In electric vehicle charging news for Philadelphians, PennDOT will invest at least $14 million in federal funds to subsidize installation of public EV chargers in 2025 or 2026.
However, while Mayor Parker joined the Climate Mayors — a group of 750 mayors who take steps to combat climate change and lobby Congress to act on environmental issues — she is not among the subgroup of 350 mayors who pledged to make more city vehicles electric and increase the number of chargers. Continue reading…
Vice President Kamala Harris came to WHYY for a panel discussion with the National Association of Black Journalists Tuesday. It was Harris’ latest visit to the state this year, with the Democratic nominee most recently taking part in the presidential debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center just across the street.
Harris answered questions related to the economy, the war in Gaza, gun violence, race relations, reproductive health rights and political violence. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected Cornel West’s bid to get on the presidential ballot and cleared the way for mail voting. [AP]
• Democrats are running unopposed to fill two state House vacancies in Philadelphia, with Keith Harris seeking to replace Rep. Donna Bullock, while Andre Carroll is in line to succeed Rep. Stephen Kinsey. [WHYY]
• Former Project HOME executive Cheryl Hill has been appointed to lead Philly’s Office of Homeless Services, which overspent its budget by millions of dollars in recent years. [PhillyVoice]
• The fate of the Germantown YWCA hung in the balance on Thursday as community members, city officials, and legal teams presented their final arguments during a conservatorship hearing. [Germantown Info Hub]
• Schoolyards in South Philadelphia and Kingsessing will get rain gardens thanks to a $1 million federal grant to prevent stormwater runoff and provide heat relief. [WHYY]
• November 23 has been marked as the day when the Franklin Institute unveils its updated Giant Heart as well as two new exhibits focused on it. [NBC10]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Nearly 2,000 suicides were recorded in Pennsylvania in 2022 and more than half involved guns, according to a new study that ranked Pa. 38th U.S among states by overall suicide rate. [Violence Police Center]
• Gov. Shapiro reestablished Pennsylvania’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. [Tribune]
• Kamala Harris discussed the economy, guns and more. [6ABC]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 10: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 2 fatalities, vs. 21 with 1 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 795: Shooting victims as of September 15 were down 39% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 187: Year-to-date homicides, down 40% vs. last year’s pace; down 23% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Wednesday.
However, Parker has convened a last minute meeting with Chinatown community leaders regarding the proposed 76ers arena at 2 p.m., and the Save Chinatown Coalition will be holding a press conference and lantern-making rally/protest from 2-4 p.m. on Dilworth Plaza.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧑🏾💼 Wednesday, Sept. 18: Independence National Historical Park Job Fair
Resume writing, federal job application tips, what it’s like working for the Parks Service, interviews, and more at this job fair in Old City. (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
🍂 Friday-Saturday, Sept. 20-21: West Park Harvest Fest
Kick off autumn at Welsh Fountain in West Fairmount Park with a hay maze, pumpkin decorating, food trucks, activities with Sports Play Patrol, and a movie screening of Little Giants. Free with registration. (Saturday 6 to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
👻 Saturday, Sept. 21: Halloween Nights Opening Night
Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a spooky good time with five haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live entertainment, and more within the walls of a real, abandoned 10-acre prison. Tickets start at $39. Through November 9.
Catch up on the previous week
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