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Monday, September 18 

Your Daily Guide

Cheers to a new week, neighbor.

The Franklin Institute will soon debut a brand new space-themed exhibit. Take a sneak peek before it opens in November 🪐

What Philly's Talking About

🏠 Eviction System Makeover?

This fall, Philly lawmakers plan to introduce a legislative package seeking to overhaul the Landlord and Tenant Office (LTO). A series of shootings involving LTO contractors prompted safety and equity updates from the office. But state Rep. Rick Krajewski told WHYY that the current system remains an active threat to tenants. Lawmakers want to establish stricter eviction protocols and mandated on-site mental health professionals during lockouts, among other major changes. [WHYY]

💉 New COVID-19 Vaccines

Following a rise in cases and hospitalizations in the city, updated COVID-19 vaccines are on the way to Philly. The recommended dosage varies by age and health status, but experts advise everyone over six months of age to get the vaccine. The new Pfizer and Moderna shots will soon be available at local pharmacies and health clinics. [Axios Philadelphia]

🏫 Potential School District Strike

Nearly 2,000 members of Local 634, the union representing School District of Philadelphia cafeteria workers and climate staffers, plan to strike if the district refuses to “do better” with collective bargaining. Many union members fail to qualify for health insurance due to short shifts, and rely on multiple jobs to cover basic living costs. In a statement, spokesperson Monique Braxton said the school district is “optimistic” that both parties will reach an agreement at the bargaining table. [Inquirer 🔒]

Philly's Best Rooftop Spots

Why stay at ground level when you could enjoy your meal with an incredible view? Exactly. Check out some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Philly:

Assembly Rooftop Lounge

Take a dip into luxury at this Logan Square hotspot. Head to the 9th floor to catch panoramic Philly views while sipping on a fancy cocktail. Keep your eyes peeled for fun events like drag tea parties and happy hours 🍾

1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Bok Bar

This South Philly seasonal rooftop bar (April through October) offers spectacular skyline views, a large beer and wine selection, salsa nights, and yummy bar food from rotating chefs. Sign me up! 🍻

800 Mifflin Street

Hey Philly newsletter editor Brittany Valentine posing in front of colorful mural of an East Asian woman with her hair on top of her head.

Far East Descendant has a brilliant mural along the side of the building. (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly)

Far East Descendant

Treat yourself to modern Cantonese cuisine and culturally-inspired cocktails at this year-round rooftop restaurant and bar in Chinatown 🍜

251 N Clarion Street

El Techo

Indulge in ceviche and mezcals at this 11th floor Rittenhouse Square taquería and bar. Enjoy Sunday brunch with a view on their lush terrace. It’s open all year, thanks to a retractable roof 🌮

1830 Ludlow Street

Revolution House

This Old City haven is brimming with Philly history, dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, Korean tacos, and craft beer on its year-round rooftop 🍕

200 Market Street

What are your go-to rooftop spots in Philly?

Philly Chatter

When y’all fill up our inbox, it lights up our hearts. Here’s what our cherished Hey Philly readers had to say about recent newsletter segments and City Cast Philly episodes:

Thanks to Stef A. for sharing another noteworthy Mt. Airy resident after reading our recent neighborhood guide:

  • “Sandra Boynton is a former resident who’s revered in the parenting world, she’s a children's author of faves like ‘Moo, Baa, La La La’ and ‘The Going to Bed Book’. She also wrote the lesser known but super fabulous ‘Philadelphia Chickens’ book and the accompanying album.” 📖

We got at least one of you interested in the fastest growing sport in America! “I just signed up to play pickleball! Thanks for the idea.” You are welcome, Caitlin L. 🏓

Last week, I questioned whether Philly is bike-friendly. S/O to Lisa H. for sharing their perspective 🚲

  • “After moving here from NYC, I find using the Indego bikes a fantastic way to get around. Philly is much less dense (fewer pedestrians and traffic of all sorts). I feel very comfortable riding here. Quick way to get around. Plus, a little exercise.”
  • But really, is Philly a bike-friendly city? Take a ride with us as we explore this topic! 🎧
a Big Belly trash can completely smashed and destroyed on a sidewalk.

Rest in peace to this poor BigBelly. (Hey Philly reader Hanna P.)

Hanna P. sent us this photo of a BigBelly trash can that was destroyed in her neighborhood, following a recent City Cast Philly episode exploring the pros and cons of this sanitation device. “I now know that this trash can costs $6,000.” Major yikes 🗑️

Keep the commentary flowing, please 💌

What To Do

😆

Comedy | Tuesday | 8:30 p.m.

Join Raven Lounge for a show where you pick the topics and comics deliver the punchlines. Submit the best topic and you could win a prize. [$5, Gayborhood]

💃🏼

Drag Trivia | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

“Ew, David!” Take a trip to Ambler’s Gypsy Blu for drag performances and Schitt’s Creek trivia. [$17.85, Ambler]

🌇

Sunset Jam | Wednesday | 7 p.m.

The Divine Lorraine Hotel is bringing you live poetry and dance performances, featuring Marcos de la Fuenta and Peter Webb. [$5-$10, North Philly]

🎊

Night Market | Thursday | 6 p.m.

Head to Frankford & Cottman Avenue for local vendors, delicious food and drinks, a bounce house for the kiddos, and more. [pay-as-you-go, Mayfair]

More Philly Events

Today on City Cast Philly

How Philly Is Trying To Make Pregnancy Safer

Philadelphia is trying something new to address severe pregnancy complications. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dr. Aasta Mehta,

OB/GYN and medical officer of women’s health at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about a first-in-the-nation program to monitor complications in real-time, in order to figure out how to prevent them. And, they share some resources for anyone who needs more support during a pregnancy.

How could Philly improve maternal health?

Wishing you a great week, friend.

- Brittany Valentine

This newsletter was edited by Laura Benshoff.

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