#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Iron and stone
(Photo by @_marcphilly_)
Philly has a lot of folks who run and great places to do it. What the city had lacked, though, was an organized group advocating for the collective running community. Until now.
The Philly Runners Alliance has ambitious goals, including to have input when it comes to decisions about the streets and trails that runners use. Continue reading …
Married couple Rudi and Nadire Karaj immigrated to the United States in 2001 from Albania, after winning a green card lottery. The pair became U.S. citizens in 2005, and opened Two Eagles Cafe in 2018 — and it has since turned into a neighborhood staple. Learn why. Continue reading ...
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. universities are cutting costs through layoffs and mergers to meet financial challenges. [WHYY]
• Local officials held an emergency community meeting at the Christy Rec Center in West Philly, less than a week after a shooting that injured six people, including several children. [WHYY]
• The latest city opioid prevention program awards funds to select Kensington groups, leaving some past grantees out. [Kensington Voice]
• Philadelphia police are searching for a man they say sexually assaulted five women over the past two weeks near Center City. [WHYY]
• History on a half shell: How Philadelphia was built on oysters. [WHYY]
• “Abbott Elementary” actress Sheryl Lee Ralph renewed her wedding vows with her husband on the iconic Rocky Steps. [People]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 22: Shooting victims recorded from July 27 to Aug. 2, including 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 31 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 135: Year-to-date homicides, down 15% vs. last year’s pace; down 47% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
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🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Aug. 7: Pickleball Tournament
Bridget Foy’s at Head House Plaza is transformed into four full courts for National Pickleball Day. Free open play! Live DJ, cocktails, all ages welcome. Arrive early to sign up. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Friday to Saturday, Aug. 8-9: 23rd Annual Giveback Community Festival and Concert
Two days. Two stages. One city. Live music, youth dance competition, teen summit, fahion, streetball, children’s activities, vendors, scholarship awards and more. At Nicetown Park at 4300 Germantown Ave. (Friday, 1 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 12 to 10 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 8: Crayfish Party
Enjoy an outdoor terrace buffet of crayfish, Swedish meatballs, potatoes, cheese pie, cucumber and beet salads, and dessert at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Plus, paper lanterns, drinking songs and more. $60 for ASHM members and $70 for non-members, $30 children 4-12. Cash/CC Bar. (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: 11th Street Bike Lane Clean-up
Pull weeds and sweep leaves with Philly Bike Action at the 11th Street bike lane and sidewalk! Start at 11th and Washington and work your way up to Bainbridge. Supplies provided, but BYO tools/gloves/brooms/snow shovels for comfort. Coffee, bagels, iced tea, and pastries provided by Bart Bagels and Guzo Cafe. After clean-up hangout hosted by The Lodge from Tow Robber’s. Free to RSVP. (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: Kickbox x Lunchbox
Punch and lunch! Join an intro kickboxing class at the Jiu Jitsu Company, then enjoy a MANNA-curated lunchbox featuring bites from favorite local spots. $50 tickets. All proceeds support MANNA medically-tailored meals for critically ill neighbors. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: Port Richmond Pierogi Fest
The 7th annual event returns to Campbell Square for a day of pierogies, live music and family-friendly activities. Flavors range from bacon & cheddar to spinach and feta. Other food via food trucks also available. Free to attend/Pay-as-you-go. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: Fishtown Forks Block Party
Celebrate the neighborhood and local vendors! (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, Aug. 9-10: Designer Toy Art Festival
This first annual event celebrates toy culture and introduces indie artists, brands and leading creators of the movement. 100+ artists and vendors, plus exhibits, panels, live music, a puppet slam ($20 at the door), collectible drinks cans, food and more. All ages welcome. At the 23rd Street Armory. Tickets: Adults – $20/ Door $25, Youth (12-17) – $10 / $Door $15, Kids (Under 12) – Free.
Saturday, Aug. 9: Street Movies! with Bartram’s Garden
Part of the 28th annual year of the free outdoor screening series that highlights short films. 7:30 p.m. live performance by Hudson River, then 8 p.m. Film program and discussion. Highlights Drexel researchers in Eastwick and Camden examining climate change, a spiritual awakening based in Puerto Rico, Aztec dance in South Philly, and Philly’s indigenous history in Belmont Plateau. Free.
Sunday, Aug. 10: Street Movies! with Friends of FDR Park, cinéSPEAK and PAAFF
Part of the 28th annual year of Street Movies! Vendors courtesy the Southeast Asian Market. 8 p.m. Live poetry reading by Jess X Snow and Cathy Linh Che, 8:15 p.m. Film program and discussion. Featured stories take viewers from Phllly to Sudan, the Philippines and the West Bank. Free.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
