🌱 Philly Tree Canopy Bill + Kensington Derby & Arts Festival

Happy Monday, people of Philadelphia! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

A severe afternoon t-storm. High: 83 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. On Thursday, City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson introduced a new bill designed to improve Philadelphia's tree canopy. The proposed legislation would create a fund to preserve and plant trees, including creating tree buffers near highways and in industrial areas. If passed, the bill would also impose fines for developers who cut down trees without plans to replace them. (PhillyVoice.com)
2. After a two-year pandemic break, the Kensington Derby & Arts Festival returned to Trenton Avenue on Saturday. The Philly street fair featured a three-mile obstacle course, in which contestants ride human-powered contraptions and wade through the now-famous mud pit finale. Despite rainy weather, hundreds of attendees cheered on racers and strolled through the wares of local vendors. (Billy Penn)
3. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting in the city's Tioga neighborhood. According to police, a 34-year-old man was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead on Saturday night. As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been made in the incident. (CBS Philly)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Artists Honoring Victims Of Gun Violence – The Souls Shot Portrait Project At City Hall (9:00 AM)
• Helping to Protect Your Standard Of Living: The Value Of Individual Disability Insurance, On-Demand Presentation Hosted By Northeast Philadelphia Chamber Of Commerce (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This afternoon into the evening, Philadelphia could see widespread and potentially significant severe weather as a cold front moves across the area west to east. (Facebook)
• Join the Free Library of Philadelphia between May 23 and Jun. 30 to watch and discuss episodes of the award-winning PBS documentary series "Philly D.A." Click here for a schedule of participating locations. (Facebook)
• Help kids on your block get healthy meals and safe recreation this summer! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is now accepting applications for PlayStreets, which bring fun activities and free meals to children right in their neighborhood. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update.

— 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.