Your Daily Guide

Yesterday at the southern end of City Hall, I witnessed more than 100 people gather to launch the “No Data Centers in Philly” campaign. “What do we want? Clean air! Not another billionaire!” rang out across the gathering. The protesters made an overarching message to Mayor Parker: Enact a data center development moratorium in Philly, now.

• What’s at Stake? Across the country, communities are grappling with the speedy expansion of these warehouse-sized centers that house computer systems powering artificial intelligence and other internet-related functions. Opponents point to the natural resources that these centers use, and the impact on energy rates, while supporters bolster claims of job creation.
• Are There Regulations on Data Centers? Philly does not have any definitive rules that lay out how to handle the growing number of proposals popping up across the state, including massive potential developments in Montgomery County. The state, after a switch-up from Gov. Shapiro on his messaging around data centers, is still ironing out its official policy. While regulation seems to have bipartisan support among state officials, a state moratorium is likely off the table.
• Where Philly Comes Into Play. As of right now, no formal proposals have been made for one of these centers in Philly proper. But yesterday at the “No Data Centers in Philly” rally, speakers worried that two locations, in the Northeast and South Philly, could be on the table.
• Data Centers Are Already Here. While there are no large-scale warehouses in the city, there are around eight small centers scattered across Philly – including one in an office space in Callowhill that supports gaming.
• What’s Next. The mayor and city council will have to decide whether or not to create laws to regulate these data centers. The “No Data Centers in Philly” campaign has a petition with over 2,000 signatures demanding local lawmakers take action. Have thoughts on the issue? Let us know, and contact your local representative.

The Wings Are Officially No More

The National Lacrosse League announced that the Philadelphia Wings have been discontinued for at least the 2026-2027 season, and likely indefinitely. Don’t fret, though; you can still see pro lacrosse at a Premier Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Waterdogs game. Never heard of them? Neither had I! Today’s City Cast Philly pod is a good one to tune into then — Siani Colón has been on a side quest to see all of our local teams in action, so we have reviews of Philly sports experiences, from vibes to (on-field) fights. [National Lacrosse League, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Can You Guess Shapiro’s Biggest Donors?

Gov. Shapiro is leading his GOP challenger, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 38-to-1 in campaign contributions. That’s thanks to donors like Mike Bloomberg, former presidential candidate and New York CIty mayor, who has contributed $2.5 million. Closer to home, Local 98, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, dropped more than $1 million. This local sports team owner is on the list, too. [Pittsburgh’s Public Source]

• Related: Garrity took her campaign to Philadelphia this past weekend, making stops across the city including a Temple football game and a Port Richmond home. (WHYY)

PA Helpless Over Looming Health Insurance Rate Hikes

Over 200,000 Pennsylvanians have dropped their health insurance plans since rates rose after Congress failed to extend subsidies. The Shapiro administration has set off alarm bells, claiming the state government can’t do anything about proposed increases from health insurance companies that could increase costs again. [SpotlightPA]

What’s the Fate of 19 Million Specimens From Academy of Natural Sciences?

The academy houses one of the largest collections of natural specimens in the world, including plant samples collected by Lewis and Clark and an albacore tuna from Ernest Hemingway. With the museum itself closing its doors at the end of the month, and talk of the building on the parkway going up for sale, the ultimate fate of these specimens is yet to be determined. [🔒 The Inquirer]