#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Boat and blooms at the Philadelphia Navy Yard
(Photo by @wmdkenner)
5 key takeaways about immigrants and the Greater Philadelphia economy, per report
Immigrants have an outsized economic impact throughout Greater Philadelphia, according to a new report released Tuesday.
Speakers at an event Tuesday co-hosted by The Welcoming Center and WHYY highlighted data showing immigrants’ integral role in the region’s economic growth. Continue reading…
That’s not actually a cheese vending machine in Olde Kensington
Would you like to eat Michelin-star-restaurant-worthy cheese from a vending machine near you?
“We call (it) the dispensary, by the way,” said Yoav Perry, founder and managing partner at Perrystead Dairy. “We never call it a vending machine, because it’s more fun.” Continue reading…
BP Quizzo Question of the Day
Clark Park was established in West Philadelphia in 1895. Who is it named after?
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia officials are probing the Academy museum’s closure as supporters push Drexel to reopen. We recap below where things stand and will update this as news on the academy’s fate evolves. [Billy Penn]
• Philadelphia-area psychotherapists struggle to navigate the world of ‘Uberized’ online counseling platforms. [WHYY]
• What should Philly’s streeteries look like? The city wants your input. [WHYY]
• Eagles tackle Lane Johnson will retire after 14 seasons, 2 Super Bowls and 3 Christmas albums. [Billy Penn]
• From turning ordinary metal to gold to chemistry: A new Philadelphia exhibit explores the fiery origins of science. [WHYY]
• Wawa is once again tied with Sheetz for second-best convenience store chain in a national survey. [Inq$]
Celebrate Philly’s finest at the Billies!
Join us for Billy Penn’s 12th annual Billies Awards from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at WHYY Studios!
We’ll honor the people and groups making Philly better — with food, refreshments and plenty of hometown spirit.
Admission is free with an RSVP. Optional donations support WHYY’s community programs. The Billies are supported in part by Every Voice, Every Vote.
Sign up to attend the Billies →
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker announced the official lineup for One Philly HBCU Week 2026, a six-day celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities featuring music, faith, career opportunities, Greek life, community events and two marquee HBCU football games at Lincoln Financial Field.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Penn Medicine teams from Philadelphia to Lancaster are giving gun locks, safes, and guidance to gun owners and learning what works. [Penn Today]
- Fewer Philly students are getting shot, but risks are higher at cyber charters, alternative schools. [Chalkbeat]
- Principals who have survived school shootings offer advice in a new guide. [Education Week]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 10: Shooting victims recorded from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 with 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 15 shooting victims were recorded, including 3 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 133: Year-to-date homicides, down 21% vs. last year’s pace; down 69% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
- Billy Penn’s comprehensive guide to the many run groups in and around Philly
Find the fitness community that fits your schedule, location and vibe. Most are free to join.
- Neighborhood guide: 13 small business retail corridors in Philly
Shopping locally isn’t just for the holiday season. Here’s where to find good retail shopping clusters in Philly all year.
ON THE CALENDAR
A professor talks a guide to witches (Wednesday),
the Chinatown Night Market returns (Thursday),
it’s a cabaret, but celebrating bugs! (Friday),
AND MORE!
See the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🛍️ Novelty stores guide
🍁 Fall festivals 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
BP Quizzo answer:
Clarence Howard Clark, a wealthy 19th century banker and developer.
