The city says it has cleaned 5,000 blocks, with 13,000 more to go in its street-cleaning blitz and Mayor Parker’s Clean & Green Initiative. BP’s Meir Rinde reports that reactions have varied.
The impact, residents say, varies from quickly sweeping up litter to more extensive work like pothole repairs and towing of cars. Some applauded the Parker administration for addressing a long-standing problem, while others described the initiative as temporary and said the city needs to do much more cleaning and anti-dumping work. Continue reading…
It was a busy start to NBA free agency for the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighted by the team signing veteran forward Paul George, with the 34-year-old reportedly wearing an Allen Iverson jersey during the negotiations.
PG-13 will round out a formidable big three alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, but will it be enough for a 76ers title run?
BP’s Nick Kariuki rounds up reactions to the gargantuan first day of the free agency season. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• For the second straight year, Pennsylvania’s budget is latealthough top lawmakers say they’re hoping for a quick deal after a weekend of closed-door talks. [Spotlight PA]
• Philly City Councilmember Rue Landau is pushing to register more LGBTQ voters ahead of the November general election. [WHYY]
• Drexel University’s proposed merger with Salus University, a small, private health sciences university in Elkins Park, has been approved. [Glenside Local]
• The Philadelphia Zoo marked its 150th birthday and its identity as the oldest zoo in the U.S. [6ABC]
• Nine vehicles parked on Locust Street between 24th and 25th streets were hit in a smash-and-grab spree overnight. [Fitler Focus]
• Howl at the Moon Philly and Down Nightclub closed after more than a decade of operation in Center City. [Howl.Philly on Instagram]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins Wilfred Speakes, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives and Interfaith Affairs, and other city officials to announce the launch of Faith-Based Roundtables. (5 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🙌🏽 Tuesday, July 2: Young Professionals Lego Happy Hour
Network over legos before the holiday festivities begin. Head to historic Carpenters Hall where building and architecture folks will get social. $10 tickets. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
🥳 Wednesday, July 3: Meet Me on South Street Firework Stroll
Start celebrating early with fireworks, food and family fun, starting at 8th and South Street with a live DJ and night market, then heading east towards the food trucks, vendors, drinks from Triple Bottom Brewery, live art, karaoke, and farewell noodles at Neighborhood Ramen. (5 to 9 p.m.)
🐈 Thursday, July 4: 2nd annual Patriotic Pet Parade
Do you have the most patriotic pet in Philadelphia? Deck your pet out in their red, white & blue finest for the parade at the Betsy Ross Hous. Pets of all kinds are welcome to compete for prizes! Free to attend. Register in advance or on-site on the day of the event. Participation is capped at 25 participants. (10:30 a.m.)
🎆 Thursday, July 4: Philly Welcomes America
Kick off the Fourth of July with what organizers call the “country’s largest Independence Day procession” at the Salute to Independence Parade starting at 11 a.m. along East Market Street between 2nd Street and City Hall. Cap off the night with live music featuring NE-YO and Kesha along the Ben Franklin Parkway followed by fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Concert starts at 7 p.m.
Catch up on the previous week
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