🛍️ How tariffs could hurt Philly businesses

🪖 More than a Century Later, Philly Man Works to Honor Those Who Died in World War I

This week marks the anniversary of the United States’ declaration of war on Germany in 1917, entering the Great War, now known as World War I. Thousands of Philadelphians died in the war, one of the deadliest conflicts in history, including alumni from one local high school. On today’s episode, Trenae speaks with Chris Gibbons, the man identifying and honoring the former Roman Catholic High School students who died. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚯Is $22,000 Deterring Dumping in Philly? Ehh…Maybe

Illegal dumpers caught by the city are being hit with hefty fines. Noting that criminal prosecutions take too long, the city has moved to civil suits to hold violators accountable. Most offenders turn out to be junk haulers. But even after getting caught, not everyone is paying up. [Billy Penn]

🇲🇽 Amid ICE Fears, South Philly Festival Honoring Battle of Puebla Canceled

Carnaval de Puebla draws 15,000 people from Philly and beyond to celebrate the Mexican city of Puebla’s resistance over the French in 1862. This year, “Puebladelphia” will be quiet after organizers called off the annual event due to concerns about the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [Philly Voice, City Cast Philly]

💰How Philly Businesses Could Suffer Due to Tariffs

Although President Trump placed a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, China is still facing very high tariffs. But it’s not just China being financially impacted. Small businesses in Philly like Katz Leatherette Co., which sources materials primarily from China, fear the rising cost. For Katz’s customers, the cost of 20 yards of fabric could suddenly spike from $400 to $800. [CNN, 🔒The Inquirer]

🚌 Mayor Parker Reverses Course on Free SEPTA Rides

After facing criticism for cutting funds for the SEPTA Zero Fare and Key Advantage programs, Mayor Cherelle Parker has changed her mind. The transit initiatives aimed at providing free rides for low-income residents and city employees will remain in place. [CBS Philly]

Whether you’re spring cleaning or doing your usual tidying, you may be stumped on what to do with all your stuff that’s too good to toss. Or maybe you want to refresh your closet, but don’t want to spend too much on a new look.

Swaps are a great way to keep items out of the landfill, save money, and form new connections with the community around you.

That’s the sentiment that Megan Brigaman holds, whose monthly Books & Brews Swap was formed as a way to bring fellow book lovers together.

“[A book] can sit on a shelf and become stagnant, but when you take that book off a shelf, you read it and have an experience with it,” Brigaman said. “By giving it to another person and sharing that book with them, you can share part of your experience by talking about it – but also give this other person an opportunity to have their own experience.”

Anyone can run a swap to give items like clothes, books, and furniture a second life. While leaving a “free stuff” box on the curb or posting on a Facebook Buy Nothing group may help rehome an item, these in-person events allow you the opportunity to create bonds with others with similar interests.

While reading is a solitary activity, swaps like Brigman’s can break introverts out of their shells. “People who come alone have an opportunity to interact with others who might be likeminded people, other book nerds,” Brigaman said. At the swaps they “get a good vibe from the people who are there and have a chance to mingle and meet people who they might not have met before.”

Here are some local swaps if you want to pass along your items to someone else, make another person’s trash your treasure, or just meet new friends. ⤵️