City Cast Philly
Why are so many Philly kids missing school?
June 1, 2023
Happy June, neighbor. The votes are in, and the Philadelphia Zoo’s two new sloth bear cubs are named Kelce and Harper. Did your vote win?
What's CITY Talking About?
🏫 Chronic Absenteeism in Philly Schools
Nearly half of the students in the Philadelphia School District are missing more than 10% of their school days, according to an Inquirer analysis of internal district data. For many students, housing insecurity, safety concerns, mental health issues, and a lack of engaging teachers contribute to low attendance. [Inquirer 🔒]
⛔ Ocean City, N.J. Closing Beaches at Night
Ocean City’s beaches will close after 8 p.m. following a surge in vandalism, assault, theft, and underage drinking during Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian has banned beachgoers of all ages from carrying backpacks on the beach and boardwalk after 8 p.m. The town's youth curfew is also rolling back from 1 a.m. to 11 p.m. [WHYY]
💉 New Documentary Highlights Local Healthcare Hero
A new documentary short, “Angel Dose,” tells the story of the dedicated Philadelphia nurse practitioner Tarik Khan, who delivered unused COVID-19 vaccines on the brink of expiration during the height of the pandemic. Khan ran for office in the 2022, and now represents the 194th state House district, which covers parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. The film is streaming on WHYY’s website for the next 28 days. [PhillyVoice]
🎨 Philly’s Flag is Getting a Redesign
The Inquirer asked Philly residents to design a new flag for the city. Readers submitted 1,800 flags, and The Inquirer has chosen the top ten. You can vote on your favorite one or get creative and submit your own design. Alison McCook, assistant editor for the newspaper, shares what makes a city flag “good” and memorable. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
What To Do
🍓 Strawberry Fest | Saturday | 1 p.m.
Pick some delicious strawberries, and learn about how bees make honey from Fairmount Park’s Flowers. [free, East Fairmount Park]
🏳️🌈 Pride 356 | Sunday | 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Pride Month with an annual parade and street festival featuring community resources, youth and family programs, a low sensory relaxation zone, a sober space, and more. The march begins at 6th and Walnut. [free, Gayborhood]
🪷 Rooftop Yoga | Sunday | 10:30 a.m.
Head to Cira Green for an all-levels yoga class. BYO mat. [$19.97, University City]
Today on City Cast
The Asbestos Problem in Philly Schools
Six school buildings have closed due to asbestos this year, and the School District of Philadelphia is scrambling to inspect more before the next school year starts. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, about what the risk is for students and staff, and why this keeps happening in Philly.
Talk to you tomorrow, friend.
- Brittany Valentine
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