#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
These boots were made for planting
(Photo by @gpatomk)
Angelo Pizza (yes, that’s his actual name) opened his namesake pizza restaurant on Market Street in November 2020, and survived the pandemic. But it’s ongoing construction, not COVID-19, that has proven the biggest threat to his business.
“If I were a newer business, we probably wouldn’t make it through this,” Pizza said. “We’re having a 25 to 30% drop in business because there’s no foot traffic.”
The reason for the drop in foot traffic and business is construction to make the street more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s short-term pain for long-term gain. Mr. Pizza is not the only one feeling the pain this summer. Continue reading …
Foot traffic and visibility have been difficult for The Angelo Pizza, on Market Street between 2nd and 3rd streets, obstructed by a fence outside the restaurant for months as part of ongoing construction. (Davis Cuffe/Billy Penn)
Let’s start at the basics. “Love Is Blind” is a popular Netflix reality show, in which a group of people go on a series of one-on-one “blind” dates where they can’t see each other, only talk.
Within 10 days, marriage proposals happen without cast members knowing what their new fiance actually looks like. Totally normal. Let us catch you up — and offer up a potential contestant or two. Continue reading …
Philly Mah-Jawn Mahjong Club’s new clubhouse in Old City, with the soon-to-completed mural being painted by a member. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump cuts to National Institutes of Health took more than $100M out of the Pa. economy, according to local research. [WHYY]
• Gov. Shapiro joins lawsuit against Trump administration over defunding of Planned Parenthood. [Capital-Star]
• Schools and counties begin to see payment delays as Pa.’s budget stalemate hits a month. [AP]
• PHL is ranked third-worst airport in the U.S. The ranking leans heavily on one factor. [Billy Penn]
• The design for a new statue to honor a trailblazing civil rights leader Sadie T.M. Alexander has been chosen. It will be erected outside the Municipal Services Building. [WHYY]
• PECO is offering $500 grants to help customers pay off overdue bills. Here’s what to know. [WHYY]
• Smarty Jones, a racehorse from Chester County, will be added to the Hall of Fame 21 years after winning the Kentucky Derby. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.
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 31: Preparedness 101
From short-term power outages to longer periods sheltering in place or boil water orders, its always important to make sure you and your family are prepared for any scenario. At Making Worlds Bookstore. (6 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3: BlackStar Film Fest
The 14th annual celebration of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmaking, with screenings both in-person and online. Various times and prices.
Friday, Aug. 1: First Friday at Arch Enemy Arts
The gallery debuts six new exhibits from local artists, with several available in-person in Old City to discuss their work. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Fishtown First Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2418 Martha Street. Vendors include Local Bound’s collective of badass farmers and makers. Dog- and kid-friendly.
Saturday, Aug. 2: School of Rock Block Party
Evil Genius Beer Co. hosts this outdoor live battle of the bands, plus performances from the School of Rock Philadelphia, and the return of Tell All Your Friends to close out the night! Along Front Street, with beer, food, vendors, and lots of music. (12 to 11 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: The Island Country – Philadelphia’s Annual Indonesian Independence Day Celebration
Kick off the month-long celebration at the opening parade and ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m. to Gapura at 1612 S. Broad Street. Save the date for the Aug. 30 community festival!
Saturday, Aug. 2: Zoo Done It?
Uncover the secrets of the Philadelphia Zoo on this mystery adventure set in 1874, during a time when America’s first zoo was about to open its gates to the public. Stay sharp, keep your wits about you, and try not to become the next exhibit in this deadly tale of murder by gaslight. Guests can compete as individuals or in teams. $50 tickets. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Love City Cabaret x SideQuest: Adventure is Out There!
Pack your picnic basket – Love City Cabaret is journeying to SideQuest Theater for an expansive evening of show tunes and shenanigans, all on the theme of “adventure”. Watch cast members head into the woods, go the distance, and find their grails! All ages show, costumes encouraged. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. $21.94 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: 2nd St Festival
Founded in 2008 by several local business owners, 2nd St Festival takes over the corridor and has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in the city. (12 to 10 p.m.)