#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
The bases are empty at Broad at Fitzwater
(Photo by @gpatomk)
A week out, SEPTA cuts loom: Will they affect you?
Senate Republicans’ plan last week to use capital funds to cover the transit authority’s operational costs was rejected by the state House, which means SEPTA’s funding gap — and its deep cuts to service and sharp fare increases — remain on the table for an Aug. 25 start. At this point, some of it is inevitable. Continue reading …
Drone show is coming to Philly later this month – and they dance to Vivaldi
Fever, the company behind the Immersive Van Gogh and Banksy experiences, is putting on a drone light show in Philly on Aug. 29-30, packed with thousands of candles and a string quartet. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Mayor Parker touts new contract for Philadelphia police officers that would cost the city $343 million over five years and allow civilians to take over more administrative tasks. [WHYY]
• Transgender runner Evie Parts sues NCAA and Swarthmore College for removal from track team. [AP]
• Philadelphia City Commissioners and voting advocates celebrate poll workers and launch effort to recruit next generation. [WHYY]
• Police barricades are transformed into protest art on the Parkway, highlighting Philadelphia’s history of activism. [WHYY]
• “We can never say we cannot do anything”: Lessons from the North Philadelphia Historical Festival. [Billy Penn]
• Fiesta Futbolera 2025 celebrates Philly’s Latino community and soccer culture ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. [Billy Penn/WHYY]
• The smoky Philadelphia dive bar McGlinchey’s is closing Friday. [Philly Mag]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 Philly Bookstore Crawl preview
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
🏮 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
Tuesday, Aug. 19: Movement and Mocktails
Start with a group workout, then cool down with mocktails. $15 workout only; $20 for workout and drinks. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Comic book signing with Joseph Illidge
Joseph P. Illidge visits Multiverse on Germantown Ave to chat and sign copies of Bloodletter (Image Comics) and The Shadow Cabinet (Milestone/DC). Illidge has helped redefine comics from the inside out. He is the founder of Illuminous, a story and strategy studio built to help creators turn original ideas into lasting cultural works across comics, TV, film, and animation. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Summer Fest Paint and Sip
A vibrant evening of art, music, drinks and connection at the RiverRink, hosted by Walls for Justice. Come solo, bring a friend, or make it a group night out. All supplies included. RSVP for a $20.50 ticket. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Girard Estate Tour
Trace the history of this South Philadelphia neighborhood from its origin as a colonial farm to the early 20th century planned development of “Ideal City Homes.” See outstanding examples of Bungalow, Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival residential styles. Meet near the statue of Stephen Girard in Girard Park at 2101 W Shunk St. $18 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Dialogue on the Diamond
The MLB All-Star Game is coming to Philadelphia in 2026—what will its legacy be for North Philadelphia? Join this public convo at Temple to discuss how the 2026 MLB All-Star Legacy initiative can support youth baseball, community development and safer neighborhoods. Free to RSVP. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 21: Street Movies! with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
Free outdoor screening series bringing independent short films and videos to vibrant public spaces throughout Philly. At the N. 11th community park. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
