City Hall bike lanes; African American Market at FDR Park; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup

September 25, 2025Uncategorized

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Toast to the sunrise
(Photo by @mw845522)

Construction begins on new bike lane around City Hall

PennDOT has begun a repaving project that will create a new bike lane encircling City Hall, with the goal of improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians and helping calm traffic in the busy heart of Center City. Continue reading …

Cyclists round the curve at the southeast corner of Penn Square, where PennDOT plans to install a new bike lane. (Joe Russell/Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia)

The African American Market joins FDR Park’s weekend lineup

For years, FDR Park has been a staple for outdoor vendors and cultural spots like the Latino and Southeast Asian markets. And now, Philadelphians can check out its newest addition: the African American Market. Continue reading …

Terae Gregory and Paige Gbasie run Spiced, a local hat bar.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• City Council condemns President Trump over plans to alter the slavery exhibit at Independence Park: the “approach to whitewash American history … will not be tolerated,” the resolution introduced Thursday says. [Billy Penn/PhillyVoice] 

• Pa. wants in on a multi-state legal battle to protect SNAP data for 2 million recipients. A hearing on adding Pennsylvania to the litigation is set for next week. [Capital-Star]

• Philadelphia police launch campaign to stop ‘high-tech’ carjackings. [WHYY] 

• To ease Philly’s housing crunch, Mayor Parker wants a tax exemption for developers building affordable rentals. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly] 

• A new state-of-the-art AI innovation hub opened in Kensington’s Hopeworks, where young adults can acquire job skills and gain real-world business experience. [NBC10] 

• Philadelphia plans to spend nearly two-thirds of its opioid settlement funds  — $167 million  — on Riverview Wellness Village and related programs over the next five years. [Kensington Voice]

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.

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

  • 11: Shooting victims recorded from Sept. 14 to 20, including 3 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 11 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
  • 163: Year-to-date homicides, down 15% vs. last year’s pace; down 52% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]

ON THE CALENDAR

🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🚦 10/2: Safer Streets: A Billy Penn Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

Thursday, Sept. 25: 5th annual Dogs on Deck
A hot dog competition where 6 Philly chefs compete for a custom trophy and bragging rights. Proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). $33.85 ticket includes hot dogs. Cash bar available. (6 to 9 p.m.)

Thursday, Sept. 25: Global Quizzo Oktoberfest
Join globally-minded Philadelphians for a fun evening at the German Society. Test your knowledge of all things Philly; history, pop culture, international happenings in the city, and tall tales – and answer questions about our Sister Cities. Free with registration; Cash bar and BYO food. (6:15 to 9 p.m.)

Friday, Sept. 26: Book Exchange/Low-Stakes Book Club Anniversary Pot Luck
Bring some books that you’ve enjoyed but are ready to share with the world. Pot-luck snacks and goodies are also appreciated. At Brooke Lanier Fine Art. Free. (5 to 7 p.m.)

Friday, Sept. 26: Art After Dark Happy Hour 
Meet under the giant paintbrush at PAFA for this night of art, music, shopping, food and drinks in the outdoor courtyard. Museum admission included. RSVP Pay-what-you-wish/$10 suggested donation. (5 to 8 p.m.)

Friday, Sept. 26: Jazz Night
Enjoy live music over cocktails at Nutmeg Nonalcoholic Bar & Market that let the jazz give you the buzz instead of the alcohol. (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.)

Friday, Sept. 26: Germantown Art & Sound
Support talented artists in the heart of Germantown at this interactive community art show. Free. (7 to 10 p.m.) 

Saturday, Sept. 27: Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon 13.1 Training Run 
Meet at the PMA steps at 7 a.m. for this training run with 3, 6, 8, 10, and 14-mile route options. Water will be available at the turnaround points for each distance. All runners welcome. Finish on Kelly Drive at Lloyd Hall, where there will be bananas, water and vendors. 

Saturday, Sept. 27: 2025 Philadelphia Cup Regatta
A day of competition and camaraderie on the Delaware River, racing multiple classes of keelboats and dinghies, plus an awards ceremony and afterparty at Penn’s Landing. 

Saturday, Sept. 27: Autumnal Equinox Celebration 
A day of food, drink, art, and connection, highlighting the creativity of local makers and small businesses on South Street. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: Omo Naija Festival
A vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, unity, and creativity in the heart of Philly. A full day of rich music, authentic food, cultural showcases, live music, bold fashion, art, and good vibes. $22.99 tickets; Free for kids under 12. At One Art Community Center near Cathedral Park. (12 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 27: South Street Fall Fest 
From S 8th to Front Streets, there will be Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz, a macabre masquerade at Atomic City Comics x DreamEerie, a skate park pop-up, food trucks, live music, kids maker market and dance party, and a Fantasy Renn Faire at Queen & Rook. (12 to 8 p.m.)

The post City Hall bike lanes; African American Market at FDR Park; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.

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