#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Wednesday warble
(Photo by @denisewalksphilly)
Strike ends as clock runs out on DC33
The municipal workers strike ended early Wednesday morning with District Council 33 agreeing to raises of 3% per year over three years, a far cry from the 5% annual bump they had been fighting for.
Pickup of trash that had accumulated over the past eight days is expected to begin as workers return to work today, though they still have to vote on the deal.
Union president Greg Boulware said the union is unhappy with the outcome, but had to do what was best for members. Union members stood to miss their first check in the work stoppage later this week. More to come later today. Continue reading …
Self-driving cars are coming to Philly this summer
While a human will be in the drivers’ seat during the trial period of Waymo’s “road trip” series, the Alphabet-owned company says the AI-driven vehicles will undergo additional testing in some of Philly’s more challenging areas, like Center City and on highways, to improve the vehicles.
Waymo says there are no immediate plans for an autonomous taxi service in Philly. But that hasn’t stopped Philadelphians from noting the city’s long — and not all friendly — history with robots. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. team headed to Texas to help with rescue and recovery efforts after tragic flooding. [Pa. Cap-Star]
• Comcast, Sixers buy up parts of Market East; their plans might not jibe with those of Chinatown residents. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly/BP]
• With changes in city’s grant program to fight opioid use, Kensington community groups unsure what comes next. [Kensington Voice]
• Sixers bring back Kyle Lowry for his 211th … er, 20th NBA season. [AP]
• Brad Cooper has a cameo in the new Superman movie, which stars fellow Philly native David Corenswet. For real. [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.
- Despite a deadly July Fourth weekend, Philly sees homicides drop midyear. [The Philadelphia Tribune]
- Pa. caucus relaunched to engage youth and make communities safer [delcotimes.com]
- Parked cars are now a leading source of stolen guns, new report finds [Stateline]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 29: Shooting victims recorded from June 29 to July 5, including 6 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 18 shooting victims were recorded, including 5 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 121: Year-to-date homicides, down 9% vs. last year’s pace; down 43% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏮 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 9: Garden Jams: West Philadelphia Orchestra
Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series returns. Live music with a low-key, high-chill, al fresco scene in Stoner Courtyard at the rose-gold hour. $15 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, July 10: Front Street Walls 2025
An ongoing mural project, reignited in 2023, that rotates biannually, offering four Philly artists the opportunity to create their first solo, artist-led commissioned public mural. This year’s muralists are Anna Mraz, Chelsey Luster, Dan Fetters and Gianni Lee. Where: Front Street between Columbia Avenue and Oxford Street. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Thursday, July 10: Budget Wrap-Up: What’s New in FY26 & What It Means for You
A virtual session from the Committee of 70 to break down the city’s final FY26 budget, discuss the politics behind the process, and talk what comes next. Free registration here. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, July 10: Slice of History: A Race Through Time
Part scavenger hunt, part time-travel adventure where teams of two solve clues, crush challenges and race through time for a chance to win prizes. Visit iconic sites, meet historical figures and learn new things. Finish with beer from Triple Bottom Brewing and pizza in the Betsy Ross House courtyard. $60 for a team of two. (6 p.m.)
Thursday, July 10: Know Your Rights training
Wooden Shoe Books presents an interactive training that will cover your basic rights on the street, in a car, at your home, in custody and on the web. This training will involve some audience role playing. (7 p.m.)
Friday, July 11: Nutmeg Presents! – Benefit for Juntos
A night of indie folk music at South Philly’s nonalcoholic bar from Teddy Moisa, Dinner with a Witness, and LapCats, all to benefit Juntos’ work supporting Philly’s immigrant communities. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, July 11-13: Punk Rock Flea Market
The indoor part of the market is inside the banquet hall of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19’s building, while the outdoor part on Saturday/Sunday is in the parking lot. $10 in advance; $12 cash at the door. (4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday)
Saturday, July 12: Borski Splash!
A community celebration of the new Borski Park in Bridesburg, with a nature walk, field games, yoga, dancing, drumming, art, food and more. Free. RSVP here.(10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, July 12: Black Farmers Market
Plant-based foods, wellness vendors and artisans, empowering workshops, and farm-fresh, local, and organic/chemical-free produce grown by Black farmers and growers from across the region at affordable price points. Where: Inside Freedom Greens + Gardens, at 5200 Pine Street. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, July 12: Chinatown History Exhibit Open House
This is your opportunity to explore Chinatown’s past through a collection of items and photographs, share your feedback and your own memories and stories, add to the historical timeline, and bring items and photos to add to the exhibit. Volunteers will scan items for free. Light refreshments will be provided. Free with RSVP. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, July 13: RiverFest at Glen Foerd
There will be open boating on the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River with kayaks, canoes, and rowboats provided. On land, enjoy hands-on environmental and arts activities, plus music, local vendors, food by Good Karma food truck, and sweet treats from Mister Softee. Plus: Self-guided and guided tours of the historic mansion. BYO sunscreen, blanket, camp chairs, water, shoes/clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Free; donations welcome. (3 to 7 p.m.)
