Philly manufacturer of military robot dogs is a target of protests
The frequent pro-Palestinian marches and protests that activists have held in Philadelphia over the past few months have recently found a new target: Ghost Robotics.
The company designs and manufactures four-legged, dog-like mobile robots and is headquartered at the University of Pennsylvania’s Pennovation Works office and lab complex. The Israeli army has been using the company’s robots in the Gaza strip, according to news reports in the Haaretz newspaper and other sources. Continue reading…
Cultivating spaces for queer women in Philly
While a South Philly couple works to open a lesbian bar amid the “straight-ification” of queer spaces, traveling lesbian bars and WLW groups keep the sapphic scene alive.
BP’s Sarah Frasca talked with Julia Harris and Clover Gilfor about their mission to open Val’s Lesbian Bar, filling a different niche than the existing Gayborhood bars. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As gun violence looms over Pennsylvania youth, local organizations offer safe spaces. [NPR/WHYY]
• Philly water bills will rise in September. But more people are getting automatically enrolled in a discount program. [PlanPhilly/WHYY]
• Man shot by police after domestic argument inside Philadelphia apartment complex. [6abc/WHYY]
• What’s behind Philadelphia’s soaring STI rates? [WHYY]
• Health officials warn of rise in ‘highly contagious’ whooping cough in Philadelphia region. [6abc]
• Keeping cool: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts donates $200,000 to buy air conditioning units at 10 Philly schools. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
✅ Tuesday, April 23: While the presidential contests are already decided, Pennsylvania voters will hit the polls Tuesday to cast their votes for lots of other offices too, including a crowded field of candidates for state attorney general. Polls are open until 8 p.m.
🛠️ Tuesday, April 23: Join WHYY for “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce,” a Bridging Blocks event aiming to explore the intricacies of workforce development, skill-building initiatives, and the potential challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. (Thomas F. Donatucci Sr. Library, 1935 Shunk Street, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
🍽️ Thursday, April 25: Help raise funds for community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV. Restaurants donate a percentage of their sales from the event to a local HIV service organization. This year’s 34th annual event features more than 70 eateries.
Catch up on the previous week
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