#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Red sky at night
(Photo by @robineiseman_photography)
Packed cars, cancellations, and delay headaches: Regional Rail riders should brace for a rough week
Delays, cancellations and sardine-level crowding will be the norm across SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines this week, as the transit agency scrambles to complete a government-mandated audit of its aging fleet of railcars, five of which have burst into flames this year. Here’s what commuters need to know. (And yes, Nov. 15 can’t come soon enough.) Continue reading …
A Clay Studio on wheels brings creativity to Philly seniors
The Clay Studio’s Claymobile — an educational program that brings ceramic-making to sites across Philadelphia à la designated vans (aka Claymobiles) — has been running for over three decades. And seniors like Patrick Curran, a 74-year-old retiree from East Germantown, love it. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. House Democrats are furious with their Senate colleagues, 8 of whom voted to end the government shutdown with little to show for it. One of them was Sen. John Fetterman, who explained his vote to NPR. Also, in a new book, Fetterman shares that “he should have quit” the Senate while struggling with the effects of a stroke and depression. (Inq$, NPR, AP)
• Tower Health lays off 350, including medical staff, at Pottstown Hospital. (NBC10)
• Housing advocates say the mayor’s $2 billion H.O.M.E. initiative doesn’t do enough for low-income renters and homeowners, seniors. (WHYY)
• Sasha Suda files suit over her firing as CEO of Philly’s art museum. (WHYY)
• A Philly nonprofit will be conservator for the infamous Gosnell abortion clinic. (WHYY)
• Red light cameras on Kelly Drive are turned on, starting the 60-day warning period. (NBC10)
• The Eagles won a strange game in frigid Green Bay on Monday night to improve to 7-2. (PhillyVoice)
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will attend the 110th anniversary celebration of Big Brothers Big Sisters, at the Kimmel Center. (5:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Family Hike
Join Friends of the Wissahickon and Hike+Heal for a special family hike honoring those who have served while reflecting on connection, resilience and gratitude in nature. (1 to 3:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Poetry Battle + Friendsgiving Potluck
“Bring a dish. Bring your voice. No alcohol — just art, community and real energy.” Donations support the poets. Fall mocktails all night. At FaceClock Gallery in Norris Square. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Contemporary Video Art Exhibition 2025 Screening & Conversation
The seventh iteration of this exhibit celebrates recorded moving images by artists from South and South-West Asia and North Africa (SSWANA), as well as artists of indentured Indian descent and their diasporas. At Twelve Gates Arts (12G), co-presented with PAAFF. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Toast to the Circuit Trails
Head to Cherry Street Pier to mark a monumental milestone for the Circuit Trails network! This isn’t just a celebration; it’s a chance to honor the communities, stories and moments that make the Circuit Trails so special. Optional pre-party walks. Free with registration. (5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Death Cafe (Virtual)
Globally, Death Cafés offer a space for strangers to meet and talk openly and authentically about death. As public group-led discussions, there is no agenda, objectives, or themes beyond increasing awareness of death and making the most of our finite lives. Brew a cup of tea and join Laurel Hill Cemetery online to discuss whatever comes to mind. Staff are not professional counselors. RSVP to receive Zoom link. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: DIY & Dialogue: A Sustainable Screenprinting Mixer
Bring your own T-shirt, tote bag or blank textile (or grab a thrifted blank item!) and join Green Philly for a hands-on evening of creativity and connection. Discussion prompts will help spark meaningful conversations about sustainability to help you meet one another. Free. At the Discovery Center in Fairmount Park. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Birthright Citizenship and the U.S. Constitution
This seminar with the Rosenbach Museum and Library will examine the history of birthright citizenship (dating from at least 1608), the regulation of immigration from the adoption of the Constitution to the Civil War, and the debates over the citizenship clause in the 14th Amendment. Led by Paul Finkelman, PhD. Virtual class. $50 tickets. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Sacred Spaces & Storied Places
An introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West, including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective, as no two tours are the same. $15 tickets. (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Grown-Up Book Fair & Swap-Love City
Love City Brewing teams with Books and Brews Philly and The Broken Spine to bring you a book lover’s dream evening, featuring local romance author, Christy Schillig! Bring a gently used book(s) to swap (any genre, in good condition, no textbooks), sip on a beverage, and shop new books gifts and merch! Also: bring canned goods and non-perishables to support Greater Goods in Kensington. Ages 21+. $10 tickets. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Mayfair Christmas Village & Tree Lighting
Head to Cottman and Frankford avenues for a festive celebration to kick off the holiday season with family and friends! Free photos with Santa and visit the Village to do some early Christmas shopping. Free to attend. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Oyster Fest at Reading Terminal Market
This after-hours event features a walk-around style experience that will showcase over a dozen varieties of freshly shucked East Coast oysters and mignonettes paired with locally sourced craft beers, wine and Stateside vodka samplings. Tickets are $175. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Pints for North Light
The 17th annual fundraiser with food, craft beer, a raffle and auction items, all to support the North Light Community Center in Manayunk. Hosted at Manayunk Brewing Co. $60-80 tickets. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15: Friendsgiving Gone Wrong: A Murder Mystery Event
A night of food, friends and fatal consequences in this interactive murder mystery brought to you by Theatre Contra and A Novel Idea on Passyunk. Help find out whodunnit! Someone at the table isn’t who they say they are … (7 p.m.)
Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 13-15: Innovation Weekend
Back for a fourth year, Innovation Weekend draws founders, investors and ecosystem builders dedicated to advancing a thriving, inclusive tech community. Leaders from across the country come to Philly for the weekend. $95 Friday tickets.
Through Nov. 16: Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
PAAFF returns for its 18th year of screenings and year-round workshops, panels and more. Various prices and locations.
The post Rough week on SEPTA rails; Fetterman explains vote; Clay creativity | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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