Latest

coronavirus

21 positive COVID-19 cases recorded this week in Philadelphia schools, two groups say

March 19, 2021

The School District of Philadelphia hasn’t created a public dashboard to track COVID-19 cases in its schools since it began a phased-in reopening two weeks ago for students in prekindergarten to second grade. After Mayfair announced its temporary shutdown, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers called on the district to create a dashboard for greater transparency about positive cases. | From: Chalkbeat Philadelphia (Read more.)

coronavirus

One year of COVID: How the pandemic economy crashed on women

March 18, 2021

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the essential workforce in the commonwealth, according to an analysis by the Keystone Research Center. That is likely due to the number of health care jobs in the state, said Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center director Marc Stier. Many in essential fields, such as food production, health care, and transportation, suddenly had more to do than ever — with less support. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Housing

Philadelphia sheriff sales resume, move online

March 18, 2021

The virtual sales — slated to start April 6 — will come after a pandemic-induced year-long hold on auctions mandated by order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, but have already sparked concern from housing advocates fearful they will increase real estate speculation. About 350 foreclosed or tax-delinquent properties are currently scheduled for the first of four sales next month — mostly in North, West, and Southwest Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department. | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)

Civic and Community Engagement

Offering pandemic solutions calls for flexibility.

March 18, 2021

When problems like financial or food insecurity surfaced, people found solutions. By now, we have three covid vaccines, Philadelphia has fully vaccinated more than 140,000 people, and the city is beginning to introduce more lenient social distancing requirements. And a question for communities is, are the grassroots solutions still needed as we move forward? | From: Germantown InfoHub (Read more.)