🌱 Pool Patrons Attack Staff + Philly Cop Faces Child Porn Charges

Hello, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Philadelphia Daily. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very hot. High: 98 Low: 79.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Philadelphia Police and community groups held a day-long camp at Ben Franklin High School about ending youth violence. Topics covered by the camp included self-defense and de-escalation. The participants, ranging from ages 12-18, played basketball with law enforcement and had conversations with them about making better decisions in their future. 17-year-old Nasir Witherspoon said, “Too many people are dying out here for real for that to be a regular thing in life.” (CBS Philly)
2. A former Philly cop, William Watts, Sr., has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges and faces 40 years in prison. Police said Watts amassed a collection of hundreds of images of child pornography between his online accounts and devices. Along with serving time in prison, Watts may require a lifetime supervised release and restitution of at least $3,000 per child victim. United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said law enforcement is "committed to doing the difficult work of investigating and prosecuting these heinous crimes in order to hold people like this defendant accountable, no matter their position in the community or occupation." (Philadelphia Patch)
3. Swimmers at the McVeigh pool attacked staff after being told to leave for unruly behavior. Three women who refused to leave after being prompted by staff forced the employees to shut down the whole pool, leaving only the three women. The women followed staff into the rec building and attacked them, injuring five employees ranging from ages 17 to 63. The pool is closed for the season. (Philadelphia Patch)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Philly Children's Theatre Free Outdoor Production At Wyck Historical House(10:00 AM)
• Delaware Basin Clean-up Day At Independence Seaport Museum (10:00 AM)
• Weekly Taiko Workshop At West Fairmont Park (2:00 PM)
• Family Day: Summer Reading Party At National Liberty Museum (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bala Cynwyd's seafood-centered Lark has been named Best New Suburban Restaurant by Philly Mag. Make sure to get in and see what Lark has to offer before they're too booked. (Patch)
• Looking for new date ideas? Try a pasta-making class at Old City Kitchen or blow your own glass sculptures at East Falls Glassworks. Check out the full list to find the perfect date idea. (Philadelphia magazine)
• Lawrence Whitaker, a West Philly martial arts teacher, offers free self-defense classes for women. The 6-week classes are held at Holy Apostles and Mediator Episcopal Church every Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Philadelphia Sunday Sun)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox Monday with another 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.