Thousands gathered in Center City on Saturday to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The demonstration began at City Hall and culminated in a march to Independence Mall, where a rally featured impassioned speeches and creatively crafted signs. This event followed a similar, albeit larger, march held in June. WHYY’s Aaron Moselle was on the scene and filed this report.
As the third week of the government shutdown begins, Billy Penn provides an update on the current status of the shutdown and other issues that have drawn the ire of “No Kings” protesters over the past six months.
### What’s Closed and What’s Open Around Philly
**Historic Independence National Historical Park remains closed**, meaning visitors can only peek through the gates at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The National Park Service has furloughed many local staff, stretching maintenance crews thin and leaving advocacy groups worried about possible permanent layoffs if the shutdown continues.
Visit Philadelphia has published a list detailing what attractions are closed and which remain open.
#### Attractions Currently Closed:
– Liberty Bell Center
– Independence Hall
– Franklin Court
– The Benjamin Franklin Museum
– Rose Garden
– Magnolia Garden
– Benjamin Rush Garden
– 18th Century Garden
Additionally, The African-American Museum remains closed due to the installation of its next exhibit, *Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design*, which is scheduled to reopen on November 1.
#### Attractions Remaining Open:
Sites that operate entirely without federal funds or federal employee support are still open, including:
– National Constitution Center
– American Philosophical Society
– Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
– Carpenters’ Hall
– Elfreth’s Alley
– Franklin Square
– Betsy Ross House
– Museum of the American Revolution
– Independence Seaport Museum
– Cherry Street Pier
– Powel House and Hill-Physick House
– National Liberty Museum
– Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
– Mother Bethel AME Church and the Richard Allen Museum
– Gloria Dei Episcopal Church
– Independence Visitor Center
Arts and culture museums open include:
– Philadelphia Museum of Art
– Calder Gardens
– The Barnes Foundation
– Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
– The Franklin Institute
– The Academy of Natural Sciences
– Philadelphia Zoo
– Penn Museum
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History remains open on weekends (Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The United States Mint also remains operational during the government shutdown.
### Federal and Local Services Update
Philadelphia’s U.S. Immigration Court has paused most hearings, except emergency cases involving detainees. Across city offices, from HUD’s regional headquarters to the EPA’s Mid-Atlantic division, federal employees have received furlough notices.
Meanwhile, essential workers—including TSA agents, air traffic controllers, postal carriers, and certain law enforcement officials—are still reporting for duty, although most are working unpaid.
### Vital Services Taking Hits
Key support programs are beginning to fray as federal funding dries up. Approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians face uncertainty regarding November SNAP (food stamp) benefits after the Agriculture Department’s reserves were depleted in mid-October.
While Medicaid and Social Security continue to receive automatic funding, Social Security field offices in Center City have scaled back in-person assistance and have stopped issuing income verification letters—a vital document for housing and benefits eligibility.
Local nonprofits are already reporting an increase in demand for food and rent assistance. Organizations like Philabundance and other hunger-relief groups say that lines have grown longer since the shutdown began.
### Federal Workers Feeling the Strain
Pennsylvania’s 66,000 federal civilian employees—including about 32,000 in Philadelphia—are either furloughed or working without pay. Contractors, unlike direct employees, are unlikely to receive back pay once the closure ends.
Active military members received a paycheck on October 15 through reallocated Pentagon funds; however, future pay remains uncertain.
Union leaders representing local National Park Service and Veterans Affairs workers report low morale, citing that Trump administration “reduction in force” (RIF) directives—orders to lay off thousands of workers—have intensified anxiety. Although a federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order halting some RIF notices, thousands of workers remain in limbo.
### The Politics Behind the Paralysis
The shutdown began on October 1 after a dispute between the Republican-controlled Congress and Democrats over whether to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. President Donald Trump has framed the standoff as an effort to “shrink bloated government,” while Democrats argue that it represents a dangerous rollback of essential health and welfare funding.
The ongoing impasse continues to impact thousands of workers, disrupt vital services, and leaves many Pennsylvanians uncertain about their immediate future.
https://billypenn.com/2025/10/19/after-no-kings-whats-the-status-of-federal-shutdown-in-philly/