🤍 Philly remembers 9/11

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The tragedies in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., killed nearly 3,000 people. On that day in Philadelphia, residents feared attacks on the birthplace of American democracy, and in the months after responded with fear, anger, and calls for peace.

• Lasting Influences. The attacks left reverberating effects on the region and country. Local fire and police departments adapted their emergency response with specialized trainings, new equipment to stabilize buildings and protect respiratory health, and upgraded tech to improve search-and-rescue efforts. At local universities, 9/11 has shaped security at public events and even the academic curricula.
• Still Healing. Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released more than 170,000 pages of previously concealed documents that detailed how city officials knew the air near Ground Zero was unsafe despite public reassurance. More than 140,000 people are being treated or monitored for 9/11-related illness, including Philadelphia police officers who aided in the response and are fighting for line-of-duty death benefits.
• Honoring Memories. Family and friends who lost loved ones in the attacks continue to keep their legacies alive. One Philadelphia man who traveled the world offering hugs in honor of his friend killed at the World Trade Center will be hosting a “Hug Hub” and photo installation at the Philadelphia Film Society today. Another resident reflects on her son, whose name and image are immortalized on a mural in West Philly. And a Bucks County woman whose husband was killed released a memoir on rebuilding life after the tragedy.
• Paying Respects. Several events are scheduled to commemorate the day including stair climbs, musical tributes, and a volunteer day at Philadelphia National Cemetery. Public memorials in the region are located east of the Schuylkill River just south of Chestnut Street, in King of Prussia, and in Lower Makefield Township. A sculpture in Montgomery County is being relocated to Norristown.

We reflect more on this tragic day and look back at Philly’s response on today’s episode of City Cast Philly.

Philly Expands Digital Access With Free Wi-Fi

Philly recreation centers, playgrounds, and district offices will soon be equipped with password-free wireless connectivity thanks to a partnership with Verizon. Two years in the making, the project is expected to be completed at the end of this year. Find a site near you. [Technical.ly]

Sole Independent Candidate to Face Rabb in November Election

State Rep. Chris Rabb’s win in the Democratic primary for a city congressional seat made his victory in the general election seem on lock. But the race isn’t over. Dennis Mahoney, a humanitarian aid worker, is running as an independent against Rabb in the overwhelmingly Democratic district this November. [🎧City Cast Philly, 🔒The Inquirer]

Play Is on the Curriculum at PA Schools

Gov. Shapiro signed into law a requirement that students in kindergarten through fifth grade get at least 30 minutes of recess each day. The policy intends to encourage exercise, communication, and relationship-building among students. How did you spend recess as a kid? [NBC10]

Is Philly’s Identity as a ‘City of Homeowners’ Fading?

Developers are increasingly requesting permits to build multifamily units, which includes rentals at apartment buildings, duplexes, and triplexes. The move comes as Philly’s housing market remains deeply unaffordable and fewer apply for mortgage loans [WHYY]

Fetterman Denies Plans To Switch Parties While Praising Republicans

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman spoke in a prerecorded video at a Republican midterm convention, sowing more division between him and the Democratic Party. He called fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick “a great American” and said he would “reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life.” [Associated Press]

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

If you want to keep playing, click the link below for past games.