🏫 Philly will close 17 schools

School Board Approves Controversial School Closures Plan

The Board of Education passed the School District of Philadelphia’s plan in a 6-3 vote to shutter 17 schools and modernize over 100 others over the next few years, despite public outcry. City Councilmembers spoke out against the closures before yesterday’s vote, threatening legal action and promising not to confirm the reappointments of any board members who voted in favor of the facilities plan. [🔒 The Inquirer, Chalkbeat]

How To Fix Your Ballot

Philadelphians have begun returning their mail-in ballots, but some votes are at risk of not being counted. The City Commissioners have a list of mail-in ballots considered “undeliverable” due to mistakes like missing secrecy envelopes or a lack of signatures on the exterior envelopes. Check if you’re on the list. [Billy Penn]

• Related: Still unsure who to vote for? We recap the latest controversies and political stances of the congressional candidates in today’s Friday News Roundup. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Is the Gayborhood Being Preserved or Displaced?

The quest to halt the historic designation for Washington Square West, which includes the Gayborhood, is back to square one after an earlier decision was vacated. While some argue the designation would preserve the character of the neighborhood’s buildings, others worry about increased maintenance costs to meet regulations, loss of choice, and gentrification. [Philadelphia Gay News]

Should Philly Tip 20% During the World Cup?

Anticipating an influx of diners from countries where tipping isn’t the norm, the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association is proposing that Philly restaurants charge an automatic 20% gratuity. While the idea is to make sure employees are properly compensated, restaurants are mixed on the idea. What do you think? Take our poll and let us know. [🔒 Philly Mag]

• Related: Here’s a better question: Is tipping culture out of control in Philly? [🎧City Cast Philly]

Yesterday, I asked you guys whether Passyunk Avenue should be pedestrianized. The votes are in! At the time of writing:

• 88% said YES
• 12% said NO

And that’s not the only place you thought should go car-free. Here are the other streets Philly wants open only to people.

📣 Mark F. said: Delancey from Front to 4th

📣 Roberto L. said: 3500 Weikel Street

📣 Paul Z. said: Walnut between 13th and 20th, Sansom between Broad and 18th, Broad between Arch and Walnut

📣 Laurie F. said: South Street from Front to 8th

📣 Robin P. said: Passyunk, Chestnut

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We’ll be sure to keep the conversation about Philly streets going.

Every other Friday, we play a crossword puzzle that tests your knowledge of Philly trivia and news. Can you get all the answers right?