What’s the future for Philly’s public spaces?
Rec centers in Philly are shifting to a dynamic staffing model that assigns resources based on need instead of size. The move to “staffing neighborhoods, not facilities” is one of the legacies left by Kathryn Ott Lovell, who stepped down Friday as Parks & Rec commissioner. What else does she see for Philly public spaces? Asha Prihar has the deets.
‘Light, love, and liberation’: Photos from Philly Pride 2023
Thousands of people flowed through the streets with Pa.’s largest-ever rainbow flag for Philadelphia’s 51st annual Pride celebration. The march and parade were organized by Galaei after a year under the PHL Pride Collective. Check out pics of the colorful celebration by BP freelancer Solmaira Valerio.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Sen. Fetterman was one of just four to vote against the debt ceiling bill, in protest of the cuts to SNAP benefits. “I would have voted to avoid default if it would have made the difference,” he said. [Capital-Star/ABC37]
• Pa. State Troopers shot and killed an 18 year old from Delco early Sunday morning on I-95 near Penn’s Landing during a reported melee of drag racing on the highway. Officials are investigating. [NBC10/@PSPTroopKPIO]
• Turnout for the 2023 primary was highest among Philadelphians 65+, who came out at 3x the rate of voters 18-34. Democratic party boss Bob Brady offered few solutions to the low turnout, saying, “the apathy is just there.” [@SethBluestein/Wash Post$]
• Fewer than 1% of Philadelphia students are using a new, free tutoring program. District officials say they’ll use feedback to reach more students next year. [Chalkbeat]
• Almost exactly 97 years ago, Philly threw America one of the worst birthday parties ever. [Billy Penn]
• Never shucked an oyster? BP’s Ali Mohsen hadn’t either — until the master shucker at Oyster House gave him a tutorial. See the 10 easy steps in this video. [Billy Penn/YouTube]
• Among the bangers at this year’s Roots Picnic was headliner Lauryn Hill’s surprise reunion set with The Fugees. [Variety]
MAYOR WATCH: June 5, 2023
Mayor Kenney speaks at Philadelphia’s 7th annual Community School award ceremony, hosted at the Discovery Center in Fairmount Park (6 p.m.), to recognize champions at these 20 public schools that also offer programs for adults and families.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎊 The Point Breeze Night Market brings live music, food vendors, and festival style fun to the South Philly streets. (4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 7)
🍕 Chef Kurt Evans partners with Pizza Freak for a pop-up, bringing previews from his forthcoming Black Dragon Takeout to Philadelphia Distilling in Fishtown. $5 tix benefit Free the Ballot. (6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 7)
🙊 The SMS Poetry Summit brings a weekend of panels, performances, workshops, and networking to Philadelphia. Tickets are pay what you can, with a VIP Friday night option. (6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 11)
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