#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Not frowning in Fitler Square
(Photo by @thetinybun)

For Philadelphia, 2026 is everything — and city officials, nonprofits and corporate partners are confident that the semiquincentennial will be a big success. Why are they so confident? Billy Penn checked in with leaders across the city as preparations for the 250th celebration get real. Continue reading …

Independence Hall’s rear facade. (Danya Henninger/Billy Penn)

The Philly Fringe Festival is growing and so is its audience.

The 2025 Fringe lineup announced Tuesday morning features a record 331 productions in 96 locations, with a record 129 first-time creators. It runs Sept. 4–28. Continue reading …

Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips, creator of “Around the Word in 80 Toys” (Courtesy Philly Fringe Fest)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Shapiro joins lawsuit to claw back education funding withheld by Trump administration. [Capital-Star]

• DC47, Philadelphia’s white-collar union, reaches deal with city on new contract, avoiding strike. [6ABC] 

• What Trump’s no taxes on tips and overtime law means for Philly workers. [WHYY] 

• A federal judge ruled Monday that a Philadelphia charter school that sued the school district to allow it to stay open despite poor academic performance must shut down. [Chalkbeat] 

• Drexel, Penn, and waste management startup Rego joined forces for a new, high-tech way to help reduce move-out furniture, clothing and trash — and give back to the community in the process. [Technical.ly]

• Billy Penn and WHYY’s Pop-Up Newsroom drew about 75 people to share story pitches at Philadelphia City Hall. [WHYY] 

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

  • 39: Shooting victims recorded from July 6 to 12, including 5 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 28 shooting victims were recorded, including 6 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
  • 123: Year-to-date homicides, down 11.5% vs. last year’s pace; down 45% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Cherelle Parker and city officials will discuss a tentative 3-year contract agreement with District Council 47, at City Hall, 10 a.m.

The mayor will welcome the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as the city hosts the organization’s 98th General Convention this week, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 8:15 p.m.

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

Wednesday, July 16: Free Library of Philadelphia Town Hall
Parkway Central hosts the latest town hall in a series where residents can share ideas about the future of your library here in Philadelphia. Free tickets. (6 p.m.)

Wednesday, July 16: Autistic Adult Mixer
The first in a series of events for autistic adults by autistic adults. This session serves as an social hang out with an activity, multiple spaces, and time to get to know others. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to participate. At Flashpoint in East Passyunk (enter through Nutmeg). (6:30 to 8 p.m.)

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.) 

Thursday, July 17: Music at Konrad Square
Joe O’Brien performs acoustic hits at the latest installment in the concert series in Fishtown. BYO blanket and picnic. (6 p.m.)

Thursday, July 17: Trivia Murder Mystery
Form a team with your sleuthiest friends and see if you can solve The Case of The Poisoned Patron over food and drink at Strangelove’s in Center City. $13 to $20 tickets. (7 to 10 p.m.)

Friday, July 19: Stills at Play opening reception
PL130’s newest gallery, Stills at Play, is presented in collaboration with Philadelphia Film Society.  This gallery explores what happens to a film when motion is stilled and sound is silenced. The show features the work of 5 Philadelphia filmmakers through still frames drawn directly from one of their films. (7 to 9 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: Swear Jar Jamboree
Philadelphia’s Swear Jar improv team is celebrating its first birthday with an all-day comedy festival featuring more than 20 acts. $9 to $20 tickets. (2:30 to 10 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 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.