Post-“No Kings” status; Pan-Asian artists look into future; Missing woman’s remains found | Morning Roundup

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Wash those clowns right out of your hair
(Photo by @kslouf)

After ‘No Kings,’ what’s the status of federal shutdown in Philly

Thousands of people gathered this weekend across the region — including Center City — for the “No Kings” protest rallies.

As the third week of the government shutdown begins, Billy Penn provides this status update on where we are with the government shutdown and other actions — what’s closed? who’s getting paid? when might this end? Continue reading …

‘’No Kings’’ protesters gather at Independence Mall in Philadelphia on Oct. 18, 2025. (Maria Pulcinella/WHYY)

Asian artists present a ‘Living Museum’ to imagine a future informed by the past

A coalition of artists from Philly’s diverse pan-Asian community present a multi-disciplinary, multi-ethnic imagining of the future – not the past — in “Living Museum: Philly Asian Futures,” running Oct. 22-26.

Over 90 minutes or so, audiences will experience a combination of dance, sci-fi, a tea ceremony, a magic garden, or perhaps a special meal, each presented by a different artist. Continue reading …

A coalition of artists from Philly’s diverse pan-Asian community collaborated to present a multi-disciplinary, multi-ethnic imagining of the future – not the past — in “Living Museum: Philly Asian Futures,” running Oct. 22-26, 2025. (Courtesy Philly Asian Futures)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• The lack of a state budget could impact schools soon, advocates warn. [WHYY]

• DNA testing confirms that human remains found behind a Philly school are of missing Philly woman, Kada Scott. [WHYY]

• Menopause care providers warn against a barrage of online ads touting hormone prescriptions. [WHYY]

• Penn Vet initiative looks to track animals life in the city. [TheDP]

• The Philadelphia Land Bank bought 35 garden lots, advancing a land preservation plan that could see them transfer lots to gardeners and land trusts. [WHYY] 

• Michael Days, intrepid journalist and stalwart leader at Daily News and Inquirer, died suddenly at age 72. [Inq$$]

• Jalen Hurts was awesome in a 28-22 win at Minnesota. Former Eagle Carson Wentz wasn’t. [PhillyVoice]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Monday.

ON THE CALENDAR

🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

Monday, Oct. 20: Printmaking by the People: Declarations in Linocut
Join artist Jeshima DeVine from the Brandywine Workshop and Archives in printing your very own revolutionary poster! First, participants will create an image or text inspired by what liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness mean to them. Then they will learn how to transfer their design to a linoleum plate, carve and print it.Make one print to keep and one to donate to our archive, which will inspire a major mural in Center City next year and could be chosen for an exhibition at the Free Library in spring, 2026. At Greater Olney Library. Free with registration. (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) 

Tuesday, Oct. 21: WHYY’s The Pulse Presents: Reimagining Menopause
WHYY’s Maiken Scott and a panel of the region’s leading menopause experts discuss the newest science on symptom management and treatment options. Free registration. (5:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: An Evening with Japan’s Monsters
Gain a rich understanding of the cultural origins of monsters such as Godzilla and the Pokémon with Frank Chance, a scholar who has devoted his life to studying and teaching others about the cultures of Japan, China, and Korea. $14.77 tickets. (6 to 8:30 p.m.) 

Tuesday, Oct. 21: The Pursuit of Liberty: A Book Launch Event With Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg
Join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for the launch of his new book, exploring how the opposing constitutional visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton have defined the nation since its founding, shaped presidents from Washington to Trump, and continued to drive today’s debates over government power. A book sale and signing will follow the program. Free in-person and online with registration. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Designing for Democracy: Part IV
Beginners welcome at this exploration of design and democracy. Participants will collaborate to craft a prototype of a public space – a public plaza, bus stop, civic lawn, or other – and policy using themes and principles devised at previous Designing for Democracy events. This is the final event in a pilot series. $16.74 tickets. (8 p.m.) 

Wednesday, Oct. 22: Opera on Tap Presents Philoween!
Join Opera on Tap Philly for their annual Halloween show, at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen in Old City. All classical music from opera and musical theater, all with a spooky theme. Celebrate all things dark, macabre, and sometimes spoopy silly with your favorite opera singers. $15 per person; $25 for 2 people. (7 p.m.)

Thursday, Oct. 23: Theater of War presents “A REFUTATION”
Dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of excerpts from conflicting historic accounts of Philadelphia’s 1793 yellow fever epidemic as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about health inequities in America today, grounded in the perspectives of nurses, caregivers, and first responders. Performed by David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck.), Eric Berryman (Atlanta), and Michael Braugher (The Gilded Age). At Mother Bethel AME Church. In-person and Zoom. RSVP required. (2 p.m. & 6 p.m.) 

Through Oct. 26: 34th Philadelphia Film Festival
The 34th annual festival lineup includes the Philadelphia premieres of Rian Johnson’s new “Knives Out” mystery, plus special event screenings and high-profile selections like Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On” and Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.” The 10-day festival also includes panels, Q&As, parties, networking events and multiple independent films from Philly-based and international filmmakers.

Through Jan. 3, 2027: The Declaration’s Journey — a new exhibit
The Museum of the American Revolution launches a major 1.5 year long special exhibit exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. 

The post Post-“No Kings” status; Pan-Asian artists look into future; Missing woman’s remains found | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.

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