Center City’s economy is doing better than you think, CCD says
Center City has bounced back from pandemic, really, says the local business association in their new report. More people live downtown, the number of restaurants and bars has nearly returned to old levels, and foot traffic on the street continues climbing, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic figures, they say.
Yet those numbers could be even stronger if not for mistaken perceptions around safety and growth, according to the organization’s president and CEO Prema Katari Gupta. Continue reading…
A guide to Philly’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations
It’s May 5, and the year’s events range from over-21 fiestas to activities for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned Cinco de Mayo veteran or just here for the guac, our list will help you navigate the holiday and make the most of all the fiesta fun. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• REAL ID enforcement starts Wednesday. PennDOT says only 28% of Pennsylvanians have gotten the new drivers licenses. Here’s what Pennsylvania residents need to know. [WHYY]
• Staffers of Sen. John Fetterman spoke with NY Mag about the freshman senator’s health, alleged tension with his wife, and more issues. [NY Mag/Inquirer$]
• As Trump looks to target “sanctuary cities,” Philadelphia gets ready for potential budget attacks. [WHYY]
• Doylestown native Joshua Izewski and Philly’s Amber Zimmerman took the top spots in this year’s Broad Street Run. [6ABC]
• Midtown Village’s Gayborhood will go car-free on four Sundays in June as part of Center City’s Open Streets initiative, which saw a boost to business when Rittenhouse Square took part. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]
• In a lavish ceremony that featured a performance by musician John Legend, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown proposed to his girlfriend, Kelsey Riley. [NBC10]
• Modern men’s reported obsession with the Roman Empire was shared by the Founding Fathers. “Cato (Remixed)” examines that infatuation, in performances through May 18. [Rolling Stone/WHYY]
Philly DA Race
Days until Primary Day: 15 days
- Primary Day 101
- How to request, fill out and return your mail ballot
- DA race: What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates
- Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Upcoming: Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Latino DA Candidate Forum at Esperanza Arts Center
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
- Billy Penn’s recap of WHYY’s DA forum on April 22.
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🪇 Cinco de Mayo in Philly
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
🧀🥩 Nihonbashi Philly cheesesteak pop-up: May 5
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, May 5 through June 30: We Walk PHL (various locations)
Looking for a fun way to stay active? The We Walk PHL Spring season runs through June 30. Today at 8:30 a.m. is a Clark Park activation, while the series of Pennypack on the Delaware walks start Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Monday, May 5: Cinco de Independence Resource Fiesta
A free, festive event designed to connect aging and disabled residents with the essential services and supports they need to live independently and with dignity. Resource tables, health-and-wellness info, music, raffles, mock-a-ritas and more, at Liberty Resources (112 N. 8th Street, 2nd Floor). (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 6: Bridging Blocks | Transforming Public Transportation in the City
What are the challenges with public transportation in Philadelphia and how has it changed over the years? How does our region ensure safe, equitable and accessible public transportation for all, while keeping fares affordable and maintaining existing services? Discuss these issues with guidance from WHYY and the Free Library at the Kingsessing Library. (4 to 5:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 6: NoLibs Sketch Club
Two 10-minute poses, walk-ins welcome anytime, BYO materials! $15 entry to pay the model. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 6: Arts & Culture Planning Sessions – 7th District
Esperanza Arts Center hosts one of 10 citywide sessions around ensuring that arts and culture aren’t just an afterthought, but an essential part of our daily lives — embedded in the way we live, work and connect as a city. Free. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 7: Pitch-A-Friend
The dating show returns to Fishtown, at Manatawny Still Works, with more potential singles, pitched on stage by their friends. (7 p.m.)
Thursday, May 8: 2nd Thursday Maker Night
Every second Thursday of the month, The Resource Exchange is open until 8 p.m. for after-hours access to their shop and gallery, plus rotating events and activities. Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, May 8: Climate Change in Philadelphia: A Community Conversation
Join this panel discussion of what climate change means for the Philadelphia region and what actions we all can take. Moderated by WHYY climate reporter Sophia Schmidt. Featuring experts from Penn, Drexel, Climate Central, and Philly’s Office of Sustainability. Free, at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. (6 p.m.)
Through May 31: Cherry Street Pier Studio Artists and Programming Partners Showcase
Visit the exhibition to see the distinctive practices from the resident artists and programming partners. Mediums include video and new technology, painting, fiber and illustration, and highlight the talents of the artists at the Pier.
Catch up on the previous week
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