{"id":107543,"date":"2025-07-31T12:36:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T12:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/107543\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T12:36:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T12:36:11","slug":"market-st-mess-love-is-blind-is-coming-to-town-pa-budget-stalemate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/107543\/","title":{"rendered":"Market St. mess; ‘Love Is Blind’ is coming to town; Pa. budget stalemate"},"content":{"rendered":"

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n

These boots were made for planting
(Photo by\u00a0@gpatomk<\/a>)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Angelo Pizza (yes, that\u2019s his actual name) opened\u00a0his namesake pizza restaurant on Market Street\u00a0in November 2020, and survived the pandemic. But it\u2019s ongoing construction, not COVID-19, that has proven the biggest threat to his business.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I were a newer business, we probably wouldn\u2019t make it through this,\u201d Pizza said. \u201cWe\u2019re having a 25 to 30% drop in business because there\u2019s no foot traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reason for the drop in foot traffic and business is construction to make the street more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. It\u2019s short-term pain for long-term gain.\u00a0Mr. Pizza is not the only one feeling the pain this summer.\u00a0Continue reading \u2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"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)<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start at the basics. \u201cLove Is Blind\u201d is a popular Netflix reality show, in which a group of people go on a series of one-on-one \u201cblind\u201d dates where they can\u2019t see each other, only talk.<\/p>\n

Within 10 days, marriage proposals happen without cast members knowing what their new fiance actually looks like.\u00a0Totally normal. Let us catch you up \u2014 and offer up a\u00a0potential contestant or two.\u00a0Continue reading \u2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Philly Mah-Jawn Mahjong Club\u2019s new clubhouse in Old City, with the soon-to-completed mural being painted by a member. (Nick Kariuki\/Billy Penn)<\/p>\n

RECAP: What else happened?<\/p>\n

$ = paywalled<\/p>\n

\u2022 Trump cuts to National Institutes of Health\u00a0took more than $100M out of the Pa. economy<\/a>, according to local research. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Gov. Shapiro joins lawsuit against Trump administration\u00a0over defunding of Planned Parenthood<\/a>. [Capital-Star]<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Schools and counties\u00a0begin to see payment delays as Pa.\u2019s budget stalemate<\/a>\u00a0hits a month. [AP]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0PHL is ranked third-worst airport in the U.S<\/a>. The ranking leans heavily on one factor. [Billy Penn]<\/p>\n

\u2022 The design for a new statue to honor a trailblazing civil rights leader Sadie T.M. Alexander has been chosen.\u00a0It will be erected outside the Municipal Services Building<\/a>. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0PECO is offering $500 grants to help customers pay off overdue bills.\u00a0Here\u2019s what to know<\/a>. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Smarty Jones, a racehorse from Chester County,\u00a0will be added to the Hall of Fame<\/a>\u00a021 years after winning the Kentucky Derby. [CBS3]\u00a0<\/p>\n

MAYOR WATCH<\/p>\n

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.<\/p>\n

ON THE CALENDAR<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfee\u00a0All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival<\/a>
\ud83c\udfca\ud83c\udffd\u00a0Public pools in Philly 2025<\/a>
\ud83c\udf38\u00a027 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather<\/a>
\ud83c\udfc3\ud83c\udffd\u00a0Philly Runners Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

Thursday, July 31: Preparedness 101<\/strong>
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.\u00a0At Making Worlds Bookstore<\/a>. (6 to 7 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3: BlackStar Film Fest\u00a0<\/strong>
The 14th annual celebration of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmaking, with screenings both in-person and online.\u00a0Various times and prices.<\/a><\/p>\n

Friday, Aug. 1: First Friday at Arch Enemy Arts\u00a0<\/strong>
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.)<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 2:\u00a0Fishtown First Farmers Market<\/strong>
Every Saturday\u00a0from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2418 Martha Street<\/a>. Vendors include Local Bound\u2019s collective of badass farmers and makers. Dog- and kid-friendly.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 2: School of Rock Block Party\u00a0<\/strong>
Evil Genius Beer Co. hosts this outdoor live battle of the bands, plus performances\u00a0from the School of Rock Philadelphia, and the return of Tell All Your Friends to close out the night!\u00a0Along Front Street, with beer, food, vendors, and lots of music<\/a>. (12 to 11 p.m.)<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 2:\u00a0The Island Country \u2013 Philadelphia\u2019s Annual\u00a0Indonesian Independence Day Celebration<\/strong>
Kick off the month-long celebration at the\u00a0opening parade and ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m. to Gapura<\/a>\u00a0at 1612 S. Broad Street. Save the date for the Aug. 30 community festival!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 2: Zoo Done It?\u00a0<\/strong>
Uncover the secrets of the Philadelphia Zoo on this mystery adventure set in 1874, during a time when America\u2019s 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.\u00a0Guests can compete as individuals or in teams. $50 tickets<\/a>. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 2:\u00a0Love City Cabaret x SideQuest: Adventure is Out There!<\/strong>
Pack your picnic basket \u2013 Love City Cabaret is journeying to SideQuest Theater for an expansive evening of show tunes and shenanigans, all on the theme of \u201cadventure\u201d. 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.\u00a0$21.94 tickets<\/a>. (7:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n

Sunday, Aug. 3:\u00a02nd St Festival<\/strong>
Founded in 2008 by several local business owners, 2nd St Festival\u00a0takes over the corridor and has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals<\/a>\u00a0in the city. (12 to 10 p.m.)<\/p>\n

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