🚫 Philly’s ski mask ban kicks in

Philly Ski Mask Ban in Effect

Wearing a ski mask in certain public places, such as parks, daycares and municipal buildings, can now result in a $250 fine. Philadelphia City Council recently voted 13-2, enacting the partial ban on face-coverings, with supporters saying it will cut down on crime. That bill took effect Thursday without Mayor Jim Kenney’s signature. [Inquirer]

• Learn more about why the ACLU and other critics of the ban say it could be discriminatory. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Protesters Block Spring Garden Bridge

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic near the Art Museum on Thursday, laying down banners and chanting “Let Gaza live.” The progressive groups Jewish Voice for Peace and Rabbis for Ceasefire organized the demonstration. Police detained more than two dozen at the scene. [Inquirer]

Burlesque Cancellation Sparks Backlash

Local drag and burlesque dancers publicly condemned the decision to bar Palestinian performer Leila Delicious from taking the stage at Tabu, a bar in the Gayborhood, because her act included political commentary on the Israel-Hamas War. [PhillyVoice]

• Tabu owners later posted an apologetic statement to their social media, saying their intention was to ensure the “emotional safety of all of our customers.” [X]

Bill to Make School Calendars More Flexible

Pennsylvania legislators passed a bill that would allow school districts to opt for longer school days and shorter weeks, which Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign into law. The state currently requires schools to hold classes for a minimum of 180 days, including at least 900 hours of instructional time at the elementary level and 990 hours at the secondary level. The bill would allow them to meet either the minimum days in school or the minimum instructional hours, but would not require them to reach both benchmarks. [AP]

Congratulations to readers Laurie M., Tim M., and Aaron S. for correctly guessing this mosaic’s location! It’s on the side of Fanny Jackson Coppin School at 12th and Federal Streets. 🌻

This week’s challenge is a prominent mural submitted by Hey Philly reader Aaron S. Send us your guess for its location, and we’ll give you a shoutout in next week’s newsletter!

SEPTA Police Strike, Resignations at UPenn & Mall Bankruptcy

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s City Cast Philly podcast episode covers why SEPTA transit officers went on strike, turnover at the highest levels of the University of Pennsylvania, and why PREIT, owner of several area malls, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Ryan Mulligan, higher education reporter at the Philadelphia Business Journal, Paul Schwedelson, real estate reporter at the Philadelphia Business Journal, and Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer.