Students, alum ‘furious,’ ‘appalled’ at UArts closure
Students, faculty, alum, and other members of the University of the Arts community were stunned by the sudden announcement that the higher education institution will close June 7.
The university’s decision to cancel summer courses, and not enroll new classes in the fall sent current and former students and faculty to social media to share their memories, frustration and angst. Continue reading…
Fridge masks hidden speakeasy-style eatery in Center City
For the past six months, Vita on 261 S 17th Street has been serving house-made gelatos in a cozy 375-sq-ft spot with an eye-catching Ferrari red fridge in its rear corner.
Now, BP’s Ali Mohsen reports patrons can access the fridge for what it is — a ‘secret’ entry into the city’s newest Italian restaurant, with 125 seats split across a main and private dining area, bar, and outdoor patio. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania lawmakers considering giving some residents a lump sum payment in budget process. [YourErie.com]
• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced a nearly $10 million state investment in projects at 10 public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation, and development. [PennWatch.org]
• Thousands marched through Center City to Philadelphia’s Gayborhood with a record-breaking 400-foot Pride flag and one simple message: “Be You.” [WHYY]
• Drag queen story reading in Philly sets Guinness World Record for attendance, organizers at the National Constitution Center say. [AP/WHYY]
• On “Jill Scott Day,” the Grammy Award winner was honored with the unveiling of a 900-square-foot mural that will go up on the Girls’ High facade. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎉 June 2 – 9: Odunde Festival returns bigger than ever
“The largest African American Street Festival in North America covers 15 city blocks, two stages of live entertainment and over 150 arts, crafts and food vendors,” said festival leader Oshunbumi “Bumi” Fernandez-West. The celebration of African American culture caps of Sunday, June 9 with an all-day street fest around the area of 23rd and South Streets. Full list of events at odundefestival.org.
🌎 Monday, June 3: Solving the Climate Crisis with Games and Journalism
Teens can join WHYY News Climate Desk and WHYY Education Department where we put the next generation in charge. Students will work together in groups to solve a simulated environmental crisis. After a quick training by WHYY News Climate Desk reporters Susan Phillips and Zoe Read we put the microphones into the students’ hands. (4 – 6 p.m., free and open to the public, but registration is required, 150 N. Sixth Street)
🍺 Through June 9: Philly Beer Week
Philly Beer Week runs through Sunday, June 9 with breweries, restaurants, bars and distributors around the city hosting special events. Full calendar of events at PhillyLovesBeer.com.
Catch up on the previous week
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