#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
View from Falls Bridge
(Photo by @jason_zyx)
SEPTA cuts means earlier wake-up times, longer commutes for students on first day
More than 50,000 Philly students rely on SEPTA to get them to school each day. So the confluence of the first day of school and SEPTA’s initial service cuts created a lot of vexed students Monday. They weren’t alone as commuters and city officials vented their frustrations. Continue reading …
School District, teachers union reach agreement on first day of school
Speaking of the first day of school, there was good news: the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the School District of Philadelphia reached a tentative agreement on a new, three-year contract, ahead of the current contract’s end on Aug. 31. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania refused a federal request for voter roll information that contains personal information of voters. [SpotlightPA]
• Philly DA Larry Krasner is defending cashless bail as Trump’s executive order threatens states, cities that implement it. [WHYY]
• A look inside at CHOP’s fight to protect the privacy of youth seeking gender-affirming care, [Inq$$]
• It’s the end of a Golden era: Mural Arts’ founder is stepping down. [WHYY]
• Olney High is introducing cellphone lockers as part of a new protocol cracking down on phone usage during school hours. [CBS3]
• Jim Murray, the Eagles GM who hired Dick Vermeil, died at age 87. [6ABC]
• As redistricting battles go on, take a look back at the silliest-looking district ever, right here in Pa. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation to celebrate the installation of a system designed to stop an overrunning aircraft. At PHL, 10:30 a.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
✨ Drone Art Show Aug. 29-30
🏮 The 2025 Philly Lantern Festival ends Aug. 31
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Aug. 27: Community Food Truck Night
Enter the garden at 1800 North Street Gate for this family friendly event at the Spring Gardens, where food and drinks will be available for purchase from Deke’s BBQ, Humpty’s Dumplings, Bar Hygge, and El Tlaloc! 50/50 cash raffle. No pets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 27: Drink & Draw Your Future Self
Join a creative evening of Character Design, where you will manifest your future self through art. Grab a drink and let your imagination run wild. At Cherry Street Pier, Studio 13 on the second floor. $7.18 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Summer Block Party
Food, beer, music, games and good vibes on the Brown Street Lawn in Fairmount. It’s Neighbors’ Night! (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Streets Dept Presents: GIANTS II, An Artist Talk
A live event with three giants in Philly’s art world. Artists who not only have burgeoning solo careers, but who’ve also become curators and leaders in Philly’s art scene. Together, these three artists are curating walls, exhibitions, and even historic business corridors — talking with Doomed Future, Alloyius Mcilwaine, and Michelle Angela Ortiz! $26.50 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Secrets of the Schuylkill
Discover the sights, sounds, and history of the tidal Schuylkill River from the early 1700s at historic Bartram’s Garden, to the 1800s at the Fairmount Water Works, to award-winning 21st century skyscrapers on a one-hour riverboat tour. $25 adult tickets; $15 children under 12. (5:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Binding Agents Presents: KICKOFF KITCHEN with Chef Tim Lopez
Catch up with the former Eagles chef and check out his book of recipes from the Birds and an array of NFL teams. At Binding Agents in Bella Vista. $11.65 tickets. (6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 28: “Men In Black” screening
Relax at Schuylkill Banks for this outdoor screening. (8 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 29: Art Battle Philadelphia
Art Battle returns with another round of live competition as talented artists race against the clock, bringing their visions to life while guests vote for favorites to help crown the champion across three rounds. Buy a unique masterpiece at auction, too! Tickets start at $22.05. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 29: Liberty City Arts Presents “Opera Meets Broadway”
BYO blanket, snacks and friends to NoLibs’ Liberty Lands, entering on Bodine Street. The family-friendly concert brings La Boheme and Rent, La Traviata and West Side Story, and more in this accessible exploration of how timeless human stories transcend musical genres. Free with a $10 suggested donation. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 30: 3rd annual Island Country Indonesian Festival
Fleisher Art Memorial and Gapura again hosts this community festival and celebration of folk arts and culture, complete with food, dance, games and more.
Sunday, Aug. 31: Pigeon Poetry Jam
Close out the summer with The Philly Pigeon’s open-mic and artist mixer, featuring Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate, Kai Davis. $17.85 tickets. (8 p.m.)
