#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Hands up
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Philadelphia’s school selection process kicks off next month
The “Find Your Fit” process allows students from pre-K through 11th grade the chance to attend schools outside of assigned neighborhoods.
Starting Sept. 8 at 4 p.m., the “Find Your Fit” process will allow students currently in pre-kindergarten through the 11th grade the chance to attend a school outside their assigned neighborhood, if space is available. Continue reading…
How Philadelphia became the home of America’s first zoo
Zoos are everywhere today. But back in 1874, America only had one: the Philadelphia Zoo.
Pennsylvania initially gave the go-ahead for the zoo in 1859, but the Civil War got in the way and delayed it’s opening for more than a decade. Now, the zoo is celebrating its founding and more than a 150 years of history with a firstival celebration. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Data center wars hit the ballot box, where Pennsylvania voters angry about rising electricity bills have turned the fight over powering AI into a defining issue of the state’s 2026 elections. [Capital & Main]
• SEPTA ‘s 11th Street Station will close for a year, starting Sept. 5, to install new elevators from Market Street and make other station upgrades. The underground concourse connecting stations at 11th, 13th and Jefferson Stations also will be closed. [PhillyVoice]
• With one in six Philadelphia children at risk, local groups expand hunger relief efforts. [Tribune]
• Philadelphia kids are getting suspended from preschool. Parents and advocates want to put an end to it. [Chalkbeat]
• A Mt. Airy activist filed a lawsuit against the district in June over its school closure/merger plan. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24. [Chestnut Hill Local]
• Grow Philly: 10 Black-owned small businesses to know in Philadelphia. [Technical.ly]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the 3rd annual Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduation ceremony at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. (6:30 p.m.)
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
Who let the cats out? A catwalk through Philly’s Cedar Park neighborhood
The Philadelphia region has a higher than average cat population compared to other metro areas. Many of those felines reside in West Philly’s Cedar Park.
Your guide to Philly’s comedy scene
Whether you’re looking for an improv show, comedy classes or the bigger headliners, here’s a guide.
ON THE CALENDAR
The 21st annual Danny Rumph Classic at Drexel (all weekend),
the Fishtown Forks Block Party (Saturday),
the 11th annual Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival kicks off,
AND MORE!
Send us events to add to the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🌽 CSA farmshare guide
🛝 Kid-friendly summer guide
☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
