🏥 400 layoffs at Jefferson Health

Layoffs at Jefferson Health

The health provider is laying off 400 workers — about 1% of its 42,000 workforce. CEO Joseph G. Cacchione said this week’s cuts were made to "realize efficiency and savings." Jefferson Health operates 18 hospitals across southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. [WHYY]

Should Philly’s Empty Offices Become Apartments?

That’s not likely any time soon, local experts say. Despite rising housing prices and a growing remote or hybrid workforce that is decreasing the demand for physical office space, there are a lot of barriers to conversion, including acquisition costs, long leases, and floor plans that were not designed for residential living, among others. However, Philadelphia has some advantages over other cities. [Inquirer 🔒]

Special Division Created for Victims of Elder Abuse

The Philadelphia district attorney’s office has set up a unit to provide justice for older adults. The office says they are seeing an increase in elder abuse cases in the state — an 86% increase from 2021 to 2022. The DA’s office also has a program to help elderly citizens find new caregivers and work to prosecute abusers. [WHYY, Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office]

Philly to Receive USDA Urban Farming Investment

The United States Department of Agriculture chose Philadelphia and 16 other cities to receive a service center to support small- and medium-sized urban farms with financial and technical assistance. The USDA is hoping to encourage the creation of more urban farms and gardens to stimulate job growth and access to healthy food. [KYW]

🎤 Beta Hi-Fi Festival | Wednesday-Saturday | 6 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show

Experience this multi-day event showcasing some of Philly's emerging artists at The Lounge at World Cafe Live. [Free, University City]

📚 In Conversation with Cristina García | Wednesday | 7:30 p.m.

Listen to a discussion between García, the author of “Dreaming in Cuban” and the recently published “Vanishing Maps” and Temple’s Latinx studies professor Rebeca L. Hey-Colón at Parkway Central Library. [Free, Logan Square]

😂 Glory! Comedy | Wednesday | 9 p.m.

Get that much-needed laughter in at Glory Beer Bar and Kitchen. [Free, Old City]

🛥️ Secrets of the Schuylkill | Thursday | 5:30 & 7:15 p.m.

Discover the sights, sounds, and history of the river and its impacts on Philadelphia. Tours depart from and return to the Walnut Street Dock. [$15-$25, Center City]

🏃 Wellness on the Waterfront | Thursday | 6 p.m.

Bring your mat and some water for this yoga and mat pilates class at Race Street Pier. [Free, Old City]

Does ChatGPT Know Philly?

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. It’s writing travel guides, doing customer service, and even making art. ChatGPT is one AI tool that responds to questions or requests in text form.

In this episode, host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz pose questions about Philly to ChatGPT and get back some surprising answers.