#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Grave reflection at Old Swedes’ Church in South Philly
(Photo by @josephiyoob)
Tours offered as the former South Philly refinery site is redeveloped
The Bellwether District is the 1,300-acre expanse of mostly open land in South Philadelphia that served as an oil storage and refinery site for about 150 years, until a fire and series of explosions permanently shut it down in 2019.
The HRP Group is in the midst of an extensive rehabilitation of the land — and it’s letting the public check it out on a series of hourlong tours. Billy Penn’s Meir Rinde took one, and reports on what he found out. Continue reading …
Saving old homes supports affordability, preservationists say
Eight years ago, an outcry over the demolition of historically significant buildings in Philadelphia led then-Mayor Jim Kenney to boost support for the city’s underfunded Historical Commission and jumpstart the designation of new historic districts.
Those efforts have led to economic benefits, according to a new report released Wednesday by the nonprofit Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, despite disagreement from residents who feel stymied by such designations. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• State lawmakers are considering legislation to protect ratepayers from increased energy bills resulting from internet data centers. [WHYY]
• A plan to help domestic violence victims collect unemployment is frozen in the Pa. Senate – again. [Capital-Star]
• CHOP lawyers defend transgender care in blistering response to Trump administration seeking patient information. [Inq$]
• Philly students show improving math scores and attendance rates since the pandemic ended, but less proficiency in reading compared to last year. [Billy Penn/Chalkbeat]
• After Kada Scott’s body was found near a long-vacant Philadelphia school, community outrage was reignited over what they say has been an ongoing problem with illegal dumping, crime and neglect. [CBS3]
• Every day, trained therapy dogs roam the halls of a Center City charter school, and they’re having a positive impact on student performance. [WHYY]
• A 10-foot long, 8-foot deep sinkhole has caused part of the Schuylkill River Trail to temporarily close. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker and city officials will hold a press conference to highlight the city’s new Illegal Dumping Taskforce and its role in investigating and enforcing broadened laws regarding illegal dumping incidents across Philadelphia, at 10th and Courtland streets. (1:30 p.m.)
The mayor, a Lincoln University graduate, will take part in a homecoming celebration that will also mark the 100th anniversary of The Lincolnian, one of the nation’s oldest student newspapers, at 3020 Market Street. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Oct. 23: Philadelphia Mosaic: Immigrant Film Showcase
Two films: “Expanding Sanctuary” and “Status Pending” serve as a centerpiece in an evening of Latin food, live music, and conversation highlighting stories of resilience, activism, and the cultural richness of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities. Free with registration. At Esperanza Arts Center. (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: People Power Media Fest
An annual convening for independent media creators seeking inspiration. Hosted at WHYY and PhillyCAM. Participate in workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities in the spirit of community media. The theme for 2025 – Free Speech, Real Talk. $15-30 tickets. (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: WHYY Be My Neighbor Day
At Franklin Square Park. Come and celebrate being a caring neighbor with WHYY! Meet local firefighters and learn about what it means to be a community helper. Ride the carousel and get a chance to see Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat! Donating gently used books to a local book bank and learn about organizations that provide fun resources for families. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: YOung People’s Book Festival of Greater Philadelphia
Aka YO! Book Fest, this family-friendly event features appearances from 45+ children and young adult authors and illustrators. Feat. writing and drawing workshops, a book-character parade, cozy story times, and book signings. Presented by Black Rock Middle School. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: South Street Vinyl Block Party
Outdoor on the Repo Records block, between 5th and 6th Streets: shop 40+ tables of LPs, CDs, 45s, vintage clothes, crystals and more. Music all day long. Free admission. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Taste of the Philippines
Expect live performances featuring traditional Filipino rhythms and contemporary beats, a marketplace showcasing Filipino cuisine, including adobo, lumpia and halo-halo, and vendors offering handmade crafts rooted in Filipino heritage. Plus cultural workshops and dance showcases. At Cherry Street Pier. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Kensington Derby & Arts Festival
The annual Derby will be held on Frankford Avenue between Sargent & York with viewing of the epic Mud Pit on Hagert Street. (12 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Gran Fiesta de los Muertos
The Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead comes to life at FDR Park, blending art, ritual and community. Rooted in Indigenous and Catholic customs, Día de los Muertos honors loved ones who’ve passed through colorful altars, marigold flowers, candles, food and music. Enjoy traditional dance and drum performances, join a large-scale art installation at the FDR Boathouse, shop handmade crafts and regional food, and try free face-painting! Free, but donations encouraged. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, Oct. 25-26: 2nd Annual Philly Coffee Festival
Some of the best coffee in town, all under the same roof at the 23rd Street Armory, where top specially curated roasters and exhibitors share unique beans and flavor profiles. $37 to $85 tickets. (Various time slots available)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Eagles Sober Tailgate
Meet at Xfinity Mobile Arena parking lot in the NW end of C Lot. Registered guests should bring confirmation email to check in for food, beverages, and raffle tickets. Non-registered guests can BYO food and nonalcoholic beverages to join the fun. (11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Stenton: Halloween Harvest Festival
Enjoy games, crafts, face-painting, pumpkin painting, spooky storytime with Logan Library, and a spooky cellar tour! Light refreshments and cider will be served. Free. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Eastern State Penitentiary Fall Festival
Trick-or-treat inside the penitentiary, then explore Eastern State’s history and legacy with the help of a special scavenger hunt designed with children and their caregivers in mind. Plus, enjoy story time, hands-on activities, art making, music, and more. Free. (3 to 5 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.
The post South Philly refinery development tour; Historic homes and affordability; Schuylkill trail sinkhole | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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