The 2024 presidential candidate who hates Philly sports
Chris Christie last night joined a primary field of at least six other Republicans vying for the presidency. In the race for which candidate has hated on Philly the most, he leads the pack. The former N.J. gov makes a habit of dissing Philadelphia sports fans and teams. Eagles fight song? He’d rather “have [his] teeth drilled.” Asha Prihar recaps five times Christie trash-talked Philly sports.
New exhibit takes on “democracy in the age of A.I.”
How might artificial intelligence affect our lives, economy, and power structures? A new exhibit at the National Liberty Museum in Old City hopes to get viewers reflecting on these questions and more. Titled “Data Nation,” it asks artists to answer: “What happens if the machines take over?” Jordan Levy’s preview explores three different answers.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Pa. House passed a version of the state budget that adds $1.4 billion in spending to Gov. Shapiro’s original proposal, including more funding for public schools. It moves next to the Republican-controlled Senate. [AP]
• That haze outside your window is dangerous: Smoke wafting south from the Canadian wildfires prompted Philly health officials to recommend people “avoid going outdoors,” and try to drive as little as possible. [Billy Penn]
• The city ethics board fined a lobbying firm associated with the Sixers $4,000 for failing to disclose that pushing for a downtown arena was why it met with Councilmember Squilla and Council President Clarke last year. 76 Devcorp chalked it up to an administrative error; anti-arena advocates are staging a protest march this Saturday. [KYW/EveryAction]
• The Spruce Hill Community Association wants to designate a big swatch of the neighborhood as a historic district. It’s the third attempt to do this since the 1980s. [West Philly Local]
• If you’ve gotten weatherization assistance or LIHEAP in the past year, you could be eligible for a free air conditioning unit through the state’s LIHEAP Crisis Cooling Pilot. [WHYY]
• Philly newcomers Andra Hem and Superfolie made Esquire’s 2023 “Best Bars in America” list. [Esquire]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. • Homicides are down this year in Philadelphia, and the city’s not alone: for the first time in years, the nationwide murder rate has taken a big dip, down 12% across 90+ cities. [Atlantic$]
• Members of Philadelphia’s Muslim community gathered at City Hall, calling for more action in the fight against gun violence and other issues impacting the community. [WHYY]
• Philly teens say they’re desperate for safe public spaces, instead of constantly being afraid they’re in danger of getting shot when outside. [Inquirer$]
• Alongside the flourishing plants, the FarmerJawn Community Greenhouses in Elkins Park host a “House of the Living” memorial with etched portraits honoring people lost to gun violence. [Swarthmore/@PCGVR]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 37: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 49 the week prior. [City Controller via @PCGVR]
- 178: Shooting victims recorded in May, up 19% vs. April but down 19% vs. May of last year. [Open Data Philly]
- 769: Shooting victims this year so far, down 21% vs. this time last year. [PCGVR]
- 183: Year-to-date homicides, down 16% vs. last year’s pace; up 46% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
It’s Disability Pride Week, and Mayor Kenney today unveils changes at City Hall to make it more accessible, including new high contrast signage with braille for all rooms and other ADA-compliant renovations (11 a.m.). Evening brings Kenney to Vie on North Broad for CCP’s annual Black & Gold Gala, the community college’s signature fundraising event (7 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🕺 In celebration of Prince’s birthday this week, The Trestle Inn next to the Rail Park hosts a happy hour dance party featuring the Purple One’s tunes and classic music videos. (6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9)
🎨 Bask in the sunshine and company of talented neighbors at the West Park Arts Fest in Fairmount Park, featuring dance, music, food, crafts, and a kids area, all free. (1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10)
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