#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Second of July anniversary
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
A procrastinator’s guide to the Fourth of July in Philly
Haven’t firmed up your plans for the holiday weekend, or maybe you’re open to re-jigger your schedule for the right event? Billy Penn has you covered, with our guide to events in, and nearly in, the city, as well as info on rules around fireworks, holiday safety and more. Continue reading …
‘There was no event quite like it’: 40 years later, Live Aid still resonates
Live Aid, one of the greatest events ever staged in the history of Philadelphia, took place 40 summers ago, on July 13, 1985. It had iconic performances — remember Mick Jagger and Tina Turner? Rick Springfield? Hall & Oates? — and a TV audience of 2 billion, with a B.
Billy Penn spoke to some of the people who made it happen and special, including concert promoter Larry Magid and members of the Hooters, to get the inside scoop on the historic mega-concert. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Penn will ban transgender athletes from competition and rescind the records of swimmer Lia Thomas, giving those awards and personal apology letters to past athletes. The university also agreed to adhere to Trump’s Executive Orders and Education Department’s new Title IX definitions of “male” and “female.” [AP/TheDP.com]
• Five years after Pa.’s landmark fracking report, its public health goals remain largely unmet, groups say. [Inside Climate News]
• A judge ordered striking DC33 911 operators back to work as tensions rose — including slashed tires, opened fire hydrants and sanitation site clashes — less than a day into the strike by members of the city’s largest union. [NBC10/Inquirer$]
• PPA on-street parking rates have gone up in Center City. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• A visual guide from a local nonprofit helps speed up decision-making for busy restaurants. [GreenPhilly]
• Wawa Welcome America on Fourth of July will go on as planned despite Philadelphia municipal workers strike. [CBS3]
• Abbott Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter talks about her upcoming comedy shows in Philly and her character’s love of labor unions and the city. [PhillyVoice]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Parents of a victim in the 2023 Kingsessing mass shooting sue ghost AR-15 seller. [The Philadelphia Inquirer]
- Mothers In Charge celebrates 22 years of community service and violence prevention. [Fox29]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 18: Shooting victims recorded from June 22 to 28, including 5 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 22 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 114: Year-to-date homicides, down 12% vs. last year’s pace; down 43.5% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎆 Fourth of July events
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, July 2: Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade
A flag-raising, chocolate-making, storytelling, live poetry and music, and more “pomp and parade” that begins at the Betsy Ross House. Then the parade of 13 floats departs from the National Constitution Center past Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, followed by a block party at 3rd and Chestnut streets. (9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 2: Cocktails and Congress
Opening night of this new event with Carpenter’s Hall, taking guests back to 1774 and the First Continental Congress. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while watching actors reenact debating independence, taxes and learning how to come together to become Americans. $50 tickets. Runs Thursdays through August 28. (5:30 p.m.)
Thursday, July 3: Crybaby’s Night Out: A West Philly Night Market
Creative workshops and activities, an open mic, a BYO book club, book/zine swap and vendors galore! Masks encouraged and provided. Hosted by Sarena of frequent crier club. At Pentridge Station Pop-Up. (5 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, July 3: Pops on Independence
An over-40-year tradition returns, as the Philly Pops take to the stage for the first time under their new name. As a bonus: Ben Folds joins the orchestra on Independence Mall for a special performance. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. BYO chair or blanket. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, July 4: First Friday at Cherry Street Pier
Printmaking, Sistah Soul Series, an artisan market, open studios, food concessions and more! Pay-as-you-go. (4 p.m.)
Friday, July 4: Arts & Eats: First Friday in Chestnut Hill
Celebrate the holiday with live music, BBQ, and participating galleries, restaurants, and retailers! (5 to 8 p.m.)
Through Sunday, July 6: Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival
The festival features films, events and community gatherings that promise to captivate audiences and honor the diverse stories of the Latinx diaspora. Dozens of films are scheduled virtually and in-person at various locations like PhillyCAM and Fleisher Art Memorial. Virtual tickets range from $5 to $50 for the full season while In-person tickets range from $10 to $120 for the full season.
