Dear reader,

Philadelphians are mourning this week after the sudden death of JoAnne Epps.

The fixture of Temple University, who took the helm as acting president in April following Jason Wingard’s resignation, died after falling ill at a campus event.

A deluge of tributes soon followed, with many reflecting on Epps’ legacy as a “giant in the legal field” who “wore her heart on her sleeve.”

Epps dedicated nearly 40 years to the university and its students, and even made it to former President Barack Obama’s shortlist of possible Supreme Court nominees.

“She did her duty," said city School Board President Reginald Streater. "She served Philadelphia."

Take care of yourselves this weekend. We’ll catch you on Monday.

– Maria Pulcinella, WHYY News producer

What you need to know this week

• From Jersey to NASA

  • A Rowan professor will be part of history when the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid returns to Earth this weekend.

• 'Organizing works'

  • The Biden admin is launching a major green jobs training program. Philly advocates say it's the type of action they've been calling for for years.

• Narcan hits store shelves

  • Philly drug stores have begun to stock the overdose reversal medication. But its price point and scarce supply may hamper its reach.

• ‘Beyond disturbing’

  • Patrick Heron retired from the PPD in 2019. Between 2022 and 2023, he’s been arrested three times on more than 200 sex abuse charges.

• Growing prosperity

  • A community support org in Kensington will begin experimenting with tools like guaranteed income to permanently lift families out of poverty.

• A Philly Special Christmas Special

  • Eagles players teamed up with Philly-based drummer Charlie Hall from The War On Drugs to produce their second holiday album — featuring classic carols and an original track by Jason Kelce.

• Arts bazaar

  • People's Light in Malvern is launching a new playwriting program focused on the intersection of Black and queer subjects — it starts with “Bonez,” a blood-splattered horror play.

• Things To Do

  • Philly Fashion Week, Always Sunny Podcast Live, and a Puerto Rican Day Parade top this week's “Things To Do.”