June 2021 – Broke in Philly

Philly state rep calls on Biden to get broadband to all Americans

June 28, 2021

For the past 15 months of the pandemic, broadband has become a lifeline for Pennsylvania’s disadvantaged and disenfranchised—low-income families, communities of color, and people with disabilities. Now that the Biden administration is proposing long-overdue investments in physical and human infrastructure, we need to make sure that the $100 billion earmarked for broadband is spent where it’s needed most. | From: The Citizen (Read more.)

Poverty and trauma affect kids physically, too, including when molars emerge, Penn study shows

June 28, 2021

Poverty and trauma take more than mental tolls on children. Childhood adversity affects kids’ physical development too, and new research suggests it leaves its mark in an unexpected place: teeth. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)

Opinion: How streeteries increased accessibility

June 27, 2021

One of the biggest shifts in restaurant dining over the last year has been the push into public streets for the streeteries legalized by the city last year. One huge benefit of the outdoor set-up is more space for people. Many Philadelphians don’t want things to go back to the cramped, less accessible normal. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Sistah Soul: Vocalists perform at Spruce Street Harbor Park

June 27, 2021

This summer, Shekhinah B., partnered with the Delaware River Waterfront, the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and Wawa to bring three free, open-to-the-public shows to Spruce Street Harbor Park this summer. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Most Pa. prisoners are vaxxed, but isolating COVID rules remain

June 26, 2021

Vaccination rates are rising among people incarcerated in Pennsylvania prisons, and case rates are falling. But a number of the system’s COVID-19 prevention measures are still in place, and prisoner advocates and family members say they seem to be outlasting their usefulness. | From WHYY (Read more.)

Philly City Council strikes anti-violence funding deal

June 26, 2021

Philadelphia City Councilmembers announced what they described as a “historic” anti-violence funding deal, ahead of a final budget deal with Mayor Jim Kenney — a spending package that also appears to include restored funding for parks and libraries. | From WHYY (Read more.)

From Music to Economic Opportunity: How MacKenzie Scott Donation Will Help Philadelphia Organizations – NBC10 Philadelphia

June 26, 2021

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, has committed to giving nearly $3 billion to 286 organizations helping communities in Philadelphia and around the country. | From NBC10 (Read more.)

‘My voice matters’: Kensington and Fairhill youth have answers to improve community safety

June 26, 2021

A group of 14-24 year-olds are leading their neighborhoods in a series of conversations and focus group sessions dedicated to creating safer, more equitable communities within the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Kensington and Fairhill. | From AL DÍA (Read more.)

Pennsylvania ended awards for child care workers with higher degrees

June 26, 2021

For years, around 9,000 Pennsylvania child care workers received money from the state in recognition that they’d earned additional credentials. The award — the median amount was $1,500 — was a bonus of sorts, meant to keep qualified early childhood workers in a field marked by low pay and high turnover. But during the pandemic, the “education and retention awards” disappeared when the state reallocated the funds to give $600 relief payments to a much larger pool of child care workers. | From Chalkbeat Philadelphia (Read more.)

After abuses at residential facilities, Philly to create new youth ombudsperson office

June 26, 2021

Philadelphia will create a new youth ombudsperson office designed to advocate for vulnerable children and teens in group homes and other residential facilities. The new office, housed within the Inspector General’s office, will have subpoena powers and a small staff able to independently investigate anonymous complaints on behalf of youths and families. | From: WHYY (Read more.)