A sign on ReAnimator Coffee shop’s window this afternoon. The popular Garden Court cafe closed in compliance with Kenney’s directive.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has called on all nonessential businesses to close for at least two weeks beginning today at 5 p.m.. Most retail stores will close through at least March 27.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the city may invoke authority to close businesses or penalize those that remain open.

The city deems these businesses “essential”:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores  Continue Reading

The School District of Philadelphia has announced that all public schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

The decision to close schools was made in light of Governor Wolf’s decision to limit non-essential travel for Delaware and Montgomery county residents that has created a significant staffing challenge for the School District.

“This is a difficult decision for the District and the City, and we do so in full recognition of the hardships this may cause for many families,” said Brian Abernathy, Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. “The City is rapidly developing plans to provide comprehensive support to students and families who are challenged by the closure.”  Continue Reading

UPDATE: West Philadelphia High School and 62 other public schools will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13) due to staffing shortage after Governor Wolf’s announcement earlier today regarding measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Montgomery County. Eleven percent of Philadelphia School District employees live in Montgomery County.

On Thursday, the School District of Philadelphia announced a plan that should help keep its students and staff safer as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health matter evolves. Beginning Friday, March 13, activities where large groups are gathered will be limited, including athletic contests, plays, concerts, as well as work-related travel for staff and school-sponsored trips through spring break.

Athletic practices will be permitted, but games will be postponed until further notice. All school-sponsored trips and work-related travel is postponed at this time unless approved by the superintendent.  Continue Reading

UPDATE (3/11/2020): The 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled for this Sunday, March 15, has been canceled.

(3/10/2020): Mayor Jim Kenney and city health officials have announced the first confirmed new coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Philadelphia and advised city residents to avoid large events.

City officials didn’t disclose any personal details about the infected person, but said it’s an adult who had been exposed to a previously confirmed case of the virus. This person has been quarantined at home, according to the announcement. Several coronavirus cases were reported in city suburbs, including Montgomery County, over the weekend, and multiple cases in Pennsylvania.

Despite the coronavirus spreading, city officials said that they’re not canceling large events in Philadelphia, including this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but urged residents to avoid large public gatherings with more than 5,000 people.  Continue Reading

Now through March 1st, members of the public are invited to choose a winner of the contest to redesign the ‘I Voted’ sticker that voters will receive at the polls on election days. The contest is organized by Philadelphia City Commissioners, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

Nine finalists were chosen from over a 150 entries. The judging team selected three adult finalists, as well as two from each of the college, high school and K-8 categories. Finalists range from professional graphic designers to elementary school students. The team of judges who selected the finalists were from a diverse background of art, education, and government, and each brought a unique insight to the process.  Continue Reading

Mural Arts Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest public art programs, is offering special tours in February featuring LOVE and African American-themed murals. Here are the details:

Mural Arts Philadelphia’s African American Iconic Images Collection Mural Trolley Tour 

Sundays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $32 for adults and $28 for students and kids under 12. Sign up here.

Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street (Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building).

In honor of Black History Month, Mural Arts is offering a special mural trolley tour that explores civil rights, freedom, and equality. This rich collection of images highlights iconic African American figures within Philadelphia’s visual autobiography. An experienced tour guide will discuss each mural, the artists, and the mural-making process.  Continue Reading