Sixers arena studies full of data, but no easy answers
The release this week of four studies looking at the impact of the Sixers’ proposed arena in Center City provided a trove of data that supported arguments both for and against the development.
The bigger significance of the studies, writes BP’s Meir Rinde, may be that City Council can now take up the complex package of bills needed to allow the $1.55 billion project to proceed — and that councilmembers and Mayor Cherelle Parker will have to commit to either advancing or blocking the plan. Continue reading …
Peter Pan steps in to assume Megabus routes to NYC, and beyond
As we come up on a holiday travel weekend, there’s a couple things to know: Megabus declared bankruptcy over the summer and Peter Pan has taken on some of its routes, and has moved some pick-up spots. BP’s Heather Chin has the details. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A text message phishing scam is targeting registered voters in Philadelphia’s suburbs. The scam claims they are not registered and must submit personal info on an unverified, unsecure website. [WHYY]
• UArts is unlikely to merge with Temple after all, after negotiations soured with a major donor, although lawyers are still reportedly talking. [Inquirer$]
• Despite being among the designated cooling centers during times of extreme heat, 20 library branches — more than a third of Philadelphia’s public libraries — closed this summer due to broken or inadequate air conditioning, according to the city.
• From an app to build social connections to an AI tool that edits writing, Philly youth are building their visions for the future into reality via startup companies. [Technical.ly]
• Dave McCormick’s campaign used a shooting in Philadelphia to attack Sen. Bob Casey about immigration issues. Just one problem: The incident occurred in Philadelphia, Mississippi. We compiled a list of the other Philadelphias in the nation, so he can avoid disparaging us. [Billy Penn]
• Finding so many mussels near Pennypack on the Delaware River means water quality in Philadelphia has improved since the implementation of the Clean Water Act more than 50 years ago, say conservationists. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
11 a.m.: Mayor Parker will join City Officials and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, on the North Apron at City Hall, to share updates and options for upgrades to the Spruce/Pine corridor in Center City.
ON THE CALENDAR
✍🏽 Sunday, September 1: Free First Sunday at Barnes Foundation
Celebrate legendary Philly inaugural poet laureate Sonia Sanchez’s 90th birthday at the Barnes with a FREE day of art, a scavenger hunt, storytime, film screening, and poetry readings. A leading figure in the Black Arts Movement, Sanchez is a prolific writer. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🎶 Sunday, September 1: A Capella Music Mornings
Explore a cappella singing and learn popular music arrangements through vocal exercises and group singing, led by Noteworthy Philadelphia in Bardascino Park in Bella Vista (10th & Carpenter). All ages welcome and no musical experience needed! (11 a.m.)
🌿 Sunday, September 1: Earthseed Block Party
Join Land Based Jawns (LBJ) at the Awbury Arboretum for an afternoon of hands-on workshops on food growing, self-defense, and mindfulness, as well as live music, food, and vendors ranging from artists to florists and healers. FREE. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
🛍️ Sunday, September 1: N+T Marketplace Sunday Weekly Vintage Market
This weekly Sunday market on Martha Street in Fishtown is rain-or-shine and pet-friendly! Drinks and a rotating cast of food trucks alongside 35 vintage vendors. (12 to 5 p.m.)
💪🏽 Monday, September 2: 37th annual Philly AFL-CIO Parade and Family Fun Festival
Join Philly union members and their families at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing for a rally, parade, and festival with crafts, music, face-painting, food and giveaways, and info from local non-profits and businesses! (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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