🏫 School district proposes closing 20 schools

These Are the Schools the District Wants To Close

The district’s proposed facilities plan includes the closures of 20 schools, moving some schools into other buildings, and modernizing nearly 160 facilities. Though closures are throughout the city, North and West Philadelphia will be affected the most, with middle schools feeling the brunt of the changes. [Chalkbeat]

• How is your school community being impacted by the proposed plan? What questions do you still have? Let us know.

Trump Administration Continues to Demand List of Jews at Penn

The university is challenging a subpoena from the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requesting names, addresses, and phone numbers of Jewish students and staff as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitism on campus. The subpoena, which saw new court challenges this week, carries ominous historical resonance for the Jewish community. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Mentions of Slavery Erased at Independence Park

"I'm just following orders," an anonymous employee said as wrenches and crowbars were used to remove mentions of slavery at the President's House at Independence National Historic Park yesterday. The demolition took 90 minutes. It follows a Trump executive order that flagged displays on the property, where President George Washington enslaved nine people at the time of the country's founding, as “inappropriately disparaging to Americans past or living.” [🔒 The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Parker Scores Major Win for Housing Plan

After disagreements over the H.O.M.E. initiative sparked tension between City Council and Mayor Parker, councilmembers unanimously approved a bill allowing the city to borrow funds for the $2 billion plan. The revised bill includes more funding for affordable housing production, a home repair program, and tenants facing eviction. [🎧 City Cast Philly, WHYY]

This week on City Cast Philly, we talked about Philly’s most iconic restaurants, the Philadelphia police commissioner’s priorities, and the future of South Street. How well were you paying attention? Let’s put you to the test!