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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Takeaways from Mayor Kenney’s final city budget proposal
Tax cuts, increased library staffing, more money for the school district and CCP, funding for a new forensic lab, and better surveillance of shooting hotspots.
- Mayor Kenney’s final budget proposal includes all these things and more, for a total of about $6.1 billion in spending. That’s up from $5.6 billion last year, even as officials predict a minor recession.
Jordan Levy runs down seven things to know about Kenney’s last budget, plus the schedule of Council hearings in case you want to provide testimony.
Philly’s hot podcast studio: Meet Rowhome Productions
If you recently heard a great story on a local podcast and wondered how it happens, there’s a solid chance Alex Lewis and John Myers played a part.
- The duo runs Rowhome Productions, which is quickly becoming a go-to for longform narrative pods. The firm has produced for everyone from Philadelphia International records to BlackStar Fest to WHYY.
They aim to put Philly on the map, Alisha Miranda reports, with sophisticated audio storytelling cultivated from unknown homegrown talent.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Two months after the General Assembly session opened, the Pa. House finally adopted new operating rules. They expand a provision on redress for sexual harassment, with a lobbyist’s recent accusations against Delco Rep. Zabel top of mind. [Spotlight PA/AP]
- Asbestos discovered in two stairwells and an auditorium balcony abruptly shut down a West Oak Lane high school. Students were shifted to virtual learning while workers try to remediate the issue — a recurring problem in the district’s aging facilities. [CBS3/Chalkbeat]
- Fire officials still don’t know what caused the Port Richmond row home explosion on New Year’s Day, and residents are increasingly frustrated. PGW maintains its pipes were not at fault. [KYW/Billy Penn]
- Bigbelly trash cans are coming to Cottman and Bustleton avenues in the Northeast, thanks to $100,000 in state funding. Most areas in the city don’t have street-corner receptacles at all. [NBC10/BP 2019]
- One upside of this warm winter: PennDOT gets to start earlier on pothole repairs, with extra money to do it. [Billy Penn/6ABC]
- A new Portuguese-inspired cafe called Gilda opens today in Fishtown, offering brunch, lunch, and house-baked pastries. [Philly Mag$/Wooder Ice]
MAYOR WATCH
Noting public today for Mayor Kenney, as Council begins to digest his budget proposal.
ON THE CALENDAR
🖼️ A new show at the Barnes called “Tell Me What You Remember” showcases South African painters Sue Williamson and Lebohang Kganye, who join the curator for a preview conversation about their work. (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4)
🍁 Tap some trees and learn how to make candy at Maple Sugar Day at Fox Chase Farm in Northeast Philly. Also expect food trucks, vendors, and games; admission is $5 per person. (12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 4)