Yo, Philly in the News

• The high-speed car chase and wreck on Roosevelt Boulevard that led to the death of a 17-year-old boy appears to have come out of a dispute over a 14-month-old baby—a baby who died early yesterday morning from injuries sustained in the crash.
• Philadelphia photographer, founder of phillyskyline.com, and friend of Phillyist Brad Maule has sued The Colbert Report, and the Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer for using his photographs without permission. He is seeking $1.25 million in damages.
• Yesterday Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter, and philanthropic representatives revealed the $17.1 million plans for cosmetic and traffic improvements of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, covering a three-quarter-mile stretch between JFK Plaza and Eakins Oval.
• The hot weather has caused the Philadelphia school district to cancel all summer school classes and activities today, as well as summer programs and comprehensive early learning centers. Although oddly enough, it's apparently the evenings that are the worst.
• Tuition at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities is set to increase 3.5 percent.
• The board of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School released an internal report last night alleging that the charter's founder and its former chief executive officer systematically looted the school for personal gain. Meanwhile, another report claims that the Berean Institute has not accurately tracked its financial or student records. It originally appeared that the Institute could close as early as today (although that is now apparently in dispute), so supporters rallied yesterday to save the school. (Which is cool and all, but check out this photo from the rally. Maybe the guy with the sign on the right should have made a different fashion choice?)
• The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for the return of a 19th-Century painting of the Fairmount Water Works that was stolen last month from the Philadelphia Park Systems office.
• A Chester County Amish farmer was arrested last night during a raid on his farm and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. The whole thing was filmed by Animal Cops, so expect to see it on a future episode.

Image Credit: Flickr user The Udall Legacy Bus Tour: Views from the Road