🛣️ Trump cuts could kill Chinatown Stitch

🛣️ Chinatown Stitch Loses $150 Million in Federal Funding

The Chinatown Stitch project won a federal grant last year to cap the Vine Street Expressway, after the construction of said highway split the neighborhood apart decades ago. Now the project could be in jeopardy because the “Big Beautiful Bill” revoked funding for federal infrastructure commitments. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]

💘 Dating on a Budget

With prices of goods and services potentially going up due to tax changes in the state, some folks may be penny-pinching. So how do you still show someone a good time when you need to spend less? On City Cast Philly we’ve got date ideas that’ll keep both your significant other and your wallet happy. [Spotlight PA, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚌 Serious Crimes on SEPTA Drops

Good news about SEPTA feels hard to come by these days, so here’s an achievement to put on your radar. Crimes on SEPTA, such as murder and aggravated assault, have actually declined in the first six months of the year, building on a 33% reduction in crime that the transit system saw last year. [NBC 10]

⚽ Football (the Other One) Fever Has Yet To Die Down

The FIFA Club World Cup’s stint in Philly has come to an end, so what did we learn? Some key lessons include the need for updates to security rules at the Linc, additional language support, and investments in public transit. Let’s see if it gets sorted before the FIFA World Cup, and get info on tickets here. [Axios, CBS Philly]

Growing food insecurity is impacting families across the United States, and Philly is no exception. Philadelphia’s food insecurity rate is 17.6%, according to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap report. So mutual aid groups are helping put food on the table through community fridges, which make free food accessible 24/7. These fridges are typically stocked through donations from neighbors and food rescue programs. Here are the fridges you can find across the city.

Mama-Tee Community Fridge

📍Multiple Locations

The Mama-Tee Community Fridge Project formed its network of fridges back in July 2020 and has since expanded to 18 locations. Philadelphians can patronize the distinct yellow fridges and find goods replenished on a weekly basis. Mama-Tee also has a free pop-up grocery store open every Saturday at 1 p.m. at 2203 Washington Ave.

South Philadelphia Community Fridge

📍Multiple Locations

South Philadelphia Community Fridge operates a mix of seven fridges and pantries across South Philly’s neighborhoods. Accepted food includes cooking oil, dairy and plant-based milks, produce, labeled homecooked meals with ingredients, shelf-stable pantry items, teas, and coffee. You can sign up to volunteer here.

Want to learn how to start a community fridge in your neighborhood? The South Philadelphia Community Fridge is hosting a workshop tonight at 7 p.m.

Northeast Community Fridge

📍7902 Oxford Ave.

A new community fridge is coming this summer to Fox Chase at the Memorial Presbyterian Church. If you’re interested in volunteering, email [email protected]

Germantown Community Fridge

📍20 W. Armat St. and 19 E. High St.

GCF operates two fridges and pantries along highly trafficked sidewalks in Germantown. The fridges accept all sorts of food including raw meat (if placed in the freezer section), packaged meals labeled with ingredients and expiration dates, baby food, and even pet food. Toiletries and hygiene products can also be found in its pantries.