🌱 Unmarked Tow Trucks Stealing Cars + Philly Schools Still Hiring

Hey, everybody! It's Saturday in Philadelphia and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. Let's do this...

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 84 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Philly Police are warning citizens of unmarked tow trucks being used to steal cars. Police say the thief will frequently come to the vehicle owner's front door and demand money to prevent their car from being towed. Officials said Neighborhood Services Personnel and Salvors will not knock on doors prior to towing or ask for money. Anyone who thinks their car is being illegally towed should call 911. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
2. Philly public schools are making a push to hire more support staff before the first day of school in two weeks. Last year, a shortage of bus drivers and cafeteria workers created chaos. Chief talent officer Larissa Shambaugh said the district is trying to staff up early with events like a job fair Wednesday. Shambaugh said she believes the district’s 220 schools will have enough staff to open on Aug. 29 as planned. (The Philadelphia Tribune)
3. 15-Year-Old Jaiden Alston has been missing since Wednesday. She was last seen on the 2400 block of S. 5th St., near her home, wearing olive green shorts. Her shirt, notably, said, “I’m Jaiden, doing Jaiden things.” Information can be directed to South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or 911. (MyChesCo)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Free Legal Clinic & Resource Fair At Philadelphia Bail Fund (11:00 AM)
• Jazz in the Park til Dark At Rittenhouse Square (4:00 PM)
• Food Truck Festival & Car Show On Walnut Street (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A new gallery will be opening at Magic Gardens on Sep. 9. The new gallery will feature experimental paintings until December. (South Philly Review)
• When you stray into the suburbs, you can still find great pizza. Whether it's the hand-stretched 16-inch pies at Carla's Pizzeria in Wayne or the prosciutto melon pie at Bar Lucca in Conshohocken, even the most dedicated city foodies can be satisfied. (Mainline Today)
• Center City Restaurant Week will run from Sep. 12 to Sep. 24. Due to its popularity, reservations should be made early. (Philadelphia Patch)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox 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.