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City says recycling and trash aren’t mixed, residents have doubts
Philadelphia officials say recycling is no longer being mixed with trash, after a few brief stints over the past couple years due to pandemic staffing issues.
- But residents reported seeing mixing throughout the spring and even this summer, according to an informal survey by Billy Penn and Green Philly. Overall, city recycling rates of 9% are at historic lows.
Some frustrated residents have started paying for private recycling pickup, Meir Rinde reports, while others just want to know if they should continue separating their trash.
‘Abbott Elementary’ snags impressive 7 Emmy nominations
Hit comedy “Abbott Elementary” has been nominated for seven Emmys, including three for creator and West Philly native Quinta Brunson.
- Set in a fictional Philadelphia school named after one of Brunson’s real-life teachers and inspired by stories of her school teacher mom, the series was so popular people hoped it could be used for policy change.
One of the stars is Philadelphian Sheryl Lee Ralph (wife to state Sen. Vincent Hughes), whose reaction to learning she was nominated is priceless.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Two brothers aged 14 and 10 turned themselves in Monday in the beating death of a 73-year-old. The older boy was charged with 3rd degree murder as an adult — per Pennsylvania law — and his younger brother was released. [NBC10/Appeal/CBS3]
- The field of obstetrics began in Philadelphia, and doctors built in racial divisions from the start. The disparities remain, as Black people are three times more likely than white people to die of maternal morbidity. [Inquirer$]
- Philly-based instant delivery giant Gopuff is laying off 10% of its workforce this week to “improve operational efficiencies.” The move follows two smaller rounds of layoffs earlier this year. [Technically]
- After the Shofuso House was vandalized last month, the Japan America Society is trying to raise money for repairs, with a crowdfunding goal of $75k. [WHYY/Givebutter]
- A new tower slated for Broad and Lombard streets across from the Suzanne Roberts Theater will be 43 stories tall with 468 residential units. [YIMBY]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting at the Community College of Philadelphia.
- For the Credible Messenger Project, Brandon Chastang, better known as B. McFly, interviews a trio of Philadelphia activists about why they’re not giving up on live-saving violence prevention efforts. [PCGVR]
- Council President Clarke suggested the city should reexamine the use of the controversial police tactic “stop and frisk.” Several other councilmembers published a critical response. [Inquirer$/BP 2021/Facebook]
- Nonprofit Fab Youth Philly hired 43 teens as “play captains” for the annual PlayStreets summer program, and trained them on how to respond to gunfire. [WHYY]
- PCGVR’s Oronde McClain hosts a special screening next Tuesday of “‘They Don’t Care About Us’ or Do They?” with live music, awards, and a discussion with the gun violence survivors who worked on the project. [@Orondemcclain1/PCGVR]
- After working with Unity in the Community on a free movie night in North Philly, the Philadelphia Film Society is encouraging other community leaders to reach out for help with planning similar events. [6ABC/PFS]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 53: Shooting victims recorded last week so far, vs. 50 the week prior. [PPD Google Drive]
- 1,265: Shooting victims this year, up 5% from last year [PCGVR]
- 289: Year-to-date homicides, down 2% from last year; up 67% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney has several ribbon cuttings today. He starts in the Navy Yard to celebrate the new Rite Aid headquarters (10:30 a.m.); skips over to FDR Park for the official naming and groundbreaking ceremony for its forthcoming playground (12 p.m.); and ends the day at the new fields at Capitolo Playground across from Pat’s and Geno’s (6 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? BP Quizzo is at Hawthornes this month! Our pub trivia night about all things Philadelphia lands at the Bella Vista beer cafe. Happy hour specials and prizes await. RSVP for free to join us. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21)
? Partner event: City & State’s Diversity Summit invites small biz owners to connect with key agencies, reps, and contractors to get in on the lucrative government procurement process. RSVP here to attend. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 14)
? Celebrate Bastille Day at Old City’s Royal Boucherie with a burlesque show featuring Marie Antoinette-inspired costumes and Champagne cocktails on special. (5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14)
⚖️ Mural Arts is honoring the civil rights legacy of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. with a new design to be painted overlooking Chestnut at 45th Street. Swing by for free Federal Donuts and a tour of the “Social Justice Mural Corridor.” (10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 15)