from King Charles II of England. As a Quaker, Penn had suffered non secular persecution and wished his colony to be a spot the place everybody might take pleasure in non secular freedom. The Metropolis of Brotherly Love was a preferred nickname for Philadelphia; now, it’s extra generally known as Philly. Due to its handy place alongside the Delaware River and its comparatively shut distance to New York, Philadelphia shortly turned one of many largest cities in North America. It rose to prominence within the arts, science, and tradition because of these social and financial benefits. The delegates who fashioned the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress within the 1700s, which proclaimed the Declaration of Independence and ruled all through the American Revolution, had been drawn to Philadelphia due to town’s strategic location close to the midpoint of colonial settlement – and its standing as an essential political, financial, and cultural heart.
One of the essential historic figures in Philadelphia was Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the US. Amongst his many scientific and political achievements, Franklin additionally created Philadelphia’s first free library, hospital, and discovered society, the American Philosophical Society. Many different essential figures got here from or lived in Philadelphia, together with the Founding Father and physicist Benjamin Rush and the astronomer who found Venus, David Rittenhouse.
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Demographics Of Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Academy of Nice Arts, museum and artwork college in Philadelphia. Editorial credit score: Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock.com
In line with the 2021 census, Philadelphia had an estimated inhabitants of 1,576,251 individuals, making it the biggest metropolis in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest nation in america. 52.7% of Philadelphians are feminine, whereas the rest are male.
Philadelphia is each traditionally and in trendy instances a multicultural metropolis crammed with individuals from all varieties of backgrounds. In 2021, the important thing ethnic demographics had been 34.3% White, 43.6% Black, 15.2% Hispanic, et cetera. Philadelphia holds the nation’s second-largest Irish, Italian, and Jamaican populations, in addition to the nation’s fourth-largest Black inhabitants. Town has lengthy been the epicenter of the nation’s most traditionally important Black communities. Many Black leaders got here from and/or based mostly their exercise in Philadelphia all through early nationwide durations. The free Black neighborhood of Philadelphia tirelessly labored to abolish slavery, help escaped slaves, and improve black individuals’s total social and financial well-being within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
In line with Philadelphia’s 2021 census, the median family revenue is $49,127, whereas 19.4% of individuals fall beneath the federal poverty stage. 52.8% of Philadelphians hire their houses at a median hire value of $1,084 USD, with the remaining proudly owning of their houses.
Being a contemporary metropolis, Philadelphia has a various vary of industries. Printing and publishing, in addition to meals processing, are main elements of town’s financial system. As well as, manufacturing of chemical substances, industrial equipment, fabricated metallic items, electronics, transportation tools resembling ships, textiles, paper merchandise, and first metals are widespread. As well as, Philadelphia has lengthy been considered an essential medicinal heart with locations resembling Pennsylvania Hospital, the primary hospital in British North American colonies, and the College of Pennsylvania, the primary medical college in what’s now america.
Points of interest In Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the house to American historical past – town has many historic sights detailing a lot of the nation’s wealthy heritage. Websites resembling Independence Corridor, the place the Declaration of Independence and the Structure had been signed, are on show for vacationers to go to. The Liberty Bell Heart, situated throughout Chestnut Road from its authentic house at Independence Corridor, homes the well-known cracked bell, a logo of American freedom, and is open to guests all yr spherical.
Entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork.
One other iconic attraction is the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, well-known not solely due to its gallery of artwork items but additionally due to the film “Rocky.” Throughout the film, Sylvester Stallone carried out his iconic and triumphant run up the museum’s steps. Lastly, there are extra than simply vacationer spots to go to. Good meals is in all places within the metropolis, and you’ll find the scrumptious and actually correct Philadelphia cheesesteak at many native eating places.
Philadelphia stands out amongst giant American cities for its robust historic identification. Being the biggest and most essential metropolis of the US within the seventeenth century and a focus of the antislavery motion within the nineteenth century, town is a crucial a part of the US’s development. Its identification is outlined by the small-town ambiance, quite a few parks and squares, and its many memorials to the American previous.
HARRISBURG, June 28 – Pennsylvania would have an official Poet Laureate under legislation that passed the state House of Representatives today, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Robert Freeman.
“Poetry is a literary art form widely celebrated by the United States and 47 states by designating an official poet laureate. Gov. Robert Casey appointed Samuel Hazo as Pennsylvania Poet Laureate in 1993 but the position has since been effectively terminated,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.
“Many local governments in the commonwealth, including Philadelphia, York, and Erie County honor their local poets by designating them poet laureates. Through creating the position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, we would recognize important contemporary contributors to the literary arts and promote our commonwealth’s cultural heritage.”
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Freeman’s legislation (H.B. 2308) would create the official position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate and establish a selection process where a committee would send a list of nominees to the governor to make a final decision.
The Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, an unpaid position, would serve at official functions, such as reading a poem at the governor’s inauguration.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
Information provided to TVL by: Tom Andrews House Democratic Communications Office
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:52 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 12:15 p.m. for Northern Lycoming and Southern Lycoming as well as Sullivan and Columbia counties.
Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:51 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Montoursville, moving east at 45 mph. Other storms were forming just west of this storm,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Williamsport, Montoursville, Hughesville, Duboistown, Jamison City, Kettle Creek Gorge, Ricketts Glen State Park, Central, Biggertown, Muncy Valley, Barbours, Loyalsockville, South Williamsport, Picture Rocks, Laporte, Eagles Mere, Williamsport Airport and Little League World Series Complex.
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The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for central and north central Pennsylvania.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
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Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
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Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
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Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
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Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
The Edgar Thomson steel plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, which has been producing since 1875, would go to Nippon Steel under a proposed buyout of United States Steel.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of United States Steel has been a source of unease in Pittsburgh, where the metal once dominated the economy and still looms large in the collective psyche.
Critics such as the United Steelworkers (USW) see the transaction as the latest threat to come along in a years-long struggle to keep the industry alive after plant closures in 1970s and 1980s battered the American rustbelt.
“There’s just so much history here and a lot of pride that comes with that,” said the USW’s Bernie Hall, a 4th generation metals worker. “It wouldn’t be western Pennsylvania without steel.”
In December, US Steel sealed a $14.9 billion deal to sell itself to Japan’s Nippon Steel, which has promised investments to keep Pennsylvania factories competitive with foreign producers and newer “mini mills” in the American South that are less taxing on the environment.
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Bernie Hall, the District 10 Director for the United Steelworkers, outside the US Steel Mon Valley Works Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
But Hall, head of the Pennsylvania chapter for the USW, said the Japanese company had been evasive about specific plans for Pittsburgh-region plants in an area called the Mon Valley, the earliest of which dates to 1875.
Both President Joe Biden and challenger Donald Trump have vowed to annul the deal as the two compete for blue-collar votes, putting the transaction into limbo, probably until after the November election at least.
At stake are the Pittsburgh region’s last remaining steel factories, located just outside the city.
City transformed
For most Americans, Pittsburgh remains virtually synonymous with steel, partly owing to the prominence of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team.
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The US Steel Mon Valley Works Clairton Plant is situated along the Monongahela River in Clairton, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
But the complexion of a metropolis once known as the Smoky City changed fundamentally after the last plants shuttered in the 1980s.
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Steel “is still part of our identity, but we’re disconnected from that identity,” said former steelworker Edward Stankowski Jr., whose memoir “Memory of Steel” details his exit from the industry with thousands of others in the early 1980s.
Stankowski, whose childhood Pittsburgh home looked out onto steel plants, started in the industry out of high school in the 1970s when many young men viewed the job as a ticket to the middle class, trading hard labor in a hazardous setting for good wages and a solid retirement.
The land where Stankowski’s factory once stood in Pittsburgh’s South Side has been repurposed and now includes apartments named “Hot Metal Flats” and a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.
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“I do not miss it,” said Stankowski, who went to university after leaving steel and is now a professor at La Roche University. “I like having clean air. I like having clean water.”
Steel was well suited to western Pennsylvania, a region with waterways and an abundant supply of coal, but “there’s been a fundamental, almost tectonic shift in the geography of steel,” said regional economist Chris Briem of the University of Pittsburgh.
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The Mon Valley plants “have been around a long time,” Briem said. “If they don’t get a lot of new reinvestment, they probably won’t be competitive much longer.”
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Locals see symbolism in the renaming of US Steel tower downtown as the UPMC building after the region’s biggest employer, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Long-term commitment?
Once owned by Andrew Carnegie, the Edgar Thomson plant in Braddock is one of three western Pennsylvania factories that US Steel manages together with a fourth plant in eastern Pennsylvania in an operation known as “Mon Valley Works.”
Nippon has promised to keep the plants open and invest $1.4 billion in USW-represented facilities through 2026 when the current labor contract expires. The company has also vowed to keep US Steel’s 1,000-worker office in downtown Pittsburgh.
“You cannot tell the story of US Steel without Pennsylvania playing a leading role, and Nippon Steel will keep it that way,” Nippon vice chairman Takahiro Mori wrote in a June 9 op ed in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
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Nippon has hinted that odds for US approval could improve after November. Backers of the transaction argue that US Steel could be broken up if the deal dies, adding more uncertainty to US Steel’s 3,000 hourly workers in Pennsylvania.
But the USW says Nippon’s plans are vague and give the company an out in a downturn.
“They’re saying they’re going to invest in the plants,” Hall said. “What does that mean?”
Edward Stankowski, Jr., a former steelworker, stands on the Hot Metal Bridge above the Monongahela River, a waterway once teeming with iron ore and coal barges for Pittsburgh steel mills.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
Workers want a sign that whoever runs Mon Valley “is interested in running these mills for the long-term and really investing in this community,” Hall said. “That’s exactly what they’re not hearing from either Nippon or US Steel.”
Some Mon Valley workers interviewed by AFP slammed the deal as a money grab by US Steel management, expressing fear about their jobs. But others are open to it.
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Alex Barna, a machinist at the West Mifflin plan, described himself as “on the fence” as he weighs his hopes and worries, saying of Nippon, “they might be in it for the long haul.”
