#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Different, yet similar
(Photo by @jtaflinphotography)
A ‘wide-open race’ in nation’s most Democratic congressional district
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans’ decision not to run for reelection has created a rare opening for the prized job of representing about half of Philadelphia in Congress, and spurred a lively race to succeed him.
Meet the candidates, including three who have never held office previously, and find out who has the best odds of succeeding Evans. Continue reading …
Cyclists ride through Center City to call for ‘concrete’ action on Spruce and Pine streets
At the end of a week that saw a cyclist killed in a hit-and-run crash in West Fairmount Park, hundreds of cyclists gathered outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday evening to push for progress on the project to increase safety along Pine and Spruce streets, then rode to City Hall. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• SEPTA is set to resume full service on Sunday, September 14, but with a roughly 21% fare hike. Restored service depends on PennDOT approval of their request to dip into maintenance funds. [WHYY]
• The Grays Ferry community is pushing back against CHOP’s plans for a thousand-car parking garage. [WHYY]
• Nearly 25% of area residents are age 60 or older. Here’s how to become an “aging services” volunteer. [WHYY]
• A Philadelphia program focused on addressing the city’s student dropout crisis is expanding into four new district schools this year. [Chalkbeat]
• Through today, Friends of FDR Park is collecting houseplants and plant cuttings to bring some cheer to patients and families at the CHOP Pediatric Cardiac Center. [CBS3]
• In this Fringe Festival original, “the holy and the sensual meet” in a Biblical burlesque. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker, Governor Shapiro, golf great Tiger Woods, and local and state elected officials will attend the official opening and ribbon cutting of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, 7400 Lansdowne Ave. 10 a.m.
The mayor will sign a city ordinance regarding illegal straw purchasing of firearms, at City Hall. 1:30 p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🥘 Manayunk Restaurant Week through Sept. 14
🫶🏽 9/18: Exploring Trends: How Immigration Shapes Our Region
💬 9/18: Moving Forward | A WHYY News Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, Sept. 8: Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen
A recital marking the launch of “Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness,” a new podcast from the National Constitution Center. Author/host Jeffrey Rosen will present his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on the virtue that shaped the founders. At the American Philosophical Society. In-person and online. (7 to 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 9: Silver Sneakers in the Park
A health-and-fitness program designed for adults 65+ (though all ages are welcome!) will offer a variety of activities, including chair yoga, stretches, strength and balance, and more to help older adults stay active and healthy. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers of any color! BYO water. (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 9: Tunnel for Towers Happy Hour
Ride for a Cause! Kicking off a memorial bike ride from Phoenixville to NYC with a stop in Philly, at Kite & Key in Callowhill, honoring the heroes of 9/11 and raising funds for Tunnels to Towers.
Wednesday, Sept. 10: Go Mt. Airy Supper Sessions
The final of Mt Airy CDC’s signature outdoor event series this summer. Support community and small businesses across the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Germantown Avenue. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, Sept. 10: Tour of The Rail Park and Dim Sum
Tour along Phase One of the Rail Park, the Three Mile Vision for an expanded Rail Park, and the dynamic neighborhoods that encompass that vision. Learn about the history of Philadelphia’s rail viaduct built in the 1890s and its surrounding architecture. RSVP required; $25 tickets. If you stay for lunch at Dim Sum Gardens, it’s $30 pre-fixe. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 11: 2nd Thursday Maker Night!
Join Resource Exchange’s BYO Maker Night, where you can see some art, make some art, and meet and mix with fellow artists! (5 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 12-14: Punk Rock Flea Market
The place to shop for awesome clothing, records, crafts, art and, most of all, old punk junk! $10 in advance, $12-15 in person. (4 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday)
