UArts shutdown sparks alarm, anger, and questions: What to know
Anger and questions swirled all weekend and into the new week following the news of University of the Arts’ abrupt plans to shut down. Students are scrambling to find transfer options and navigate financial aid issues, the newly created faculty union is considering a lawsuit, and some residents and local politicians are hoping some sort of rescue plan is possible for the 154-year-old institution that has been a large part of the region’s arts economy.
The school administration says finances went from bad to worse, but students and staff say that doesn’t explain the lack of communication.
BP’s Meir Rinde breaks down what is going on, what we know so far, and what might be next. Continue reading…
Safehouse files new appeal to open overdose prevention centers
A group of Philadelphia community advocates, faith leaders, lawyers and public health experts have taken the next step in their pursuit of opening an overdose prevention center.
The nonprofit Safehouse filed an appeal Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. Safehouse attorneys argued that the nonprofit’s plan to open an overdose prevention center did not violate federal drug laws because it was protected on religious grounds and the First Amendment. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A possible measles exposure took place at PHL between 2:50 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, May 31 at the Federal Inspection Area of Terminal A West. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia has officially launched an initiative to clean every neighborhood in the city. See when yours is on the schedule. [CBS3]
• Philly City Council passed a Land Bank acquisition bill considered key to garden land security. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Nearly an entire block of industrial buildings in Kensington will be transformed into an arts incubation hub. [WHYY]
• Philly’s Juneteenth celebration kicked off with a flag raising at City Hall and continues with a series of events across the city, culminating with a parade and festival on June 16. [WHYY]
• Local drag queen story time achieves Guinness World Records title for “largest attendance at a drag queen story time reading,” at the June 1 reading at the Constitution Center. [PGN]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor’s reception room plays host to the kickoff celebration of National Immigrant Heritage Month, announcing the month-long series of events planned to recognize the role of immigrants in creating a better Philadelphia. (10:30 a.m.)
Mayor Parker hosts the latest ‘‘One Philly’ Budget Town Hall in North Philadelphia’s at Deliverance Evangelistic Church. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
Tuesday, June 4: Love Now Magazine + Odunde – Happy Hour + Afrobeat Dance Party
Snag one of the remaining tickets to this outdoor event full of food, music, and local media. $20 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, June 6: Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st streets will showcase charm, bargains (see $1, $3, and $5 deals!), live music, a block party, and more. Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, June 6: South Philly Drink and Draw
Bring some paper, a tablet, a pile of napkins to draw on at this adults-only event with a live nude model and complimentary beer courtesy of Philadelphia Brewing Company. $10 ticket. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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