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📊 Americans Think Philly Unsafe

Fewer than half of Americans view Philadelphia as a safe city to live in or visit, according to a recent Gallup poll. Out of 16 U.S cities, Philly was ranked number 12, with Dallas at the top, and Chicago and Detroit at the bottom. More than 60% of Democratic-aligned voters believe Philly is safe, but only 30% of Republican-aligned voters agree. [Axios Philadelphia]

🚓 Troubling Police Pattern

Criminal justice experts are sounding the alarm on the recent killing of Eddie Irizarry Jr., saying that it highlights broader issues of training, culture, and accountability within the Philadelphia Police Department. The ACLU-PA is calling on the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office to prosecute Officer Mark Dial, who shot Irizarry and is now scheduled to be terminated. [WHYY]

📍 Transforming Vacant Lots

Philly has about 40,000 vacant lots. Overbrook Environmental Education Center cofounder Jerome Shabazz is working with the Audubon Society, local universities, and city officials on a plan to transform a series of vacant lots into a “disconnected park system.” Each lot would focus on a different form of public service, from fitness and recreation to sustainability. The first lot is expected to be created this fall. [Billy Penn]

📐 76ers Arena Debate Recap

The Building Industry Association recently endorsed the 76ers' new arena plan, saying it will generate jobs during the construction phase and upon completion. But in the same week, a local design advocacy group came out in opposition to the plan. Billy Penn reporter Jordan Levy shares the highlights of the debate and what could unfold in the coming months. [Inquirer/City Cast Philly 🎧]

📕 Book Signing | Tuesday | 6 p.m.

Join Barnes & Noble and local author Kim Kelly for the paperback release of her book “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor.” [free, Center City]

🥂 City Cast Philly Party | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Join us at Indy Hall to celebrate our one-year anniversary with a live podcast taping. Mix and mingle with us afterward over light refreshments. [free, NoLibs]

🤣 Comedy | Wednesday | 9 p.m.

Enjoy a standup show at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen. [free, Old City]

🦋 Butterfly Walk | Thursday | 10 a.m.

Explore the wonders of butterfly life at Pennypack Environmental Center. [free, Northeast Philly]

Unwritten Rules of Philly Parking

In Philly, there are official parking regulations... and then there are those unwritten rules, legal or otherwise. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz break down Philly's lawless parking culture and share their hacks to find the perfect spot in the city.