Five tools to track up-to-the-minute AQI in Philly
Philadelphia air quality peaked in the “hazardous” range overnight Thursday before dropping to merely “unhealthy” during the day (see chart below). Experts aren’t sure when Canadian wildfire smoke might clear out of the region — but it’s pretty easy to assess conditions for yourself. Here are five free tools that track up-to-the-minute AQI in Philly, courtesy BP summer interns and Temple students Deesarine Ballayan and Fallon Roth.
New station renderings for Roosevelt Blvd. Subway
As the idea to build a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway gains steam after a century of debate, some fear the price tag could place an undue load on SEPTA. One way to lower the cost? Streamlined stations. Boulevard Subway champion Jay Arzu is out with new renderings that incorporate community feedback into their design.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A plan to use $100 million in federal funds for adult mental health programs passed the Pa. House. Most of that sum would support the behavioral health workforce and public safety programs aimed at reducing recidivism. [NBC10]
• David Oh wants Cherelle Parker to commit to five televised mayoral debates before November’s election, hoping to avoid a repeat of 2019, when Kenney refused to debate the Republican candidate. [Axios]
• Philly schools are shifting to virtual learning today because of air quality concerns. Trash pickup and street sweeping, which were suspended yesterday, resume as normal today. [Patch/Phila Gov]
• City Hall is now more accessible, with 600 new high-contrast signs, adjustments to restrooms, and reduced door speeds. Nearly 17% of Philadelphia residents live with a disability. [WHYY]
• “I want people to know that this is my lot”: Klean Kensington is a program that pays teens $15 an hour to help beautify parts of their neighborhood through cleaning and tree planting. [Kensington Voice]
• The High School for the Creative and Performing Arts principal has apparently been missing from work since early May. Last spring CAPA students staged a walkout in support of an assistant principal. [Philly Mag$/BP 2022]
• Sixers play-by-play broadcaster Kate Scott is picking up side gigs left and right: she’ll be calling matches at the Women’s World Cup and the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason games before returning to Philly basketball. [SB Nation/Inquirer$]
MAYOR WATCH
One of the new fields at FDR Park is being named after Dick Allen, the late, great Phillies slugger, and Mayor Kenney joins the dedication ceremony in South Philly (12:45 p.m.). Evening brings the mayor to a reception at Temple’s Charles Library, where he’ll help Odunde organizers welcome African dignitaries in town for the festival (5 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🖼️ If being a collector has ever felt out of reach, Art for the Cash Poor is for you. The 23rd annual event comes to Olde Kensington with everything on sale for $250 or less, and all proceeds support local artists. (12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10)
🪆 Appreciate the little things in life at the DOLL/HOUSE Project art show opening and zine release, exhibiting the work of 12+ artists displaying miniatures: dollhouses, dioramas, curiosities, photos, and more in University City. (4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10)
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