Your Daily Guide

School District Saved From Staffing Cuts in Budget Deal

City Council approved Mayor Parker’s $7.1 billion budget for the next fiscal year. While some agencies face significant cuts, the School District of Philadelphia is getting an additional boost after all. The city miraculously found $48 million between the couch cushions and pledged an annual commitment to help close the district’s deficit. So the proposed ride-share tax that the mayor wanted wasn’t needed after all, but could it be revived down the line? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Harrisburg Targets Big Tech To Solve Budget Woes

Speaking of budgets, state lawmakers are still figuring out new revenue sources. With proposed taxes on cannabis and skill games still failing to find enough support, legislators are looking at taxes on digital ads and data centers to plug budget gaps. [Spotlight PA]

• Related: Gov. Shapiro is proposing tax breaks and expedited permitting for data center developers — with strings attached — but not all lawmakers are backing his plan. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Heat Emergency Continues Into Second Day

The city’s cooling centers are once again open today as Philadelphia experiences triple-digit heat indexes. The emergency is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. tonight, but could continue if temperatures remain dangerous. Public pools will also reopen on a rolling basis starting today. [CBS Philly]

• Related: Don’t know how to swim? Take lessons at these local swim schools. [📝 City Cast Philly]

Philly Foots Bill on Fishy FOP Funeral Expenses

After the Fraternal Order of Police requested help to fund fallen officers’ funeral expenses, the city in 2014 raised its contribution for each funeral to $75,000. But an Inquirer investigation found the police union has been billing the city for questionable expenses, from car repairs and carpet cleaning to alcohol and food at the union’s own bar. [🔒 The Inquirer]