Smoke break outside Fergie's Pub (Photo by @brianfishman)

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Smoke break outside Fergie’s Pub
(Photo by @brianfishman)

Philly homeownership program’s first project in 8th District

Nearly two dozen homes are being built on a string of vacant lots in Tioga, marking the first Turn the Key project in the 8th Council District.

Construction on the first set of homes began in April. On Monday, elected officials and residents gathered on West Venango Street to celebrate the next phase of the development, which is expected to create 22 opportunities for first-time homebuyers. Continue reading…

Work has already begun on Venango Street, where 22 three-bedroom homes for Philadelphia’s Turn the Key program will be constructed. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

School’s (almost) out! Your guide to a kid-friendly summer

School may not be out quite yet, but the temperatures in the city have certainly reflected a hot summer so far.

And, with lots of free time coming up, there are a variety of free and low-cost resources to keep your kids entertained. Continue reading…

Families enjoy the sprinkler park at Ferko Playground in the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia. (Billy Penn file photo)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Mayor Parker joins Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and city partners for a FIFA World Cup “Know Before You Go” briefing to highlight Philly’s readiness to welcome the world. (9 a.m.) 

Parker helps kick off the Free Library Summer Quest Program at Parkway Central. Includes activities for students, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a celebration of the opportunities available. (11:30 a.m.) 

Parker later attends the Police Athletic League Awards Gala to celebrate PAL’s impact on city youth. (6 p.m.)

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker joins officials to announce the first Turn the Key (TTK) development in the 8th Council District, as part of the mayor’s H.O.M.E. plan. (1:30 p.m.)

Parker later attends the 2nd annual commencement ceremony for City College for Municipal Employment students who completed the CCME programs designed to prepare residents and City employees for meaningful careers, municipal employment, and long-term economic opportunity. (6 p.m.)

BILLY PENN GUIDES

☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽‍♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

ON THE CALENDAR

🗓️ For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!

This week includes… Practice the art and fun of writing snail mail letters (Today) + An anti-ICE supper club (Thursday) + speed dating for music lovers + Philly Sketchfest 2026 kicks off, and more!