The death of a bicyclist killed by an out-of-control driver on Spruce Street last week, and the deaths of a pedestrian and a toddler in a stroller in North Philly, have led to renewed calls for more robust traffic safety measures. What has been done recently, and by the Parker administration, to reduce traffic deaths? Continue reading…
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Anne Ishii has decided to step down from the Asian Arts Initiative, effective Aug. 15. “In the last year I had been thinking about how to reduce my work capacity. I personally am feeling like I need a lighter workload,” she said. “The organization can’t afford to have an executive director who works any less than full-time.” As AAI searches for a new leader, its director of programs Dave Kyu will serve as interim executive director. Continue reading …
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RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Tax credits aren’t enough to solve Pa.’s child care crisis, say business groups. [SpotlightPA]
• Montgomery County announced that it will open a behavioral health crisis center in 2025. [WHYY]
• The alleged gunman in the weekend’s shooting in West Philly is charged with homicide. [PhillyVoice]
• A new pedestrian plaza, honoring the indigenous inhabitants of Philadelphia, is expected to open by the country’s 250th birthday in 2026. [Inquirer$]
• After a wild off-season of acquisitions, Sixers president Daryl Morey says it all comes down to homegrown star Tyrese Maxey. [WHYY]
• The Philadelphia Ballet will offer an “Absolute Beginner” course to teach adults the art of ballet and help them discover, or rediscover, their bodies. [WHYY]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Political divisions stall proposed gun policies in Pa., where lax gun laws gave the Trump rally shooter easy access to weapons. [AP/Billy Penn]
• What the Harris candidacy could mean for gun laws. [The Trace]
• Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis touts state budget investments in public safety measures. [PA.gov]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 23: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 6 fatalities, vs. 27 with 4 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 625: Shooting victims as of July 21 were down 40% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 148: Year-to-date homicides, down 38% vs. last year’s pace; down 19% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor has no scheduled public appearances today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍡 Wednesday, July 24: Northern Liberties Summer Night Market
Taste and shop your way along N. 2nd Street between Fairmount Ave. and W. Laurel St. at this family-friendly, dog-friendly, night-time festival with 26 food trucks, live music and entertainment. (5 to 10 p.m.)
🛍️ Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28: Royal Rummage
Chestnut Hill’s annual tradition returns with another sidewalk sale all weekend, highlighting local businesses like Bird in Hand, Jonesy’s, Threadwell, and Villavillekula.
🥈 Saturday, July 27: 2nd Place Race
What’s more fun than healthy competition to come in 2nd place with points in this 2nd annual bar crawl puzzle/challenge game that starts at Quig’s and stays within a couple of blocks. Teams encouraged; 21 and older. Funds support feminist theatre collective Paper Doll Ensemble. $26.50 tickets. 5 p.m.
🎭 Through Sunday, July 28: Shakespeare in Clark Park
Dive into the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at a Clark Park transformed into the forest of Ardenne! (7 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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