Philly NAACP backs Sixers’ arena proposal for Center City
The Philadelphia branch of the NAACP is supporting the Sixers’ proposal to build a $1.55 billion basketball arena in Center City, calling the project a “significant opportunity for individuals in underserved communities.”
Aaron Moselle with WHYY’s Plan Philly reports the endorsement follows months of discussion between the civil rights organization and the Sixers. It’s part of a broader effort to execute a $50 million community benefits agreement with stakeholders from around the city. Continue reading…
Birdy McBirdface joins Philly’s sports mascot pantheon
The Philadelphia Phoenix, the city’s American Ultimate Disc League team, unveiled its new mascot last weekend. A giant red, orange and yellow — you guessed it — phoenix.
To get the ultimate frisbee team’s fan base involved in the process, the team crowdsourced its followers on X (formerly Twitter) to vote for the mascot’s name.
BP’s Nick Kariuki has more on the internet’s pick: “Birdy McBirdface.” Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• For the first time in at least 16 years, the Democratic and Republican parties in Pa. are within half a million registered voters of one another. The number of people registered as independents or under a third party has also grown. [Spotlight PA]
• Dog owners, beware: dog treats containing fish hooks were found scattered on the Appalachian Trail in Lehigh County over the weekend. [PhillyVoice]
• In response to a question from Philly State Rep. Jordan Harris during a budget hearing, Pa. officials said the state has investigated more than a dozen UFO incidents in the past decade. [Capital-Star]
• The deadline for Pennsylvanians to receive a REAL ID is one year away, on May 7, 2025. People will need either a REAL ID or a valid passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires ID. [6ABC]
• Forty-eight “heritage” trees have been cut down in FDR park’s former golf course to make way for athletic fields and courts. [WHYY]
• The adult canned beverage mergers continue with a Philly-area ready-to-drink cocktail company being purchased by Appalachian Brewing Company. Trinity Flavors’ line includes Espresso Martini and Vodka Lemonade. [PennLive]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.• Police across Pa. are warning of inexpensive gun “switches” that convert an ordinary weapon into a machine gun. [6ABC]
• A South Philly teen is using social media to highlight the lives lost to gun violence. [NBC10]
• Two new studies on the impact of media coverage about community firearm violence were published by Temple School of Medicine associate professor Dr. Jessica H. Beard, MD, MPH, FACS. [Temple Health]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 17: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 17 the week prior. [PCGVR]
- 343: Shooting victims as of May 5 were down 43% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 91: Year-to-date homicides, down 36% vs. last year’s pace; down 18% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker’s administration moves ahead Wednesday with its first major public action aimed at shutting down Kensington’s decades-old open air drug market. City workers will clear out encampments on a two-block stretch of Kensington Avenue near Allegheny.
ON THE CALENDAR
💸 Thursday, May 9: One Philly Budget Town Hall
Wynnefield is the next stop for Mayor Parker’s town hall series for residents to weigh in on the proposed budget. (6 to 8 p.m.)
👠 Thursday, May 9: MILFADELPHIA: The Fashion Show
Celebrate the moms in our lives – whether Mothers, Mamas, Nanays, Ummas, Mom friends, work Moms – at Asian Arts Initiative’s annual benefit featuring a catwalk, designer goods, music, and dinner to support free arts programs. $80-$150 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
🥳 Friday, May 10: Chaotic Singles Party
Are you single? Are you chaotic? Then this party might be for you. $17-$55 tickets. (8 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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