Philly unveils potential Harriet Tubman statue designs

🎒 Changes to Philly School Lottery Process

The School District of Philadelphia is modifying the enrollment process for its criteria-based schools, but the contentious lottery system will remain. Now, eighth-graders at several special-admissions schools will be able to skip the lottery system and gain automatic admission to high school, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. [Inquirer 🔒]

• The lottery system was meant to increase diversity, but ​​it left many open seats at schools, frustrating some parents, faculty, and students. Chalkbeat Philadelphia reporter Dale Mezzacapa breaks down what went wrong. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🎨 Potential Harriet Tubman Statue Designs

The city unveiled five potential designs for a new, permanent statue honoring Harriet Tubman outside City Hall. Last year, Philly displayed a temporary statue, but advocates protested the closed-door selection process. Officials then issued an open call for artists to submit their designs. Residents can now share their opinions and vote for their favorite through Sept. 1. The city aims to install the statue by next fall. [Billy Penn]

🏠 Nonprofit Opens Affordable Housing Facility

Thanks to $27 million in donations, Project HOME recently opened the Inn of Amazing Mercy, a facility in Kensington which will offer shelter, healthcare, and substance use disorder treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Residents will also be offered employment and education services. [WHYY]

⚖️ Exploring the Weirdest State Laws

Sometimes, Pennsylvania laws can feel like they were written for a different time. That’s because many of them were! From a ban on fishing with dynamite, to a prohibition on psychic services, City Cast Philly and City Cast Pittsburgh recently dug into some of the most bizarre state laws still on the books. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Wawa’s Drexel University location is currently testing out a digital-only store format. Instead of browsing through shelves, customers will order through a touch screen or on Wawa’s mobile app.

The company will be gathering feedback from customers and employees, but of course, Philly residents have already made their thoughts known online. Here’s what Philly is saying on X:

🍓 Edible Plant Walk | Tuesday | 1 p.m.

Head to Wissahickon Environmental Center for a foraging-themed nature walk. [free, Andorra]

🌇 Sunset Yoga | Tuesday | 6 p.m.

Soak up the golden hour on Bok Bar’s rooftop with an all-levels yoga class, followed by a happy hour. [$20, South Philly]

🧼 Soap-Making | Thursday | 7 p.m.

Learn how to make your own soap with Andrea from Honey Rose Botanicals at Glen Foerd. [$35, Torresdale]

😆 Comedy | Friday | 7:30 p.m.

Laugh away your cares at Raven Lounge with a show featuring some of the best local comedians. [$12.51, Center City]

One Year Into the Sixers Stadium Debate

Just over a year ago, the Philadelphia 76ers announced a new plan to build a stadium in Center City. Since then, there’s been non-stop controversy. The Sixers say they want a modern, new stadium where they get to control their schedule. But some community groups representing nearby Chinatown say they don’t want a stadium in their backyard. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Billy Penn reporter Jordan Levy about all of the highlights of this back-and-forth and what decision-makers could do in the coming months.