What Philadelphia schools did with $1.8B in COVID relief
Over the past three years, the Philly School District received $1.8 billion from the federal government to spur recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
- Which schools are benefitting most? In collaboration with Temple University’s Logan Center, Billy Penn analyzed nearly a thousand school budget reports to collect that information.
In aggregate, schools in North, West, and Southwest Philly received the bulk of money distributed, data journalist Colin Evans reports. On a per-student basis, schools in the district’s “Innovation Network” were at the top of the list.
→ Search for your school in our database
Irish potato candy, the only-in-Philly St. Patrick’s Day treat
For the past few weeks, candy shops, bakeries, and grocery stores across Philadelphia have been stocking a beloved seasonal specialty.
- Irish potatoes are a classic St. Patrick’s Day delicacy — but only in the Philly region. Where’d the city’s tradition of cream-coconut nuggets rolled in cinnamon come from?
The origins are murky, Asha Prihar reports, but one thing is certain: for people who grew up with the candy, it’s a don’t miss springtime treat.
→ Irish potato martini? Yep, cannoli too
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- After mayoral candidate John Wood pulled the No. 1 ballot spot, questions are swirling over his Philadelphia residency. He was registered to vote in Chester County as recently as last year. [Billy Penn/Philly Mag$/Inquirer$]
- At-large Council candidate Jalon Alexander has a signature policy idea: two patrolling drones for every Philly police district. The tactic is used by hundreds of police departments around the nation, but its effects haven’t yet been well studied. [Axios/MIT Tech Review]
- Businesses of any size can now participate in SEPTA’s Key Advantage program, which lets companies buy discounted passes in bulk so employees can ride free. [KYW/WHYY]
- Dozens of condo owners protested at City Hall to stop a bill requiring sprinkler installation in all existing high-rises, calling it too costly for residents. First introduced years ago, the bill is still in committee. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- Penn residential advisors and graduate resident associates filed to unionize on Tuesday and are seeking voluntary recognition from the university. [Daily Pennsylvanian]
- Natural, organic, biodynamic? You might not find these kinds of wines on shelves in state stores; here’s a dozen places to get them in Philly. [Eater]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney speaks at the graduation of a new class of paramedics and EMTs, hosted at FOP Lodge 5 in the Northeast (10 a.m.) The mayor then visits the Philadelphia Irish Memorial at Front and Chestnut to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Philly’s Irish community (11:45 a.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🌮 BP Quizzo: Join Billy Penn for a night of local trivia with Taco Tuesday deals! We’ll be at Pistolas Del Sur on East Passyunk, handing out prizes for high scores and best team name. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21)
🌿 A slate of multicultural storytellers, speakers, and musicians provide inspiration at the Weitzman’s Freedom Seder Revisited. A $36 ticket includes food. (6 p.m. Monday, March 20)Â
🥟 Fans of Filipinio cuisine can reserve a spot now for the next pop-up dinner from Baby’s Kusina, a forthcoming restaurant from the duo behind Tita Emmie’s. (6 p.m. Thursday, March 30)
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