Just one day into the school year, Philadelphia’s school district announced that 63 schools will dismiss three hours early both today and Wednesday due to extreme heat and continued lack of adequate air conditioning for students to remain safe.
Meanwhile, most Philly schools were found in “poor” or “unsatisfactory” condition before the district paused assessments, per a Billy Penn/Logan Center analysis in 2023 of available district data pre-pause. Continue reading…
A group of Philadelphians gathered at Parkway Central Library to join WHYY News’ latest Bridging Blocks discussion, this one titled “Navigating Borders: Exploring the Issues of Immigration.” Guided by questions, research resources, and curiosity, the community members described the opportunity as “eye-opening” and “enlightening.”
Beyond the many problems, misconceptions and concerns raised, there were also suggestions made for solutions — such as expanded housing and infrastructure.
Bridging Blocks’ next discussion, on the same topic, is today, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Queen Memorial Library in Point Breeze. Registration is free on WHYY’s website.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A new state grant program means solar panels could bring deeper savings to cash-strapped Philly schools. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Philly’s 911 call center is getting upgrades to improve response times and employee retention, with dispatcher raises and a new system with more location transparency. [PhillyVoice]
• A judge granted a motion to sell the troubled apartment building, Brith Sholom House, to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The Philadelphia Marathon will award equal prize money for non-elite female, male and nonbinary athletes. [CBS3]
• Formerly Incarcerated Renaissance Museum — also known as F.I.R.M. — was designed to raise awareness of the challenges faced while promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration. [NBC10]
• A pawpaw expert offers the do’s and definite don’ts of Pennsylvania’s “secret tropical fruit.” [Spotlight PA]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled today.
However, her office released four reports on the potential impact of a Sixers arena on Center City neighborhoods, conducted by third-party consultants paid by the 76 DevCorp development team. The four reports include: 1) a community impact assessment; 2) an economic impact analysis 3) a design consulting; and 4) a traffic, transportation and parking analysis.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏈 Wednesday, August 28: Officials Eagles Countdown to Kickoff Party
Maggie’s in Torresdale is hosting this event, featuring current & former players, Philly’s own DJ Diamond Kuts, Eagles cheerleaders, Swoop, Shot of Southern, and more! (Starts at 5 p.m.)
🎭 Thursday, August 29: Biggest Little Comedy Show
Come for Rosy’s Tacos and stay for the laughs at this cozy Queen Village neighborhood event featuring top-notch comedians. Discounted $12 tickets. (8:30 p.m.)
🍛 Friday, August 30: Daun Fashion and Feast Evening
Delight in an evening of authentic Indonesian culture at Daun (/dah-OON/) Fashion & Feast. Walk the red carpet in your formal or cultural attire during cocktail hour amidst traditional music and dance, then enter the sanctuary to enjoy unique designs by talented Indonesian artpreneurs and feast on Nusantara cuisine. Tickets are $90.25. (6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Shapiro at the DNC; Herr’s Philly chip winner; Philly church restoration challenge | Morning roundup
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