World

Rising PECO rates; Wrestling weekend; Sixers arena impact report; Weekly gun violence brief

ADMIN 08/28/2024

Home electricity bills in Philadelphia and the region are poised to climb significantly next year, and go up again the year after that as well. The reasons are varied, and include concerns that the region’s power producers have lagged in transitioning to renewable resources, BP’s Meir Rinde reports. Continue reading …

The PECO building in Philadelphia displays a “Thank You” message. Keeping the lights on could get significantly more expensive next year. (Billy Penn file photo)

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins is a rock star — but also a wrestling entrepreneur. He will showcase his love for the squared circle when the NWA’s 76th anniversary show takes place at the 2300 Arena on Saturday, August 31, celebrating “76 years of continuous operation.” Continue reading …

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Philly lawmakers call for more funds for public schools as heat wave prompts early dismissals through Wednesday. [WHYY]

• Impact studies show that concerns that Sixers arena in Center City could damage Chinatown are not unfounded. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• At the first in a series of workshops, Philadelphians raised concerns about illegal dumping, poorly maintained trees and air pollution. [WHYY]

• A new apartment building will rise amid a group of Germantown landmarks. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• The Kelce brothers are taking podcast to Amazon in a reported deal worth more than $100 million. [6ABC]

• Flyers’ Gritty won 2024 NHL mascot of the year, and a bunch of other awards. [Instagram]

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.

• Philly DA Larry Krasner reopened the grant application process for anti-violence groups/ [Philadelphia Tribune]

• A new program called Kingsessing Heals is working to help. neighborhood residents recover from the trauma of gun violence by creating a space where people have unprecedented access to mental health professionals. [6ABC]

• Gun violence and calls for gun reform were highlighted at the DNC, with testimony from people who lost loved ones and survivors such as former U.S. Rep Gabby Giffords. [AP, NPR, WBUR]

By the numbers in Philadelphia

29: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 6 fatalities, vs. 21 with 3 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
738: Shooting victims as of August 25 were down 40% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
182: Year-to-date homicides, down 36% vs. last year’s pace; down 18% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker is in Chicago all week for the Democratic National Convention.

ON THE CALENDAR

🪕 Thursday, August 29: South Philly Acoustic Jam
A dynamic adult learner community where amateur musicians build skills, learn from others and play any instrument at any skill level. At FDR Park. Music and stands are provided; bring your own instrument! $5 suggested donation. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)

💚 Saturday, August 30: Brat Summer Send-Off
Don your best brat green outfit and head over to Evil Genius Beer Company where there will be exclusive brat summer beer on tap, limited edition T-shirts, a DJ playing Charli all day, and more. (12 to 5 p.m.)

🍹 Saturday, August 30: The Island Country Indonesian Festival
Fleisher Art Memorial again hosts this annual outdoor celebration from Gapura, featuring local artists, authentic food, folk games, prizes, and live music from across the East Coast! Complimentary shuttle service by the hour from Pendawa Cafe at 16th and Morris. Pay-as-you-go. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)