😷 Philly gets an F for air quality

🏀 New Sports Bar To Celebrate Queerness, Community & Love of the Game

From Philly getting its own WNBA team to local Little League legend Mo’ne Davis eyeing pro baseball, women's sports is having a moment. And what’s a better way to celebrate than with community? Now, Philly finally has a permanent home base for watch parties thanks to Marsha’s, coming soon to South Street. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

💨 Why Philly’s Air Is Getting Worse

Philly’s air quality is ranked as the 26th worst in the country by the American Lung Association, up from 65th last year. With wildfires becoming a regular occurrence, pollution is likely to worsen in the city. [Grid Magazine]

• Related: Here’s how to make your own air purifier. [📝 Hey Philly]

🏫 Philly Teachers Gear Up To Strike

As students prepare to go back to school, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is preparing to go on strike as their contract expires on Aug. 31. With school closures and other issues impacting Philly schools, this might be a challenging academic year. [Chalkbeat, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚧 Roads Closed to Late Night Rides Along Kelly Drive

Drivers will need to detour around Kelly Drive beginning today as PennDOT starts milling and repaving the road. Sections of the road will close from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. [Philly Voice]

⛔ Open Streets Programs Boosting Local Economy

When one road closes, another one opens. Thanks to its Open Streets Initiative, the Center City District reports that 90% of businesses saw an increase in foot traffic, with some saying they experienced a 300% spike compared to regular Sundays. [City & State Pennsylvania]

The fall semester is just around the corner. As students and parents flock to the stores to prepare, they’re incurring some extra costs. A new Deloitte survey reported that Philadelphians spend 27% above the national average of $570 on school supplies. With supplies, clothes, and tech all on the shopping list, parents are shifting shopping behaviors to ease the financial burden.

To help families get ready for the new school year, here are some local back-to-school giveaways.

Ongoing

The School District of Philadelphia’s Back-to-School Bus Tour is rolling through Philadelphia neighborhoods throughout the month of August. Students can receive free backpacks, immunizations, and physicals.

Aug. 5

Socks for the Streets is distributing free backpacks while supplies last from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m at 3100 Red Lion Road. Your child must be present to get a backpack.

Aug. 8

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is hosting its Back-to-School Carnival for the 15th year. The carnival will provide free backpacks, health resources, and games. The child must be present to receive a backpack. The hospital is still accepting backpack donations. The event will be held in the parking lot at 160 E. Erie Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Aug. 9

St. Matthew AME Church is hosting a back-to-school block party from noon to 4 p.m. Aside from supplies, attendees can expect food, games, and live music. Join the party at 215 N. 57th St.

The GRYC Center is giving away free backpacks filled with school essentials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can visit the site at 7700 Ogontz Ave. in West Oak Lane.