Why are Philly murals disappearing?

⚖️ PA House Approves Gun Legislation

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved two gun reform bills, but they face an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled state Senate. The first bill would create a "red-flag law," allowing police to temporarily seize guns from people deemed to be an immediate threat to themselves or others. The second would expand background checks to private purchases of long guns. [Inquirer 🔒]

🚰 Protections from Water Shutoffs

Water shutoffs for Philadelphians who owe more than $1,000 to the Water Department will resume on May 31. However, households with children under 18, senior citizens, or a person with disabilities will be exempt from shutoffs through the end of 2023. Customers can also avoid a shutoff by setting up a payment plan or requesting a utility grant from the Utility Emergency Services Fund. [WHYY]

🏳️‍🌈 New Rainbow Crosswalks in the Gayborhood

Philly’s iconic Gayborhood intersection at 13th and Locust just got a stunning makeover. The Philadelphia Department of Streets has installed multicolored thermoplastic rainbow crosswalks to replace the faded, painted on LGBTQ flag colors. Each new crosswalk now has 11 stripes, to include all colors of the “Progress Pride Flag,” and the material is longer lasting and more resilient. [Billy Penn]

🥨 Rating Philly Treats

Angel and Rahim Smith, who were born and raised in Philadelphia, brought Philly water ice to Knoxville, Tennessee, with their shop “Water Ice n’ Thangz.” Nine months later, it’s a hit! Grab your favorite treat and snack along with host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz as they rate popular locally made snacks like Peanut Chews and soft pretzels. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

✍️ Poetry | Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.

Join Krystle Griffin at Starr Garden Rec Center for an all-levels poetry workshop. [free, Queen Village]

🐦 Urban Birds | Thursday | 7 p.m.

Head to the Academy of Natural Sciences to hear from bird expert David Lindo about the birds that thrive within our city. [$-$15, Logan Square]

🐐 Goat Walk | Sunday | 1 p.m.

Join Awbury Arboretum to meet beekeepers and walk with goats. Learn about the importance of bees and take home some local honey. [free, Germantown]

Is Philly Losing its Murals?

Philly has more than 4,000 murals, and claims the title “Mural Capital of the World.” But these public art pieces are being destroyed without warning, whether it’s South Philly’s famous Isaiah Zagar mosaics or murals representing the communities they’re located in.

Lead producer Laura Benshoff talks with muralist Shira Walinsky and Streets Dept lead contributor Eric Dale about why this is happening, and how Philly could change the conversation around mural ownership.