SS United States conservancy launches urgent SOS
The SS United States, which still holds the transatlantic speed record it set more than 70 years ago, must leave its berth on the Delaware River in Philadelphia by Sept. 12, a federal judge ruled earlier this month.
The conservancy that oversees the 1,000-foot ocean liner has launched an urgent $500,000 fundraising campaign to help cover relocation expenses for the historic ship amid its uncertain future. Continue reading…
African Restaurant Week returns to Philly
After last year’s soft launch, this 10-day celebration returned to Philly and is in full swing through Saturday, June 30, with discounted meals, virtual cooking classes, and a free weekend festival at Love Park.
“Ten years ago, if you spoke to chefs that came from Africa that were trained in culinary schools, they’d probably tell you ‘I’m Thai-trained, I’m French-trained,’” ARW founder Akin Akinsanya explained. “We had cuisine that wasn’t being featured — like it never existed.”
Now, the ARW initiative is in several cities on the East Coast, and aims to expand to states in the Midwest and South, as well as Canada. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A federal lawsuit threatens to undermine Pa.’s 2024 election, and Trump impeachment lawyer Bruce Castor Jr. sees the suit as a template for other states. [WHYY]
• Part public art installation and part info center, the steel box in Love Park is the temporary office of The People’s Budget, a Mural Arts project that aims to empower Philadelphians to join the conversation to decide where city funds are spent. [Next City]
• In Philly, only one qualified psychiatrist is available per 1,000 potentially at-risk children. [WHYY]
• Since launching in 2015, Jumpstart Germantown has issued more than $50 million in loans to help new developers renovate vacant single-family homes. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The stretch of Christian Street from Broad to 20th streets was ceremoniously renamed Black Doctors Row, to recognize the historic area that, in the early 20th century, was home to a number of highly respected Black doctors, church leaders and prominent Black organizations. [Tribune]
• East Passyunk’s Singing Fountain is back on display after a four-week long restoration project that gave it fresh paint and tiles, and replaced the drainage system. It’s part of a larger plaza expansion in the area. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
At 6 p.m., Mayor Parker will speak before a screening of “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land’,” a documentary that looks into the exploitation of so-called “tangled titles.”
At 7 p.m., Parker will talk with WDAS radio host Loraine Ballard Morrill and Power 99’s DJ Cosmic Kev about her vision for the city.
ON THE CALENDAR
Thursday, June 27: Wawa Hoagie Day
Honor local heroes over free hoagies at this annual event outside the National Constitution Center, which offers free admission to its Wawa History exhibit. (Starts at 12 p.m.)
Thursday, June 27: Guild House Hotel Pop Up
Enjoy a tea & cookies reception and entertaining presentation on an event the Guild House Hotel and Philly History Pop Ups have in common: The Centennial Exposition of 1876. $15 tickets. (6 to 7 p.m.)
🎤 June 26, 27, 28: StoryCorps’ Military Voices Initiative
Active service members, veterans, and their loved ones are invited to record a conversation during one of our upcoming recording sessions at WHYY in late June. The initiative is designed to honor their voices, amplify their experiences, and let them know that we—as a nation—are listening. Book an interview online or by phone at 1-800-850-4406.
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