🌱 Center City Sexual Assault Suspect Wanted + Simmons Settles Salary

Good morning, friends! It's Wednesday in Philadelphia and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Because community news matters! Let's dive in...

First, today's weather:

Sun and areas of high clouds. High: 83 Low: 66.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect in a Center City sexual assault. The assault occurred on Aug. 11 at about 1:30 a.m. on the 1100 block of Chestnut Street. The suspect is described as a Black man between the ages of 30- to 40-years-old and was wearing a black Eazy-E t-shirt, black shorts, gray sneakers, and a red Phillies cap at the time. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police at 215-686-TIPS. (WPVI-TV)
2. A former Drexel University professor and department head who was convicted of sexually abusing students died by suicide in jail on Monday. Former Drexel Neurology Department chair Ricardo Cruciani was found dead hanging in his cell at Riker's Island on Monday morning. 17 days earlier, Cruciani was convicted by a Manhattan jury on charges of sexual abuse. (Philadelphia Patch)
3. On Monday night, it was announced that Ben Simmons settled his salary grievance with the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons, who did not play with the team prior to being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February, filed a grievance with the team to recoup his lost salary. Simmons will receive an undisclosed amount of cash for the settlement. (Philadelphia Patch)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Art Class With Miss Janine At Kensington Neighborhood Library (2:30 PM)
• Runner's Happy Hour At The Woodlands (6:00 PM)
• Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute To Elton John At Pennypack Park (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Help a student get ready for this back-to-school season. Donate school supplies for an upcoming City of Philadelphia Government backpack giveaway. (City of Philadelphia Government via Facebook)
• Many of the Free Library of Philadelphia's locations and departments are active on social media and email! Visit the location's pages to like, follow, and subscribe. (Free Library of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Have you taken the Reimagining the Parkway survey yet? The Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department wants to hear your ideas about how to make the Benjamin Franklin Parkway a more welcoming and vibrant space for everyone. (Philadelphia Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.