#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Green light for a new week
(Photo by @strangerphilly)
State officials react to U.S. strike on Iran
The surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons program over the weekend drew various responses from Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials. Pa.’s two U.S. Senators applauded the attack, while Republicans generally supported it and Democrats questioned whether the president had the authority to proceed without consulting congress.
Earlier in the weekend, more than a dozen organizations coordinated on a protest in Philly calling for de-escalation and ceasefire.
The Philly Chinese Lantern Festival is back
Philadelphia’s beloved Chinese Lantern Festival has returned, illuminating Franklin Square with over 1,100 sculptures.
Different groupings and themes will be on display, including an enchanted forest, an underwater seascape and more. It runs through Aug. 31. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly cooling centers open, water shut-offs pause for dangerous heat wave this week. [WHYY]
• Pew Center for Arts and Heritage moves to the Barnes Foundation. It had previously been at UArts. [WHYY]
• The public has until July 9 to give feedback on five potential designs for a Sadie T.M. Alexander statue to be placed outside the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]
• Philly caps off Juneteenth holiday weekend with parade, festival in West Philly. [CBS3]
• TechOWL community space celebrates one year of opening the doors for accessibility. [Billy Penn]
• Meet the 99-year-old who has helped 12,000 adults get back to work in Kensington and beyond. [WHYY]
• Temple University course explores Kendrick Lamar’s life, cultural influences and legacy of his music. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🥘 Philly African Restaurant Week through June 29
🌈 Pride Month celebrations
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 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 23: People’s Vision for Market East
The Save Chinatown Coalition and Center City Organized for Responsible Development invite you to the launch of a vision for revitalizing the Fashion District — a People’s Vision. At 1218 Arch Street/the Center for Design Philadelphia. (5 to 7:30 p.m.)
Monday, June 23: Music 101: Improvisation
The last 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.)
Tuesday, June 24: MomMom Craft Night: LOVE Latch Hook
Magic Gardens hosts South Philly Time Capsules for a throwback craft session where we dive into the vintage art of latch hooking. Make a pop art twist inspired by Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue. For beginners and seasoned makers alike. All materials provided. Ages 21+ and BYOB. $55 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 25: FIFA Club World Cup 25™ Watch Party
Join Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and your fellow soccer fans for watch parties televising two matches: Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense! The watch party will take place at Two Locals Brewery (3675 Market Street Suite 100). Food, drinks, giveaways and a chance to win tickets to a match! (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 25: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
A program examining the past, present and future of voting access, featuring a keynote by legal scholar Akhil Reed Amar. Walk-ins at the Independence Visitor Center welcome with payment at the door. (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 25: Stemming the Tide: How Philly Is Preparing for Floods in a Changing Climate
WHYY’s Maiken Scott moderates a conversation with city officials and community organizers working together to build neighborhood-level resilience plans to tackle urban flash flooding in communities like Germantown. At the Academy of Natural Sciences. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 25: “Feast of Reason”: A Dinner Discussion Across Divides
Carpenters’ Hall hosts a unique evening of food and fellowship as part of Civic Season, a national initiative administered by the Smithsonian Institution to strengthen our democracy. Limited to 24 people. Includes a facilitated discussion about how to engage in effective personal dialogue across political, religious or other differences. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, June 26: Wawa Hoagie Day 2025
Wawa Welcome America returns with 25,000 free Shorti Hoagies and free admission to the National Constitution Center. On Arch Street between 5th and 6th streets. (12 to 1 p.m.)
