UArts closure fallout continues
UArts President Kerry Walk resigned from her role just days after the school’s unceremonious and sudden announcement of its imminent closure on June 7. The news followed a canceled town hall meeting just minutes before it was set to start on Monday, further angering students and staff whose jobs and academics are at a standstill.
Students rallied Monday outside the school’s buildings on Broad Street to demand answers about the sudden closure. Several area colleges continue efforts to absorb abandoned students, including Temple, which reportedly is also floating the idea of a possible merger to keep UArts alive.
Flood risk is increasing in the Philly region
The Philadelphia region is at risk of increased flooding due to climate change, whether it’s coastal storm surge, sunny-day flooding along tidal rivers or flash flooding on inland roads.
Flooding can happen during a hurricane, in the days after one hits, during a bad thunderstorm or when a storm drain on your street backs up. Sometimes, even a smaller rainstorm combined with high tide can cause unexpected flooding. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A major update to 511PA services is live, offering improved user-friendly and personalization options on the app and website for the statewide travel information system. [WITF/WPSU]
• There’s no more free parking at SEPTA Regional Rail lots. The four-year suspension of fees during the pandemic now returns to a $2 per day parking fee. [WHYY]
• When they’re asked to pay mandatory “senior dues” for students graduating from Philadelphia public schools, many families simply groan and write the check. But what are they used for? There’s little transparency or oversight. [Chalkbeat]
• Philly has a 7,000-camera surveillance system that has the ability to zoom, pan, scan, and more. What should we know about them? [Technical.ly]
• Philadelphia nonprofit Safehouse filed a new appeal in federal court to open overdose prevention centers, arguing their plans did not violate federal drug laws because it was protected on religious grounds and the First Amendment. [WHYY]
• How do you survive a Phillies three-game losing streak? Here’s some advice on how to cope. [Hittin’ Season]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.• One West Philly gang is connected to at least 30 shootings in the last year alone, police say. These were four of the youngest victims. [Inquirer$]
• A ban on ‘ghost guns’ in York City will go into effect in June. [York Daily Record]
• A city-wide sound installation on June 7 will mark the culmination of Toll the Bell, a year-long arts series aimed at raising awareness around gun violence. [Penn Live Arts]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 41: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 24 the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 438: Shooting victims as of June 2 were down 42% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 111: Year-to-date homicides, down 37% vs. last year’s pace; down 19% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins city officials, nonprofits and community members in Port Richmond at the showcase for the One Philly, A United City Citywide Cleaning Program. (10 a.m.)
She then returns to City Hall to meet and greet the inaugural class of Philly Service Award Impact Awardees from 62+ high schools in the city. (1:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 Wednesday, June 5: Philly Sketchfest Sketch Comedy Festival
Head to Theatre Exile for the 9th annual feature of shorts by comedians and funny filmmakers from Philadelphia and beyond. $15 tickets. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
🤣 Thursday, June 6: Hip Replacement, InAction Network, and Less is Morgue
Philly Sketchfest continues in East Passyunk with this showcase of a multigenerational and diverse group of Philly comedians. $15 tickets. (9 to 10:30 p.m.)
🎨 Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9: 2024 Spring Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
The oldest outdoor art show in the country returns for the 97th year of art, artists, live music, and more. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday)
🏡 Saturday, June 8: West Philly Porchfest
A do-it-yourself music festival featuring free shows on porches all over the neighborhood. Anyone can host or play a show. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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