New report shows struggles, successes of Philly area students
Children First compiled a report every decade on the state of education in Philadelphia. Between a pandemic and the ascendance of social media, a lot has gone on since the last survey. And yet, issues like poverty, mental health issues and low test scores persist. But there’s encouraging notes, too, around violence and substance use. Continue reading…
Schumer postpones Philly visit set for later this week
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer was supposed to appear at the Weitzman museum Thursday as part of a tour to support his book about antisemitism. But his decision last week to help pass a Republican-backed spending bill angered many Democrats, and he put off the book tour. Jared Mitovich provides the backstory. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump’s EPA terminated grants for air pollution monitoring, cooling kits and A/C units in Pa. and Del., writing that the agency will not support programs promoting “DEI” or environmental justice initiatives. [WHYY]
• Motorcycles, coffee, chocolate: The Pa. products caught in Trump’s trade war with Canada. [Inquirer$]
• “Not dead but … not OK.” As fentanyl kills fewer people, survivors in Kensington and across the U.S. need help. [NPR]
• Philly arts organizations are navigating stormy federal funding guidelines. [WHYY]
• New SEPTA Regional Rail schedules are now in effect, with a goal of improving service reliability. [PhillyVoice]
• Faculty, staff at Community College of Philadelphia vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike. [Billy Penn]
• As the Big Ship outside Ikea is now gone, here’s your guide to more big ships in South Philly’s Navy Yard. [Streets Dept]
Philly DA Race
- Philadelphia DA election:
What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates - Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Tuesday, March 18: RAD District Attorney Candidate Endorsement Meeting
Riverwards Area Democrats host a virtual meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Both candidates will speak for 20 minutes and answer questions from attendees. RSVP to receive the Zoom link via email. - Thursday, March 20 at 6:45 p.m.: Candidate Forum
Hosted by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition, and the SUN. At String Theory School, located at 1600 Vine Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The forum will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events on her schedule for Tuesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
👩🏽🏫 Wednesday, March 19: The Science of Sisterhood: How Women Support Women
This virtual Woman’s History Month event features Desireé Chang, PHRC Education & Outreach Director. (1 to 2 p.m.)
💰 Wednesday, March 19: Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) Learning Series, City’s Annual Budget
This virtual training discusses how the City’s Annual Budget works, where funds come from, and how decisions are made about how money is spent. Presented by The Committee of Seventy. Free with registration. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
🎶 Wednesday, March 19: Ambler Celtic Strings Irish Music Concert
The fabulous Ambler Celtic Strings return to Ambler Library. Free. (6:30 to 7:45 p.m.)
📜 Wednesday, March 19: Germantown 250 Pre-Game #2
In 2026, Philly will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. This session aims to help Germantown residents prepare to promote the neighborhood, businesses, and residents’ vision for the future. Free. Hosted at Ubuntu Fine Art. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
💸 Thursday, March 20: People’s Budget Workshop: North Chinatown
One of a series of free community workshops through May. Vox Populi hosts this opportunity for residents to learn more about the City Budget process and speak about what they want to see funded — and help create collective artwork about local priorities. Free food will be provided. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
💃🏽 Thursday, March 20: Flamencodanza
Combining dance and physical theater, this contemporary flamenco show in Callowhill features dance and guitar and has toured internationally at festivals in Europe, Australasia and the US. $25 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
🌱 Saturday, March 20: Sprung! A Spring Block Party
A celebration of all things Spring at Evil Genius Beer Company. Party in the gradually warming weather over fresh brews, food trucks, local vendors, music, and more. Free; families and dogs welcome. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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