When I-95 reopens, how will the temporary road hold up?
I-95 traffic will be flowing again today at noon, PennDOT said, thanks to the temporary lanes built atop mounds of Delco-sourced “foam glass.” Some have wondered about the sturdiness of the highway patch — but the backfill is more than up to the job, experts say. In fact, Fallon Roth reports, the aggregate is already used in these roads and construction projects all over Philadelphia and the East Coast.
Dining cars & mountain views: Amtrak from Philly to the Midwest
Ever considered a cross-country train ride? Dissuaded by the cost of flights from Philly to Indiana, BP reporter Asha Prihar decided to take the plunge into a 20-hour adventure on Amtrak. With tips and tricks learned along the way, here’s a recap of her trip, from the fancy 30th Street Station lounge to the idyllic views, tiny bunk beds, and surprisingly good dinner rolls.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As the state budget deadline looms, the Pa. House showed bipartisan support for a tax credit for newly recruited police, teachers, and nurses, but Republican state Senate leadership criticized the bill as a “Band-Aid approach” that abandons existing workers. [KYW/Capital-Star]
• Philly state Sen. Tony Williams is now a member of the Forward Party. He’ll remain a registered Democrat, but says he’s frustrated by “extremes” on both sides of the aisle. [City & State]
• Philly’s life sciences sector is a burgeoning economic force, and entrepreneurs are noticing. Health tech founders from Pittsburgh, Texas, and Delaware were here to explore setting up shop in the city. [Technically]
• A crowdfunded exhibit in honor of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues is close to a $20k goal to set up an exhibit at Cherry Street Pier for the rest of the summer. [GoFundMe]
• Where else might you take a fun trip from 30th Street Station? Asha Prihar has a guide to Philly travel via rail — including Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ Transit. [Billy Penn]
• The Morris Arboretum’s historic Rose Garden has reopened after being closed last October for repairs. New features include paved walkways and mobility scooters. [CBS3]
• Upper Darby native Tina Fey and comedy partner Amy Poehler are playing The Met Philly in December. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins Gov. Shapiro, PennDOT Sec. Carroll, and others on I-95 at Cottman Avenue to officially announce the reopening and give an update on highway repairs (10:30 a.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
☀️ Welcome summer at the B(L)OK Party in South Philly, full of family-friendly fun in the sun, complete with a bouncy castle, cold drinks, local food, and more. (12-4 p.m. Sunday, June 25)
📖 Begin the final week of Pride Month with Free Library’s first PRIDE: Poets in the Park, featuring local poets Boston Gordon, Campbell Simmons and Sean Hanrahan. There might also be an open mic and Q&A. Free. (6:30 p.m. Monday, June 26)
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