UArts fallout continues; Arrests at Aramark protest; Megabus owner's bankruptcy

Impact of UArts closure affects Philly art programs

UArts was home to a handful of organizations with various levels of independence. After the dramatic closure, who will survive?

Also, those affected by UArts’ sudden closure can attend an informational meeting over Zoom, hosted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Continue reading…

Philadelphia Art Alliance curator Sid Sachs packs up beneath a painting of Christine Wetherill Stevenson, who founded the Philadelphia Art Alliance in 1915 in her mansion in Rittenhouse Square. The organization shut down and its employees were laid off Friday along with the rest of the faculty and staff of University of the Arts. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Effort to save the Germantown YWCA continues

The legal battle to save the Germantown YWCA represents a rare use of a controversial Pa. law, Act 135, which provides a way for neighbors, nonprofits and municipalities to revitalize abandoned and blighted properties in their communities.

The overwhelming majority of properties in Act 135 cases are privately owned. Most are residential. There’s nothing in the law, however, that prohibits taking this legal action against a building owned by the government. Can it be applied to save the crumbling neighborhood landmark in Germantown? Continue reading…

The former Germantown YWCA stands adjacent to Vernon Park in Phiiladelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pa. State Sen. Nikil Saval of Philadelphia was among around 50 people arrested at a rally in protest of Aramark’s treatment of stadium workers. [PennLive]

• Philly’s Licenses & Inspections is behind on thousands of necessary demolitions, repairs of unsafe buildings, audit says. [PhillyVoice]

• Megabus operator Coach USA filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware, seeking to sell its assets and shed debt. [Reuters]

• Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is hosting events in Philly to give information about a bill proposal slated to provide funds for students who want to attend private schools. [WHYY]

• Jason and Travis Kelce are teaming up to get into the beer business, becoming part owners of Ohio-based Garage Beer. [6ABC]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker speaks at the Mayor’s Business Roundtables Kickoff in Center City (2:15 p.m.) before delivering remarks at Community College of Philadelphia’s Annual Black & Gold Gala (6 p.m.).

ON THE CALENDAR

🥒 Saturday, June 15: The Big Dill
The world’s largest pickle party comes to Xfinity LIve! and tickets include unlimited pickle sampling, kids activities, contests, and more. Tickets range from $25 to $110. (12 to 7 p.m.)

🚶🏽‍♀️Saturday, June 15: Walking Tour of Historic Girard Estate
A free walking tour highlighting the history and architecture of one of South Philadelphia’s most unique neighborhoods. The tour meets in front of the Thomas F. Donatucci Sr. Library. Free. (2 p.m.)

🎉 Sunday, June 16: Juneteenth Parade
Gather along South Concourse Drive across from the Mann Center for a good view of the parade floats. See the full schedule of events here. (12 to 2 p.m.)

🪓 Sunday, June 15: Father’s Day Axe-Throwing
Celebrate the father figure in your life by throwing some axes at Kick Axe Philly, which includes a free beer when he hits the bullseye. Free with RSVP. (11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.)