Rookie Cops in Kensington, ‘Ikea Boat’ Must Leave, Philly Statue Showdown

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include the increased police presence in Kensington, this week’s heat wave, and how the SS United States is being forced to leave its South Philly berth in September. Plus, if Philly’s statues, murals, and other public art came to life, who would win in a fight? Host Trenae Nuri is joined by newsletter editor Asha Prihar and producer Abby Fritz.

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

• Philly’s Heat Health Emergency is in effect amid scorching temps
• Philly heat wave: Here’s what you need to know about the Heat Health Emergency, Code Red and more
• Dozens of new police will soon be deployed to Kensington, and stricter drug enforcement will begin in mid-June
• Philadelphia police launch enforcement blitz in Kensington
• SS United States must leave its South Philadelphia berth by mid-September, judge rules

Check out our interview with reporter Ximena Conde about the “Ikea boat,” and our conversation this spring about the Kensington encampment sweep. 

Want to take a deeper dive into the “which Philly statue would win in a fight” debate? Here’s the Reddit thread that inspired today’s conversation, plus a map of many of Philly’s statues and public artworks.

Need some resources to help you stay cool during this heatwave? Check out this map of the city’s cooling centers.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this June 21st episode:

• Tecovas

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