🧪 Bellwether District's new nuclear tenant

Pennsylvanians Push Back Against New Immigrant Detention Centers

The Trump administration has been working to increase its immigration enforcement operations and open new detention centers nationwide, and Pennsylvania is no exception. The Department of Homeland Security has purchased two warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties. But despite being miles away, ICE is putting Philly’s name all over it. [📝 City Cast Philly, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Former Refinery Site New Home for Bill Gates’ Company

The Bellwether District continues to grow as TerraPower Isotopes, a subsidiary of Gates’ nuclear power company, moves in. The new facility will focus on producing radioactive molecules for cancer research. The company is expected to hire 225 people upon completion. [🔒 The Inquirer]

I-95 On-ramp Reopens in Old City

While work is still underway to cap I-95, which would add green space over the highway, drivers can once again take the Market Street southbound ramp. Upgrades made while closed include installing a new stormwater drain, reconstructing pavement, and removing an old support pier. [NBC10]

How Many Days Does It Take to Fix a Pothole Around Here?

There are way too many holes causing bumpy rides on Philly streets. While the city’s Department of Streets handles our local roadways, PennDOT is responsible for maintenance on state roads. But if no one is reporting them, those potholes will only get worse. [🎧City Cast Philly, Philly Voice]

• Let PennDOT know all of your state street woes. Submit a complaint here.

New CHOP Study Warns Children Need Safeguards Around AI

In our poll from last week, 71% of you said you did not like the rising use of robots to provide services. As tech tools like AI only become more intertwined with our day-to-day lives, what impact do they have, particularly on children? Research revealed that during early childhood, AI can help with language development. But overreliance can make discerning between AI-generated and human interactions harder. [📝City Cast Philly, WHYY]

• Related: Our government is already embracing AI, from City Hall’s integration of the technology to Harrisburg clamoring to attract data centers in Pennsylvania. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

It’s that time of year again: budget season. In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro made his $53.3 billion budget pitch for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, while Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed a nearly $7 billion budget for Philadelphia earlier this month. This kicks off a series of closed-door talks and public hearings leading up to the summer, when both budgets must be passed.

While those tax dollars are usually committed to some fixed costs — like pension funds — there’s still a significant amount of money waiting to be allocated. The question is, to what and how much? Here’s how you can follow and get involved in the budgeting process for the city and state.

Familiarize Yourself With the Proposals

You will want to know how the government hopes to spend funds before you form your opinions. Documents for Parker’s budget are accessible on the city’s site, with Shapiro’s address available on the state site. The House Appropriations Committee has an executive budget briefing that breaks things down all in one place. Fair warning, these documents can be lengthy.

If you prefer to listen to the whole thing, you can watch Parker’s entire budget address here. She appears around the 1:52:00 mark. Shapiro’s budget address can be found here.

Contact Your Legislators

Getting these budgets passed is a matter of negotiations between the governor and lawmakers at the state level, and the mayor and City Council at the municipal level. And as we saw last year with Pennsylvania’s state budget, these talks can get ugly and drag on.

Make sure legislators are prioritizing your interests by reaching out to them. Write them an email or a letter, or call and leave a voicemail. Not sure what to say? Here are tips on writing to your elected official. Be straightforward, but share how you’d be personally impacted if certain initiatives or departments receive less funding.

You can find a list of City Councilmembers and their contact information here. Find your state legislators here.