#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
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(Photo by @kslouf)
SNAP cuts have Philly food banks nervous about increased needs
The CEO of Philabundance Food Bank says President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will have some ugly consequences for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable families.
The legislation, passed earlier this month, will affect hundreds of thousands of Philadelphia residents. Why are the leaders of local food banks concerned? Continue reading …
Gamers re-create Independence Hall — in Minecraft
It took 24 years to build Independence Hall, from 1732 to 1756. It took a handful of Minecraft gamers just two months to do the same, virtually.
They are part of the Build The Earth group that has already re-created many cities and locations. Among those on their task list: Center City. Learn more about this inspiring digital initiative. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The EPA failed to adequately oversee state-run lead paint programs, an inspector general report says. A Philly nonprofit is also suing the EPA over deadly chemical used at refineries. [WHYYx2]
• ICE arrests in Pa. and N.J. are surging, including people without criminal records. [Inq$]
• SEPTA service cuts will go into effect one day before the first day of school in Philly — so the transit agency is warning students to find alternatives. SEPTA delays already cause unexcused absences, stress and anxiety for Philly students. [WHYY/Billy Penn]
• The man who fatally hit a biking CHOP doctor while driving drunk has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. [WHYY]
• A Penn lawsuit joins other accusations alleging price-fixing by drugmakers and intermediaries that led to inflated insulin prices. [WHYY]
• Summer on the Steps food truck and beer garden series launches at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. [Wooder Ice]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Kensington’s Peace Park opens with new Mural Arts sculpture made from disassembled firearms. [WHYY]
- “5 Shorts Project” shares the screen with teens who have experienced gun violence. [6ABC]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 13: Shooting victims recorded from July 13 to 18, including 5 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 38 shooting victims were recorded, including 5 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 126: Year-to-date homicides, down 14% vs. last year’s pace; down 46% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Beetlejuice” come to Philly
🎒 Back-to-school giveaways
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, July 23: Opera on Tap Is All Fached Up!
What is a fach? Beyond soprano, mezzo or tenor, a fach is even more specific to range, weight and color of the voice. Classical singers are often put into these boxes, but with All Fached Up, this is a no-rules show! Performers are encouraged to sing whatever they want, gender bend, dress in drag, do what they can’t do in a typical performance setting. At Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen in Old City. $17.85 per person. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday to Sunday, July 24 to 27: North Philadelphia History Festival
A cultural celebration of the African American and Puerto Rican communities in North Philly. Historic sites along Ridge Avenue, N. Broad Street and other locales will be transformed into living exhibits created by artists, historians, curators and other cultural workers. These multimedia projects and events will explore the emergence and impact of these communities in the 19th and 20th century. All free and open to the public. View the map & schedule here.
Thursday, July 24: Open Streets Passeggiata!
The 1800 block of East Passyunk Avenue (between Moore and Mifflin streets) will have no cars, for a pedestrian-friendly block party with businesses spilling into the street. Live music, beach-themed seating and blissful vibes under the stars for dining, strolling and shopping. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, July 24: EAGLES – A CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON w/ The Philadelphia Orchestra
Relive the Birds’ championship season with a special concert event hosted by the “Voice of the Eagles,” Merrill Reese, and featuring video highlights on three giant screens while the Philly Orchestra performs the music of NFL Films live. Wear Eagles gear, BYO picnic and Go Birds! Tickets are $50+. (8 p.m.)
Friday, July 25: Fourth Friday on South Street & S. 4th Street
Enjoy extended hours, shopping discounts, live music, DJs, DIY activities, happy hours, freebies and more. Monthly through December.
Friday, July 25: Smokus Pocus
Possibly the “world’s dopest magic show.” Innovative feats of trickery are infused with the world of weed as jars of bud appear, lighters come to life, and bongs bend reality in a show designed to enthrall both the stoned and sober. BUT no smoking is permitted inside the Plays & Players Theatre. Ages 21+, first-come, first-served. Tickets start at $40.25. (8 to 9:15 p.m.)
Saturday, July 26: Franklin Fitness Day
Flex your muscles and your brain at the Franklin Institute’s high-energy celebration of movement, health and science! It’s a museum-wide takeover with expert sports clinics (dodgeball! soccer! frisbee!), stretching sessions, live dissection shows, chats with doctors, live science shows and community partners who’ll inspire you to get active and stay strong. Included with $23-$29 museum admission. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, July 26: Old Philly Trolley Walk: Fishtown to Manayunk
Explore two of the most colorful neighborhoods in Philadelphia on foot and take a ride back in time on the 1940s’ trolley. The 12-mile trip starts at LOVE Park and ends at Manayunk Station, with optional end points at the 6-mile mark. Free with signup. (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Saturday, July 26: BridgeWar
Join fellow card game lovers at the Marriott Downtown for a game that mixes the strategy of bridge with the simplicity of war (the game, not real-life war). Free for all ages. During the ACB League’s 2025 Summer North American Bridge Championships. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Through Aug. 3: Queen Village Restaurant Week
It’s the inaugural restaurant week in Queen Village, lasting over 2 weeks! 18 participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus of multiple courses for $20, $40 or $60 per person.
