#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Sun, snacks and floral shoots
(Photo by @jim50tim)
What exhibits to see before the Academy of Natural Sciences closes
The news of the nearly 200-year-old pioneering Academy museum sent shockwaves across Philly and the country. Reactions from Philadelphians have ranged from alarmed outrage and denial to helplessness and calls to activism.
There’s also been a wave of nostalgia for favorite exhibits and resources. With less than a month left for public access, we compiled a list of exhibits to check out before they close. Continue reading…
Celebrating how the U.S. Constitution helped influence America over the years
The first Signing of the Constitution will be the subject of this weekend’s Philly Firstival, part of the 52 Weeks of Firsts semiquincentennial series.
Kat Black, an artist based between Philly and Mexico, created this week’s firstival statue. She said she was inspired by the U.S. Constitution Center’s exhibits and 250th anniversary elements. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Utility executives and cybersecurity experts warn Pa. lawmakers of growing threats. [Capital-Star]
• Popular yogurt company Chobani will invest $1.2 billion in Pennsylvania, bringing hundreds of jobs to the Lehigh Valley. [WHYY]
• A MyChart Medicare phishing scam raises concern among Philadelphia health systems, with state Attorney General David Sunday urging residents to beware of unsolicited free offers and rewards. [Inq$]
• Temple signed a five-year contract with the university Police union, looking to hire and retain more officers amid a decline in recruitment. [Temple News]
• Kingsessing neighbors celebrated the grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting of the 148-year-old Francis J. Myers Recreation Center after a $27 million renovation. [West Philly Local]
• This former “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” producer from Philly penned her first mystery novel, ‘The Refuge,’ exploring the relationship humans have to the wilderness. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins Gov. Shapiro and city officials for a “major economic development announcement” on Market Street near 30th Street. (10 a.m.)
Parker later attends the opening of a new office for Bentley Systems and Cesium amid tech economy investment. (5:30 p.m.)
Parker then attends Dell Music Center’s 2026 summer season finale, featuring the 55th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records. The Mayor will present special honors to music pioneers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, whose work helped define the legendary Sound of Philadelphia. (7 p.m.)
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 18: Shooting victims recorded from Aug 24 to Aug. 30 with 1 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 13 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 120: Year-to-date homicides, down 20% vs. last year’s pace; down 66% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
- How Philly works: A look at the city’s governance
From the mayor to City Council to the budget process and row offices, Billy Penn explains the wheels of power.
- Ten legendary jazz musicians from Philadelphia you should know
Since the genre’s very earliest days, Philly has been the launching pad of some of the most celebrated artists in jazz.
ON THE CALENDAR
A Storyville screening at Scribe Video Center (Friday),
Opera in the Garden at Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion (Saturday),
Brazilian Day at Spruce Street Harbor Park (Sunday),
Labor Day Birding at FDR Park (Monday)
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
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours 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
