#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Mommy and me pumpkins
(Photo by @bhalda)
Job growth is up in Philly, but many downtown offices remain vacant
As Philadelphia emerged from the economic slump of the pandemic, job growth in the city boomed compared other large urban centers across the country, according to a new analysis of federal employment data.
But the growth has been uneven, with some industries benefitting, and others not so much. And it hasn’t translated to office occupancy. Continue reading …
‘Not for fashion, for function’: Local group makes reusable pads to help women around the world
Every Wednesday at Germantown’s Grace Baptist Church, a group of as many as 40 volunteers gathers to do something for young women all over the world. They assemble and stitch together reusable menstrual pads, which are then sent to Africa and the Caribbean.
Billy Penn spoke to members of the Philadelphia-based Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative about this labor of love and service. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• On Constitution Day, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Sonia Sotomayor discussed their new books in Philly. [WHYY]
• Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn’t share personal data. [WESA]
• ‘A void of leadership’: Pa. immigrant advocates gathered in Philly to call on Gov. Josh Shapiro to end state collaboration with ICE. [WHYY]
• New analysis finds evidence of racial bias in Philadelphia home appraisals. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Live in Strawberry Mansion and want a ‘cool roof’? Here’s how to get one for free. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• PHL launched a new logo and slogan in preparation for a huge influx of 2026 passengers. [WHYY]
• Before Robert Redford became a movie star, he acted at a New Hope community theater. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will address Union League members and give an update of the State of Philadelphia, at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 South Broad St. Noon.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🚦 10/2: Safer Streets: A Billy Penn Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Sept. 18: Exploring Trends: How Immigration Shapes Our Region
This gathering at WHYY will explore what could change if immigration patterns shift or slow, drawing on both new research and perspectives from different sectors. Featuring moderated panel conversations with leaders from the community and public sectors, offering insights on trends, challenges and opportunities for the region moving forward. Free registration required. (9 to 11 a.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 18: MOVING FORWARD | A WHYY News Town Hall
After SEPTA’s “doomsday” cuts went into effect in August, transit riders throughout the region suffered. Join members of the WHYY News team to take a deeper look into what led to the budget impasse, how it was resolved (at least for now), and join our conversation into how SEPTA can move forward. Brought to you by WHYY News & Bridging Blocks. At Parkway Central Library. Free registration required. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 18: After Hours Quizzo: Science Edition
Join the American Philosophical Society and Yards Brewery for a night of trivia, beer and snacks. Questions will be centered around the history of science, and maybe even a few on beer science. Free registration required. (5:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 18: Puppet Karaoke Peoplehood Fundraiser
Share the stage at Pentridge Station with Spiral Q’s giant puppets and props and a giant, lip-syncing mouth puppet. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with puppet karaoke running 6-8 p.m. and a dance party to follow. Free RSVP; Suggested donation $25 (or more) – no one turned away for lack of funds! Funds support the upcoming Spiral Q 25th Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant.
Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20: “Gladiator” at Carpenters’ Hall
This play about an enslaved gladiator seeking his freedom was a massive success in 1831. The play became a rallying cry for the abolitionist movement and was hailed as “decidedly the best drama ever written in this century.” $15 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 19: Chinatown Summer Movie Night
Watch “The Legend of Hei” at the community parking lot space at 227 N. 11th St. Free. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 19: Nutmeg Presents – Monster Macabre
A night of frightful fun and chilling, non-alcoholic beverages. $12.51 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 19-21: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
Founded by artists in 1928 and run by a committee of artists today, this is the oldest outdoor art show in the country. Steeped in rich history and tradition, there is absolutely no other show like it. 140+ artists and eight categories.
Saturday, Sept. 20: South Philly Sausage Fest & Flea Market
Along West Passyunk Ave Broad to 16th St., enjoy a vintage flea market, food trucks, live music, crafts and beer garden. Dog-friendly. (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 20: 10th Uhuru One Africa! One Nation! Book Fair and Marketplace
Live music, poetry, free education resources, giveaways, a Childrens’ Circle, special activities for families, food, and over 100+ marketplace vendors in Clark Park. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 20: Family Fun Fest at Evil Genius Beer Co.
A variety of kid friendly vendors and activities will be at the event, as well as a DJ playing kid friendly music. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 20: Working for the City of Philadelphia: Civil Service 101
Learn from the city’s HR office about becoming a civil servant, employee and educational benefits, the application process, and more FAQs. At the Water Shed at 5300 Wayne Ave. in Germantown. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
The post Center City update; Good deeds in Germantown; Supremes’ visits | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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