#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Going about our days in Washington Square Park
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Michael Smerconish and David Thornburgh are the highest-profile litigants in an attempt to “open” Pennsylvania’s election laws to allow independent voters to participate in primaries that often are de facto decision makers in who gets a political position.
Will the unusual path they have chosen work? And even if it does, what can we learn from other states’ experiences? Continue reading …
The resurfacing and ramp work being done on the Schuylkill Expressway is nearing conclusion. There are two other large projects that could make it easier to get around. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The U.S. Senate voted overnight to pull back federal funding for public media in the U.S. Billy Penn parent WHYY receives some of that money. [NPR/WHYY]
• ICE arrested 14 people at a Norristown-area food market. The Mexican consulate says it’s monitoring the situation. [Inq$]
• Mayor Parker touts AFSCME DC47 white-collar workers’ union deal, which still needs to be voted on by members. [WHYY]
• ChristianaCare and Virtua Health pursue merger to form new regional health system. [WHYY]
• Jurors from the Philadelphia People’s Tribunal found Israel and the U.S. guilty of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, and accused elected officials, including Pa. U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, with complicity in those crimes. [WHYY]
• Heated discussion on the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in art takes place at latest Bridging Blocks event. [WHYY]
• ‘Haddy,’ a Hadrosaurus found in Haddonfield in 1858, once drew huge crowds to the Academy of Natural Sciences. It is now back on display at the Philly museum for the first time since 2020. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Cherelle Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
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
Thursday, July 17: Mayfair Third Thursday Night Markets
Vendors and live music from the Great Scott Band at Frankford, Cottman and Ryan. Free to attend. (6 to 9:30 p.m.)
Friday, July 18: ‘Modern Ambiguity’ Art Show: FREE Opening Reception
Downtown 500 Presents ‘Modern Ambiguity,’ a free art show featuring five Philly artists: Nathan Berko-Gibson, Olivia Horwitz, Tristan Martinez, Jordan Seefried, and Zach Thompson. Complimentary drinks. Free with recommended RSVP. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: Learn About Native Plants on National Pennsylvania Day
Discover how the Lenape people used these remarkable plants to thrive for millennia. Plus, learn about Swedish botanist Pehr Kalm’s visit to Gloria Dei Church in the mid-18th century, and enjoy his vivid accounts of the lush flora that once filled this terrain. Finally, we’ll teach you how to cultivate these sustainable plants in your own garden space. Free. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: El Mercado Cultural
Enjoy this series of spring and summer markets presented at Cherry Street Pier in collaboration with Fleisher Art Memorial. Shop from vendors, savor tasty bites and enjoy the rotating entertainment. Pay-as-you-go. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: 2nd Place Race
No running required! The object is simple: collect just enough points — puzzles, challenges, games, trading and tricking — to finish in second place. The hunt begins at Quig’s, inside the Plays & Players, third floor, before continuing with a short walk to Devil’s Alley before finishing at City Tap Logan Square. $26.50 tickets benefit Paper Doll Ensemble. (5 to 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: 11th annual Philly Midnight Run
Join neighbors under the stars for a night of motion, music and momentum. Meet at Waterworks Parking Lot behind the Art Museum. Free. Meet time around 10 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 20: Guided Tour of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church
Celebrate its 325th anniversary with a guided tour led by historian and archivist Jeanette Woehr. $15 tickets available with advance registration. (12 to 1 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: A Better World Is Possible Block Party
A day of reflection, healing, and celebration to unveil a powerful Gun Violence Memorial Sculpture and officially open the new Peace Park. This free community event will feature live performances, art activations, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and access to local resources. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour
Icon Cyndi Lauper comes to Philly on her farewell tour. $41 to $300+ tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Through July 27: University City Dining Days
UCD’s popular restaurant promotion returns across West Philadelphia, offering three-course meal options for lunch or dinner at fixed prices of $20, $30 or $40.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
