#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Mood lighting
(Photo by @_marcphilly_)
A crowd of more than 50 community organizers and Philly residents gathered outside the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice last week for a rally in response to an arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents earlier this week. Continue reading …
Erika Guadalupe Nunez, the executive director of Juntos, led the July 18 rally, giving opening remarks and introducing the trio of other speakers. (Davis Cuffe/Billy Penn)
Old City’s Fringe Bar was awash in “Nasty Castys.” The venue held a contest to find the best doppelganger of Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos. The field of 23 included a 9-year-old. Continue reading ,,,,
The field of 23 doppelgangers who turned up for Fringe Bar’s Nick Castellanos lookalike competition on Friday, July 20. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa., Del. and N.J. sue Trump’s FEMA over the end of a grant program that helps states prevent flooding. [WHYY]
• AI data centers like the ones coming to Pa. are using more power. Regular customers are footing the bill. [Capital-Star]
• Former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke talked about Democratic failures, Gaza and the youth vote at a Philly event. [WHYY]
• Nonbinary runners file complaint against City of Philadelphia for lack of full inclusion in marathon. [PGN]
• Kensington’s Peace Park opens with a new Mural Arts sculpture made from disassembled firearms. [WHYY]
• In Germantown, thousands of dresses — and their rich history — could crumble, thanks to Trump’s cuts to the arts. [Inq$]
• The Phillies gave their home fans at Citizens Bank Park a show Friday with a hilarious parody of the viral kiss cam moment that happened at a Coldplay concert earlier this week. [SI.com]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Beetlejuice” come to Philly
🏮 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, July 22: Marian Bailey’s We’re Not Done Yet Mural Dedication
Celebrate the dedication of a new mural, “We’re Not Done Yet,” by Philadelphia-based artist Marian Bailey whose work centers Blackness, gender diversity, and reflections on community, history, and healing. In South Philly. (3 to 4 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 22: Summer Supper Series at Victory Brewing Company
Join this summer dinner party featuring 4 paired courses from Victory’s Chef Jeremy that pair with exclusive beers while enjoying Parkway views. Seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. $60.54 tickets.
Wednesday, July 23: Philadelphia’s First Historic District Corridor Talk and Tour
Welcome to Philadelphia’s first Historic District Corridor designated by the Historic Commission. Murals and Markers tell the story of a glorious past. Guided by experienced real estate broker Judith Robinson. Free tickets. (4 to 5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 23: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Grim(m) and Glorious Story of Children’s Lit
From nursery rhymes to Disney, the 17th to 21st centuries, join a Penn professor and scholar on children’s lit, the Gothic, and adolescence in media to explore the history of tales that stick with us well into adulthood. Advance tickets: $14.77. Walk-in: $17 tickets. Students: $15. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 23: Climate Change Crafting Night
Addressing climate change can feel overwhelming! Come learn what we can do to address it in Philadelphia, and make art — including friendship bracelets! — to spread the word. Supplies included. At Indy Hall. $10 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 23: 125 Years of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Celebrate the anniversary of the Orchestra at TD Pavilion at the Mann. $39 to $85+ tickets. (8 p.m.)
Thursday, July 24: Charlie’s Angels – A Live Reading
Once upon a time there were three very different little girls… Be ready to kick some ass and take every single name in sight as Theatre Contra performs the script of Charlie’s Angels (2000) live at the Trestle Inn. No food allowed inside. $17.32 VIP tickets include 4 raffle tickets. (7 to 9 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.