City Council OKs $100 million drug treatment center
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first city budget since she took office in January is moving toward final approval, with few surprises — other than a new plan for a more than $100 million drug treatment center in Northeast Philadelphia.
The mayor said on Thursday that existing cottages on a city-owned property on State Road, next to Philadelphia’s jails, are already being rehabilitated and two new buildings will be constructed. The facility will reportedly have space to house and treat more than 600 people. Continue reading…
UArts students abroad watch as their school collapses
It was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime.
Instead, nine University of the Arts students traveling through Italy for a month-long study abroad program are watching their school collapse from 5,000 miles away. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Entering into the state budget season, both Republicans and Democrats have proposals to make college cheaper, but differ as to how. Pennsylvania ranks 49th out of 50 for direct state appropriations for higher education. [Spotlight PA]
• Penn has banned encampments as part of temporary guidelines on campus demonstrations. This includes covering statues, erecting barriers, and use of light projectors. [WHYY]
• A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers left more than 160 people sickened across the U.S., harming more Pa. residents than in any other state. [NBC10]
• City Council’s Verizon renewal includes broadband for rec centers, building on 20 years of free and low-cost internet efforts in Philadelphia. [Technical.ly]
• The Big 5 expanded with the addition of Drexel this season in women’s basketball, the sixth Division I program to join the famed Philly hoops tradition. [CBS3]
• The founder of Charlie Was a Sinner and Bar Bombón is stepping down as head of vegan restaurant mini-empire HipCityVeg. [Inquirer$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the Asian American Federation of the United States’ 20th Annual Banquet & 10th Annual Police Night at the Ocean City Restaurant. (6:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🔔 Friday, June 7: Toll the Bell
A city-wide sound installation on National Gun Violence Awareness Day will mark the culmination of Toll the Bell, a year-long arts series aimed at raising awareness around gun violence. (1 p.m.)
🎨 Saturday, June 8: Curious Histories Fest: Color Your World
Paint fabric, try natural dyes, memory share in color, and eat colorful foods at the Science History Institute’s annual festival, this year centered on the core exhibit “BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile.” Free. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
🌈 Saturday, June 8: Queerapalooza
The music and arts festival, first held last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Giovanni’s Room, wasn’t intended to become an annual event — but its success destined it for an encore. (12 to 6 p.m.)
🖼️ Saturday, June 8: Art for the Cash Poor
Explore the arts corridor along N. American Street in Olde Kensington with artist vendors selling original works for $250 or less + free programming from local arts organizations. (12 to 8 p.m.)
🌺 Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9: 2024 Gardens of Society Hill Tour
This self-guided walking tour of approximately 18 gardens in historic Society Hill includes spaces not visible from the street. All proceeds from the $35 tickets support neighborhood improvement and beautification. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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