#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
“Handi-dextrous”
(Photo by @denisewalksphilly)
The Philly Bike Ride returns for a fourth year of leisurely cruising along Philly’s streets
The Philly Bike Ride is back on the streets of Philadelphia Saturday, Oct. 18, for its fourth year bringing a car-free “party on two wheels.”
This year’s social bike ride expects to have 6,000 riders cruising through the 20- or 7.6-mile courses, starting from the Ben Franklin Parkway and finishing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, along with a festival at the end. One complicating factor: the second “No Kings” rally is planned for the same day. Continue reading …
SEPTA inspections causing major delays for commuters
Earlier this month, the Federal Railroad Administration issued an Emergency Order after several recent fires on SEPTA’s Regional Rail trains. Now, riders are experiencing service disruptions due to the ongoing inspections of 225 of its older Silverliner IV railcars. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Being suspected of child abuse can land you in this Pa. database—even without a conviction. [Spotlight PA]
• How is the federal shutdown affecting Pennsylvania?
More than 66,000 civilian federal workers live in the state and many are furloughed during this period. [WHYY]
• Penn union organizers call Trump demands on higher education in exchange for funding a “total betrayal of our values.” [WHYY]
• Taxpayers are buying one-way bus tickets for Philly’s unhoused population through a program from the city’s Office of Homeless Services. [NBC10]
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art has changed its name and its brand — to a more colloquial Philadelphia Art Museum. [WHYY]
• Vincent Termini Sr., second-generation owner of Termini Brothers, dies at 86. [PhillyVoice]
• A backyard gardener, age seven, grows a zucchini that becomes the talk of the block. [Fitler Focus]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will address attendees of the African American Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner at the Bellevue Hotel, 200 S. Broad St. (6:30 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- How Pennsylvania’s budget impasse is impacting domestic violence programs. [NBC10]
- Rep. Kenyatta’s fiery comments on gun rights sparked a confrontation before a bill to ban Glock switches failed. [Philly Voice]
- SW Philly community members gathered for the annual Peace Not Guns Festival. [CBS News]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 5: Shooting victims recorded from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, including 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 19 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 168: Year-to-date homicides, down 15.6% vs. last year’s pace; down 54% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Black LGBTQ+ Collections Open House
Reception and viewing of a wide selection of Black LGBTQ+ archival material from the archives at William Way LGBT Community Center. Food and drinks included, plus timed tours. Free and open to the public. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Paint Me a Road Out of Here Film Screening & Discussion
Follow a 50-year journey from Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum in a heartbreaking, funny, and true parable for a world without mass incarceration. Catherine Gund directs this award-winning film. Followed by a Q&A with artists. At the Fitler Club. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 9: Voices of Philly: Research on the Impact of Murals for Philadelphians
Come to Penn’s Huntsman Hall to meet researchers from across psychology, neurology and criminology as they share new research on the impact of murals for Philadelphians — and a reduction in neighborhood crime, perception of their environment, and on individual feelings of wellness or belonging. FREE. (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 9: Boktoberfest Pumpkin Painting
Perfect for date night, bestie hangout, or family night with the kids (Ages 12 and below)! $21.40 ticket includes a little pumpkin and decorating supplies. Food and drinks available to purchase. (5 to 6 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 9: Preview screening of Ken Burns’s upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution
As part of the nation’s semiquincentennial commemoration, this event highlights Greater Philadelphia region’s pivotal role in the founding of the U.S.. Screening followed by an exclusive interview by Terry Gross, co-host of WHYY’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley.” Ticket required. (5:30 p.m. doors open; 7 p.m. start)
Thursday, Oct. 9: 2025 YèShì Chinatown Night Market
The annual open-air, food and entertainment event meant to highlight Chinatown as a commercial hub and community. Free. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: Scrapple Sculpting Contest
All sculptors, artist and scrapple lovers are welcome to watch the 2nd annual competition at Reading Terminal Market. Emceed by Amy Strauss, local food and drink writer and author of Pennsylvania Scrapple. Two winners: 1 chosen Friday by PMA Director Sasha Suda, and 1 chosen Saturday by popular vote. (12 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: WELL YES Marketplace
A marketplace of health and wellness resources for attendees of all ages. Live music, joy in a stigma-free environment, and 20 culturally-competent resource providers. On-site STI testing, PrEP and PEP education, appointment scheduling, peer-led connections and wellness kits at no charge. At PHMC Health Center on Cedar, at 501 S. 54th Street. (2 to 5 p.m.)
Friday to Saturday, Oct. 10-11: Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory
Armory Oktoberfest is 3 sessions over 2 days and each session has 3 kinds of Tickets: $25 general admission includes first liter of beer, pay-as-you-go food and drink. $70 VIP tickets for early entry, 2 liters of beer, 1 platter of food and reserved seating with table service. Group tickets are $85 per person in groups of 4. (1 to 5 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: Friday Night: Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Edition
Celebrate music, art and community at the PMA with a salsa party, pop-up studio, guided tours, artist talks, and more! Pay-what-you-want admission. (5 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice
A new version of the East Passyunk Opera Project’s celebrated show, made especially for young audiences (Preschool -3rd grade) & their families. $17.85 tickets; At Theatre Exile. (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: Philadelphia Blues Society Festival
An inaugural festival at Temple’s Ambler Campus, featuring performances by local, national and internationally renowned blues musicians and bands, with food trucks, craft vendors and a beer garden onsite. $40 tickets. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The post Bike ride nears; SEPTA short railcars; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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