Nearly 4 in 5 businesses reported an increase in sales during the four Open Streets Sunday events in September, when streets around Rittenhouse Square were closed, said Prema Katari Gupta, CEO of the Center City District business association.
Those businesses saw sales jump an average of 68% compared to a typical Sunday, with some reporting nearly threefold increases, Gupta said. Which begs the question: Can we do more of this? Continue reading …
What does it actually mean to produce Latinx theater in the United States? Does the plot have to have a particular set of themes? Do the actors need to be Latinx? Is Spanish a requirement?
In Philadelphia this month, two theater groups are taking different approaches to plays penned by two Philadelphia Latina playwrights, Erlina Ortiz and Tanaquil Márquez. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• It’s too close to Election Day to consider changing mail ballot rules, Pennsylvania Supreme Court says. [Spotlight PA]
• ‘We really can’t do our job without IV fluids’: How Philly-area hospitals are dealing with shortages caused by Hurricane Helene. [WHYY]
• In Pa., a bipartisan majority of people support moderate immigration proposals such as work visas and paths to citizenship, according to a survey. [PennLive]
• A Philly family court judge has been suspended without pay for the last three months of his time on the bench over his politically charged social media posts. [AP]
• Temporary flood barriers will be built in Southwest Philly’s low-lying Eastwick neighborhood, thanks to a federal grant as planners continue evaluating a proposed levee along Cobbs Creek. [PhillyVoice]
• Well, that was fast. Red October is over for Phillies. [WHYY]
• A drone might have just uncovered a buried Civil War sub sought for decades, resting under the mud in South Jersey. [Inquirer$]
MAYOR WATCH
10 a.m.: The mayor will join the Office of Public Safety for its inaugural Anti-Violence Community Partnership Grants (AVCPG) Conference, at Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, 4200 City Ave.. This two-day conference brings together grantees to access to vital information from nonprofit leaders.
1 p.m.: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City officials and partners will welcome the inaugural class of the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) during an official launch event at Community College of Philadelphia’s Klein Cube, 2nd Floor, 1700 Spring Garden St.
2:10 p.m.: The mayor will join Mural Arts and community members at a mural dedication for Luminaries: The Coronation, a tribute mural to Jill Scott at the Philadelphia High School for Girls, 1400 W. Olney Ave. The mural, designed by artist Patrick Dougher, celebrates the school’s 176th anniversary by honoring notable alumni like Jill Scott, who exemplifies excellence and community impact.
3 p.m.: The mayor will join Senator Jimmy Dillon at Gifford Playground, 575 Tomlinson Rd., as he announces state funding awarded to the Philadelphia Police Foundation, which will fund the installation of crime cameras and infrastructure upgrades across several local police districts.
6 p.m.: The mayor will join Director William Garcia of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement to celebrate the ending of Hispanic Heritage Month with performances highlighting Hispanic heritage. At City Hall.
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 Friday, Oct. 11: 6th annual Latin American Book Fair
Readers, writers, poets, illustrators, and art lovers will come together for an afternoon that honors the rich and vibrant tapestry of Latino culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year, the Free Library features Venezuela as our guest country. (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
🛍️ Saturday, Oct. 12: Fishtown Vintage Flea Market
Two flea markets side-by-side bring over 150 vendors to the streets surrounding Hackett Elementary in Fishtown. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🎃 Saturday, Oct. 12: Pumpkinpalooza
The Please Touch Museum hosts a full day of family fun featuring pumpkins, from painting and sing-a-longs to a parade. $5 pumpkin carving pass; $22 general admission. (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🌈 Sunday, Oct. 13: National Coming Out Festival & Resource Fair
After Saturday’s OURFest parade, celebrate on Sunday at the outdoor festival in the Gayborhood, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. (12 to 7 p.m.)
🧿 Through Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Weekend
Explore Native American history, culture, and their role in the American Revolution. Lenape social dances, beadwork sessions, film screenings, gallery talks, and more. $13/23 general museum admission.
Catch up on the previous week
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