School District of Philadelphia

The School District of Philadelphia owes $2.8 million in delayed termination payments to over 700 former employees, per an audit by the city controller. The audit also identified nearly $300,000 in unaccounted equipment and cited deficiencies in internal controls, though the district claims it has corrective action plans to address the issues.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is being urged to withdraw from an academic retreat due to concerns about workshop leader Ismael Jimenez, who has faced criticism for controversial curriculum initiatives and anti-Israel comments. A watchdog group, North American Values Institute, argues the Smithsonian risks legitimizing politically biased education by participating in the event co-hosted by the University at Buffalo's Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a $7.1 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027 into law after City Council approved it, despite rejecting her proposed ride-share, hotel, and retail delivery taxes. The budget includes an additional $48 million for the School District of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia City Council approved a $7.1 billion preliminary budget but rejected most of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s tax proposals, including a $1 tax on Uber and Lyft rides and increases to hotel and delivery service taxes. The rejected tax was intended to generate $48 million annually for the School District of Philadelphia, which will instead receive a one-time payment. A final budget vote is scheduled for June 11.

Philadelphia's City Council approved a $7.1 billion budget with a $48 million one-time allocation to prevent school staff cuts, but the school district's superintendent stated the funding is insufficient to address long-term financial challenges. Council members criticized the district's response, while Mayor Cherelle Parker described the funding as a 'band-aid' for a $300 million structural deficit.

Colin Kaepernick collaborated with Philadelphia students using his AI platform Lumi to create storytelling projects on topics like Jackie Robinson and the women’s suffrage movement. The initiative aims to empower students as creators through technology.

Shootings in Philadelphia often rise during summer when school is out, prompting violence prevention groups to launch programs like summer camps and structured activities to keep youth safe. Despite a 40% decrease in shootings compared to the previous year, young people remain at higher risk due to social media pressures and perceived adult indifference.

Philadelphia experiences increased shootings during summer when school is out, prompting violence prevention groups to launch programs offering safe environments for youth. The Salvation Army Kroc Center hosted an event highlighting efforts to reduce gun violence, as shootings have fallen citywide but children remain a growing share of victims.

The 22nd annual Philly Ride of Silence honored 13 cyclists killed in the past year, including a family member of the most recent victim. PECO announced a $5 average rate increase starting June 1, while SEPTA approved a bus network redesign and the School District of Philadelphia adopted a $4.6 billion budget amid a $300 million deficit.

A group of juveniles allegedly chased and attacked a Temple University student in the lobby of Morgan Hall South around 2:50 a.m. Sunday. Authorities are seeking the public's help to identify the suspects, who were captured in surveillance images, and are investigating the incident with the Philadelphia Police Department and School District of Philadelphia.