#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
A cat a day keeps the doctor away?
(Photo by @ronnie_takingphotos)
‘We don’t do kings here’: Photos from Saturday’s march
Millions of people took part nationwide in Saturday’s “No Kings” protests, with Philly seeing tens of thousands —mostly from the region, with some traveling much farther. Wherever they were from, they had a variety of issues with President Donald Trump and his administration, and made that known peacefully. There were no arrests.
Photographer Hanbit Kwon shared photos and put the event in a historical perspective in a brief essay. See them, and read it, here …
The Club World Cup reaches Philly tonight
The Club World Cup began Saturday in Miami. Philly will be a host in the monthlong global soccer celebration, beginning tonight and finishing up its run here on the Fourth of July.
If you haven’t been following along — or want a quick refresher — here are the essentials (FYI, tickets are surprisingly affordable). Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary in Philadelphia with three days of public celebrations and activities. [WHYY]
• The Philadelphia Board of Education reviewed 18 charter schools that were up for renewal last Thursday, giving 12 the green light, but expressing reservations about six that received low scores for academics. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia can now create an anti-displacement fund for tenants. Will it happen? [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The FIFA Club World Cup this summer will be a practice run for Philly officials to prepare surveillance and public health safety for a larger crowd of international visitors in 2026. [WHYY]
• Should Pa.’s state candy be the Hershey Kiss? Billy Penn asked you what thought. You don’t agree with our lawmakers. [BP]
• An environmental plan that would eliminate parking spots is dividing Fishtown residents. [PhillyVoice]
• For Philly’s Low Cut Connie, protest songs and American dissent are “patriotic.” [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events planned for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🌈 Pride Month celebrations
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🎭 Epic 3-week ‘space opera’ gaming theater
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, June 16: The 2025 Bloomsday Festival
Every June 16, people gather together to read from Joyce’s Ulysses. It’s a beloved and foundational event for the Rosenbach Museum & Library, the home of Joyce’s manuscript of a novel that continues to inspire, scandalize and thrill. Sign up to read or attend for free. (12 to 8:30 p.m.)
Monday, June 16: Juneteenth Cookbook Popup
An homage to liberation, Blackness, summer and good food, featuring recipes from Watermelons & Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor. At Wynnefield Library. (3 to 4 p.m.)
Monday, June 16: Music 101: Theory
The second of three workshops led by musician and teacher Salina Kuo. Each workshop includes a 60-minute, hands-on class and 30 minutes to play with instruments and build on concepts with other participants. At Parkway Central. Free with RSVP. (5:30 p.m.)
Monday, June 16: Artist Town Hall for Performing Arts
Asian Arts Initiative’s Artist Town Hall invites artists to come together to share their latest projects, make a pitch and exchange resources. Dance, theater, drag, spoken word — every practice is welcome. Sign up to pitch. Free to attend. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 17: Bridging Blocks | Invisible Barriers: How Ableism Affects Accessibility
How does Philadelphia show up for its residents living with a disability? What services are currently available and what can be improved? How did we get here and how do we move forward? Join WHYY for this second civic dialogue on Ableism, at the Parkway Central Library. (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 17: “Queer Love is Resilience” Poetry Open Mic + Q&A ft. Alison Lubar
Flashpoint Gallery & Community Space and Nutmeg Bar & Market host the open mic at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. First-come, first-served. “Pride month, so bring your gayest poetry!” Featured poet Alison Lubar (they/themme) reads and leads a Q&A. Books, art and zines for sale; a portion of proceeds go to The Trans Lifeline. Free to register. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 18: Memory Media Watch Party w/ Lois Cheaye
The Memory Workers Guild hosts this collective viewing of queer people of color in art, film, poetry and other archived testimonials, held in the Asian Arts Initiative’s Callowhill space. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 18: Fishtown Choir sings Lady Gaga
Head to Ortlieb’s for the latest community choir performance! $15+fees in advance; $17 day of show. (7 to 11:30 p.m.)
