🎤 Will we pay Christina Aguilera for skipped set?

Will Mixed-Use Property Boost SEPTA’s Budget?

After last year’s funding fight, it’s clear that SEPTA can’t rely on state funding or fares alone to keep the transit network functioning. So since it owns prime real estate within walking distance of its transit stops, the agency is repurposing the vacant land for apartments, commercial spaces, and other development projects to fill funding gaps. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

End of TPS Sparks Fears in Philly Haitian Community

Philly’s Haitians are living with uncertainty after the Supreme Court recently ruled that the Trump administration can rescind Temporary Protection Status for thousands of Haitians in the United States. The designation allowed nationals of select countries to lawfully live and work in the states if extraordinary conditions prevented them from going home. [CBS Philly]

Philly Could Be Stuck Paying for Missed Performance

I don’t know about Xtina, but what this girl wants is our money back. Christina Aguilera was the only artist who didn’t return for her set at the One Philly: Unity for America concert after severe thunderstorms delayed the Independence Day event. The city won’t say whether we’ll get a refund; booking all the talent cost taxpayers $3.4 million. [🔒The Inquirer]

Seven Heat Deaths at Start of July

Cancellations of multiple semiquincentennial events last week may have saved lives given that several people died from heat-related complications in July’s first week. During the heat wave people needed medical attention and hospital transport from the FIFA Fan Festival and Philadelphia Stadium. [WHYY]

With Less Funding, Public Defenders Reduce Operations

The office will not participate in monthly emergency bail hearings or parole violation matters if the defenders weren’t initially assigned as the attorneys. The public defenders got a $2 million budget increase from the city this year instead of the requested $5 million, and say they now can’t handle the extra work. [KYW]

This month millions of people around the world are committing to reducing the plastic waste they generate. Plastic Free July encourages participants to make small, everyday changes to stop using single-use plastics and prevent plastic pollution. If you’re new to the challenge, here’s how to have a successful plastic-free July in Philly and how you can keep the momentum going once the month is over.

Shop Sustainably

It’s better to use what you have before buying something new. But if you’re looking to stock up on household goods, there are local stores dedicated to providing plastic-free and refillable products. You can find items such as bulk soaps and detergents, shampoo bars, and beeswax wraps at Ray’s Reusables in Northern Liberties, Good Buy Supply in East Passyunk, and Perennial Refill Hub in Mt. Airy. Co-ops will also let you buy in bulk with reusable containers. These shops source local and organic products to avoid excessive packaging. Some local options include Weavers Way, which has multiple locations in Northwest Philly, or South Philly Food Co-op.

Keep Plastics out of Our Waterways and Parks

Microplastics are pervasive in Pennsylvania’s waterways, with the most common pollutants being single-use plastics and tire rubber. While stronger regulation and systems changes are necessary to turn the tide on our pollution problem, our local parks, creeks, and rivers could use help collecting visible waste. You can volunteer to collect trash at Tacony Creek Park, the Wissahickon, or Cobbs Creek. Philly parks regularly host cleanups on a weekly and monthly basis.

If you see a storm drain filled with trash, submit a request for an inlet cleaning. You can also volunteer to mark storm drains so people are aware everything flows back into our water!

📣 Here’s a shoutout from City Cast Philly Neighbor Christina W.: “The Chair Massage Studio on Girard Ave in Fishtown — Richie and his wife are so nice and will give you the most relaxing massage experience!”

Thanks, Christina! I know working at a desk all day does a number on my posture, so I’ll be sure to make an appointment. If you’re looking for other relaxing experiences, here are some spas around Philly to visit.