Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is inviting residents to join her at a 3rd District Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive the latest information on City services and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. There will also be an opportunity for small-group discussions.

The Town Hall will be accessible both via video chat and by phone. For more information about how to join in, click here. The event is co-hosted by University City Science Center and Venture Cafe Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

All Philadelphia public schools will remain closed indefinitely in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in compliance with Gov. Tom Wolf’s latest order.

The School District will still observe Spring Break, from April 6-9, and Good Friday on April 10 when offices will be closed. Meals and learning guides will continue to be available for students at the 49 School District meal distribution sites on Monday, April 6 and Thursday, April 9.  Continue Reading

A 31-year-old man was shot multiple times Sunday afternoon in the Cedar Park neighborhood, according to police. The shooting happened shortly before 3 p.m. at 49th and Pentridge Streets. He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center by police and is currently listed in critical but stable condition, according to police.

So far no arrests have been made and no weapon was recovered.

Pennsylvania’s primary election has been postponed to June 2.

Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed legislation to move the primary from April 28 to June 2 due to the COVID-19 emergency. The legislation also expands provisions for mail-in voting in case restrictions are still in place and allows counties to consolidate polling places to make up for possible shortages of poll workers and locations.

Absentee and mail-in ballots are due May 26.  Continue Reading

The City of Philadelphia, in partnership with Share Food Program and Philabundance, will begin distributing boxes of non-perishable food to residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis, beginning Monday, March 30.

The boxes will include shelf stable household staples that will last approximately five days. They will be available for pick up at dozens of sites and pantries throughout the city. Beginning Monday, residents can pick up a box of food (one box per household) on Mondays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and noon at sites throughout the city.

Residents do not need to present an ID or proof of income for eligibility.  Continue Reading

There are a few options available for small businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The city has announced a $9 million Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, which offers grants and loans to businesses seeking financial assistance. Read more about this opportunity here.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced a $100 million relief fund for small businesses across the state. The COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA) will provide loans up to $100,000 for businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees. For more information about this program, go here.  Continue Reading