Closure possible for Furness High, City Council sues over fracking, Historical Commission approvals, State of Young Philly wraps

Philadelphia will announce school closures later this month, and Public School Notebook/NewsWorks examines the consequences for one on the list of possibilities: South Philly’s historic Furness High School.

Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously to sue the Delaware River Basin Commission over natural gas exploration in the watershed, which provides drinking water for millions of people including Philadelphia. PhillyNow reports that council joined the fracking lawsuit, brought by the Attorney General of New York and Delaware River Keeper, to require further impact studies. If you want to know more about Marcellus Shale and energy exploration in our region, check out the super-informative public media website, Explore Shale. (via @AmyZQuinn)

The Philadelphia Historical Commission approved projects in West Philly and Old City last week, JoAnn Greco reports for PlanPhilly.  The Commission barely approved the restoration of an 1853 mansion at 40th and Pine with the construction of a contentious new apartment building, and okayed the reuse of mid-century modern National building in Old City plus an addition.

Young Involved Philadelphia wrapped up its second annual State of Young Philadelphia events Friday, about leveraging the efforts of young adults to build a better future for our city by improving public engagement, education, and the environment. The Inquirer reports on this year’s final event.