Billy Penn is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year! Whether you signed up for our email newsletter a decade ago or only recently found us on social media or through our colleagues at WHYY, our goal has remained consistent over the years — to provide an independent news voice for and of Philadelphia, to help you meet your neighbors and navigate the city we all love, and maybe brighten your day.
What has that meant over time? Here are a few — but hardly all — of the articles that resonated with BP readers over the years. Continue reading …
Lauren Lyons, former interim general manager for the Kensington Community Food Co-op; the SS United States; Beth Davidz, a survivor of the Amtrak 188 crash; and the Beury Building. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY and Billy Penn file photos)
Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Pa.-connected actress who won an Emmy for her portrayal of veteran teacher Barbara Howard on the hit TV show “Abbott Elementary,” opens up about her career and her fight for equitable education. The shows returns Wednesday. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• What Philly’s growing dry spell has to do with Hurricanes Milton and Helene. [PennLive]
• A Eagles player used his bye week to support get-out-the-vote efforts in West Philly. [Billy Penn]
• Philly reached a historic $4.2 million settlement over the 2019 PES refinery explosion and fire. [WHYY]
• Local faith leaders raised a number of concerns about Mayor Parker’s proposed deal with the Sixers and asked city leaders to take their time in reviewing the plan for a Center City arena. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• A Philadelphia mom has reservations about CDC’s expansion of gun violence data. [WHYY]
• Pa.’s “Bat King” shapes lumber that Phillies stars will use in their Red October playoff run. [NBC10]
• The Phillies aim to avoid the Braves’ fate this week in New York. [Hittin’ Season]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• A new statewide coalition of hundreds of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals is announcing the beginning of its work across Pennsylvania to advocate for a public health response to the gun violence crisis. [CeaseFirePA]
• New Stoneleigh Foundation Fellow Dr. Daniel Semenza will study how direct and indirect exposure to gun violence influences the mental health of youth in Philadelphia. [Stoneleigh Foundation via Facebook]
• An estimated 71,304 guns were sold last month in Philadelphia, down two percent from the previous month and up five percent from the same month last year. [The Trace]
• Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis kicked off the first in a series of listening sessions across the state that will inform the work of the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, re-established last month by executive order. [@lgaustindavis]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 19: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 2 fatalities, vs. 22 with 2 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 848: Shooting victims as of October 3 were down 40% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 198: Year-to-date homicides, down 41% vs. last year’s pace; down 24% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
10a.m.: The mayor will join The Office of Reentry Partnerships, elected officials and community partners for a ribbon-cutting and site tour of the reentry-focused, Neighborhood Resource Center in North Philadelphia, at 2221 W. Venango St.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 Thursday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 20: World Premiere of ‘Confabulation’
Head to the Arden Theatre for a story intertwining past lives and future fears into a startling current tale of finding yourself amidst the chaos. Part of the first annual New Strides: A Pride Month Play Fest. $25 admission; $20 seniors. (various times)
🍻 Friday, Oct. 11: 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
Get ready for a wild night of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian fun at Philly’s largest Oktoberfest party. $28.45 tickets. (7:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
👩🏽🍳 Friday, Oct. 11: Cookbooks & Convos with Von Diaz
Party with Emmy Award-winning documentarian and food historian Von Diaz at Cherry Street Pier in a celebration of Caribbean flavors, culture and art with La Placita & Amy’s Pastelillos. $35 tickets include food and drink. (4 p.m.)
🌈 Saturday, Oct. 12: OURfest: National Coming Out Parade
The parade will feature a colorful display of curated floats, community organizations, and live performances. Participants will march from 5th and Market to Broad and Locust, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. The celebration continues Sunday with an outdoor festival. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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