Prominent Philadelphia landmarks named after Columbus
On Monday, Philly celebrates its third Indigenous Peoples Day. But several monuments and commemorations of explorer Christopher Columbus remain standing throughout the city — despite years of debate over removing or renaming them.
Emily Neil has an update on efforts to recast the most prominent landmarks honoring the Italian explorer, from the Marconi Plaza statue to the waterfront boulevard. Continue reading…
Knock yourself out with Rocky merch at the ‘Rocky steps’
Whether you love Rocky Balboa for his underdog attitude, or disdain his position as one of the world’s most famous Philadelphians, you can’t argue with the popularity of the statue in front of the Art Museum.
It draws over 4 million visitors a year — and now they can buy official Rocky gear on the spot, for the first time since 1982. The merch store was sparked by Sly Stallone himself, Julia Merola reports. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Pa. Supreme Court race between Democrat Dan McCaffery and Republican Carolyn Carluccio is attracting millions of dollars for campaign ads from national groups focused on everything from ethics to abortion rights. [AP/Messenger]
• What exactly happened with the Philly biker who stomped a windshield? Catch up with this recap that we’ll keep updated as things progress. [Billy Penn]
• Sprouts is planning six new stores in the region, including at the former Festival Pier site on the waterfront and at 24th and Oregon in deep South Philly, both slated for mid-2024 openings. [Biz Journal$]
• If you’re a poet or writer looking for connection in Philly, check these monthly events where you can perform, listen, trade tips, or just sit and write in the company of others. [Billy Penn]
• Philadelphia is the focus of the season premiere of NBC travel show “1st Look,” featuring segments on food, design, fashion, and street art. [PhillyVoice/YouTube]
• In advance of the next playoff round — and a possible Hittin’ Season tailgate next Wednesday, stay tuned — relish the most memorable moments of the Phillies’ wild card series win. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Appears there’s no advisory today from Mayor Kenney’s office on what his public schedule might be. This week his administration put out a report on the city’s financial health, which is pretty good right now but faces challenges ahead as pandemic relief money runs out and poverty continues to plague residents.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎨 The 2023 DesignPhiladelphia Festival features 11 days of free events celebrating local designs and designers. (Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 4 to 15)
🎃 Get your Halloween shopping started at the Darksome Art + Craft Market at Mount Moriah Cemetery & Arboretum, with 100+ local spooky goods and food for sale. Free. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7)
🌈 Celebrate Philly’s LGBTQ+ community at the inaugural OURFest National Coming Out Parade and free resource fair in Center City. (parade is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; fair is 12 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning
