#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Open wonder on Open Streets
(Photo by @photolope)
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 represents 9,000 city workers, including sanitation workers, city mechanics, 911 dispatchers and school crossing guards. The last strike lasted 20 days and led to trash piling up on city streets.
What can we expect this time around? Reduced and delayed services, although officials say emergency 911 call centers will remain operational, but with longer-than-average response times. Continue reading…
After years of growing grassroots and celebrity support, the bid for an expansion team triumphed.
The expansion team will be co-owned by Sixers owners, with Comcast holding a minority stake. It’s slated to play in same arena as the 76ers. BP’s Nick Kariuki has all the details that we know right now. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Severe storms in Pa., Del., and N.J. are forecasted to bring strong winds, and flooding rains today. [NBC10]
• Pennsylvania will receive $36.9 million in federal funding to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from drinking water. Delaware is also slated to receive more than $9.8 million as well. [WHYY]
• U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a fixture in Philadelphia politics for decades, will not run for reelection when his term ends in January 2027. [WHYY]
• Philly’s Federal Reserve is getting a new leader for the first time in a decade. [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker’s signature “extended day, extended year” school initiative is expanding to 15 new schools next year, offering free before- and after-school programs and “camp experiences” during winter and spring breaks,. They will also join the city’s six-week Summer Achievers summer camp program. [Chalkbeat]
• SEPTA is seeking public input on how to improve a dangerous Erie Avenue corridor. [PhillyVoice]
• What we know so far about the deadly Nicetown fire and explosion, which officials are still investigating. [Billy Penn]
• Nicole Sweeney brings her national jazz journey back to Philly’s WRTI, where it all began. [WHYY]
• A fan turned Saquon Barkley’s reverse hurdle into a costume — and won big. Here’s how he did it. [Inquirer$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events on her schedule for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, July 1: Shot: We the Mothers Photography Exhibition
A photo documentary honoring Philadelphia mothers who have lost children to gun violence. This powerful memorial by Kathy Shorr features portraits of 21 mothers taken at locations of their choice, which hold a special meaning to their child. At Taylor Memorial Baptist Church. Free. (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 2: Red, White, & Blue To-Do
Flag-raising, chocolate-making, storytelling, live poetry and music, and more “pomp and parade” at the Betsy Ross House. (9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 2: Free Library of Philadelphia Town Hall – Kingsessing Library
Here’s your chance to share your ideas about the future of your library here in Philadelphia. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, July 3: Summer aBroad Block Party
The Summer aBroad lineup spans across the summer, with a block party from 12 to 3 p.m. Thursday, followed by a July 23 Game Night, August 23 Health Fest, and DIY app AR tour! Free; Registration unlocks exclusive giveaways and perks.
Thursday, July 3: Welcome to South Street Night Market
South Street’s incredibly popular night market series returns this summer, kicking off the 4th of July weekend with open streets and pop-up vending on the 700, 500 and 300 blocks of South Street, as well as South 3rd Street. (5 to 9 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.)
Friday, July 4: Cedar Park Friday Night Jazz
A free, family-friendly event. BYO lawn chair, water, beverage cooler, and dancing shoes! Tonight feat. Bobby Zankel’s Wonderful Sound Six. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, July 5: Yacht Rock Cook Out
A Fourth of July weekend classic cook out in the Evil Genius Beer Company beer garden with DJ Bob Beast, from 12 p.m./Noon to 11 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., New Yacht City is playing a free live show at the taproom.
Saturday, July 5: Drop In Science Workshop: Summer Styles
How does making clothing impact the global environment? What is upcycling and why is it so important? There is more than meets the eye in our choices for summer styles! Plus, bring an old pair of shorts and repurpose them into a lunch bag to take home. $24 tickets age 13+; $20 for children at the Academy of Natural Sciences. (2 to 4 p.m.)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
