#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Horsepower
(Photo by @denisewalksphilly)
Fairmount Park Conservancy plucks new leader from UPenn
The Fairmount Park Conservancy has hired a veteran of the University of Pennsylvania’s community and economic development efforts to serve as its next chief executive officer. He starts in October.
The 27-year-old nonprofit organization serves as the “steward” for the city’s 10,000-acre park system, raising funds, overseeing big park renovations, and running recreational and educational programs. Continue reading …
Philly Mah-Jawn Mahjong opens new clubhouse in Old City
Mahjong is having a moment, and the Philly Mah-Jawn Mahjong Club moved into its new clubhouse space on the second floor of the Corn Exchange Building in Old City in March, with a grand opening planned for Aug. 8 and 9 after it’s fully set up. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• President Donald Trump’s former lawyer Emil Bove was confirmed for a lifetime seat on a Philly-based federal appeals court. [Inq$]
• Protesters banged pots and pans at Philly’s 30th Street Station to decry growing reports of ‘famine-like’ conditions in Gaza. [WHYY/AP]
• After federal pandemic relief ended, Philly found a way to keep its Summer Achievers program running. [NPR]
• Penn researchers vote to unionize amid federal health and science funding threats. [WHYY]
• Latino families say they feel left out of the Philadelphia school district. [Chalkbeat/2Puntos]
• Remembering Ryne Sandberg, who was the key part of the worst trade in Phillies history. [Billy Penn]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Women in Philadelphia commit less than 10% of the city’s shootings — but make up nearly a quarter of people arrested for straw purchasing. [The Philadelphia Citizen]
- An initiative in South Philadelphia aims to raise gun violence awareness and help loved ones heal. [CBS3]
- Many Philly teens find it easy to get access to guns, a new study says. [Philadelphia Tribune]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 31: Shooting victims recorded from July 20 to 26, including 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 12 shooting victims were recorded, including 5 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 130: Year-to-date homicides, down 14% vs. last year’s pace; down 47% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Creative Philadelphia will announce the winning artist selected to create a statue celebrating civil rights activist and native Philadelphian, Dr. Sadie T.M. Alexander, at the North Apron on 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. The winning design proposal will become a permanent statue to be installed near the Municipal Services Building. (11 a.m.)
Mayor Parker will be joined by city officials in the announcement of new leadership appointments, at City Hall. (1 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🏮 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 30: Making It Market Pop-Up
The debut pop-up of art, handmade accessories, tarot readings, botanical drinks, baked goods and more, all on a donation basis. At the Rotunda from 5 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 31: Best Philly: Dedicating Mural Row at Schuylkill Yards
“Best Philly” is a new mural project from Mural Arts Philadelphia and Brandywine Realty Trust with curator Conrad Benner. Creating 12 original mini-murals with six Philly artists on Mural Row at Schuylkill Yards, a new pedestrian-only path at 3151 Market Street in West Philly’s University City. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31: Stroll After Hours in Manayunk
Food trucks, art demos, pop-up shopping, family-fun, live music on multiple stages, an outdoor screening of “Twilight” at dusk, and a performance every half hour by Circadium School of Contemporary Circus Arts in Mt. Airy. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31: Preparedness 101
From short-term power outages to longer periods sheltering in place or boil water orders, its always important to make sure you and your family are prepared for any scenario. At Making Worlds Bookstore. (6 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31: Honoring Pearl Bailey through Dance, Dialogue, and Community
The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts this complement to its archival exhibition about the pioneering performer’s legacy, featuring a multi-generational artist talk discussing storytelling, personal memory, and performance history. $10-$14 tickets. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3: BlackStar Film Fest
The 14th annual celebration of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmaking, with screenings both in-person and online. Various times and prices.
Friday, Aug. 1: Movies in Clark Park: “The Goonies”
The 1980s classic adventure story will be screened outdoors as part of Movies in Clark Park’s 10th anniversary celebration, celebrating the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2005. Decided from 452 community votes! (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 1: Night Out On 9th
The last South Street Night Market of the summer! The blocks from 9th to 11th streets will transform into an open street festival with live music, a bounce house, games, vendors and food trucks! Plus, meet Lt. Rodgers, the new leader of the South Street MiniStation. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Love City Cabaret x SideQuest: Adventure is Out There!
Pack your picnic basket – Love City Cabaret is journeying to SideQuest Theater for an expansive evening of show tunes and shenanigans, all on the theme of “adventure”. Watch cast members head into the woods, go the distance, and find their grails! All ages show, costumes encouraged. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. $21.94 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Through Aug. 3: Queen Village Restaurant Week
It’s the inaugural restaurant week in Queen Village, lasting over two weeks! 18 participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus of multiple courses for $20, $40 or $60 per person.
