Exploring Old Kensington’s art and food scene

📐 Chinatown Stitch Designs

Philly released three potential designs this week for the $4 million Chinatown Stitch project, which aims to reconnect the neighborhood through a cap above the Vine Street Expressway. Construction won’t begin until 2028, as the city is planning more community feedback sessions. Residents can now fill out a survey on the three proposed designs. [PhillyVoice]

🏫 More Heat Dismissals

Philly remains under a heat advisory, and now 86 Philly schools, up from 74 earlier this week, will be dismissing students early due to a lack of adequate cooling systems. In summer 2021, the School District of Philadelphia invested millions of dollars into HVAC upgrades at nearly two dozen schools. Officials say the eventual goal is to upgrade every school’s system. [WHYY]

✅ Jawn Gets Official
"Jawn” has been added to Dictionary.com. The origin and proper usage of this slang word has been endlessly debated, but one thing is agreed upon: any definition of the word must give credit to Philly. North Philly resident and Free Library employee Rasheeda Hampton told Billy Penn, “we want our credit for using it and creating it.” [Billy Penn]

• We’re collecting your hot takes on the use of “jawn” and other Philly slang terms. Don’t hold back!

🎸 Unique Library Finds

If you’ve been going to the library and only picking up books, you’re missing out. Philadelphia libraries offer a lot more, from music to bird watching supplies to cooking materials. Find out what neat item you can pick up from your local branch with Free Library programming manager Christine Caputo. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

I’ll admit it: these scavenger hunts aren’t always easy, but S/O to Hey Philly reader Helen D. for correctly locating this mural. This adorable panda is on 125 N 11th Street, right next to one of my favorite brunch spots: More Sugar.

Can you identify what street I’m on in this photo? If you get it right, you can submit a photo for next week’s challenge!

🤣 Comedy | Thursday | 8 p.m.

Treat yourself to a hilarious evening of comedy at Ortlieb’s. [$10, Northern Liberties]

❤️ Finding Home | Friday | 6 p.m.

Head to Vox Populi and check out Chelsey Luster’s immersive art exhibition, which includes paintings, text, and film. [free, Callowhill]

📖 Literacy Day | Saturday | 12 p.m.

Join Tree House Books for a block party to celebrate reading, writing, and learning through play. All ages welcome [free, North Philly]

🦅 Eagles Party | Sunday | 12 p.m.

The Birds are back! Celebrate with merch raffles and themed food and drink specials at The Post. [pay-as-you-go, West Philly]

Philly's Top Cop Is Resigning

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, the first Black woman to serve in this high-profile position, is resigning at the end of the month. Outlaw led the department through the pandemic, massive protests about policing, and a spike in gun violence. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chris Palmer, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about Outlaw’s legacy and what’s next for the city.