🧡 Gritty makes his wall calendar debut

📊New Philly Crime Data

Compared to last year, Philly saw 7% fewer violent crimes, with large drops in homicides, shootings, and robberies, according to new police data. As of last month, homicides fell by 23%, with 236 compared to 305 as of the same time last year. But other crimes, particularly property crime, retail theft, and car theft, have increased. [PhillyVoice]

⚕️Slight COVID Uptick in Philly

Reported COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Philly have remained low over the last four months. However, city officials observed a small increase in new cases. Experts don’t yet know what’s behind the rise, but officials believe it could be due to waning immunity, as it’s been a while since many people had COVID-19 or got a vaccine. [WHYY]

⚖️ Police Shooting Account Change

On Monday, a police officer fatally shot 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop. Initially, police said Irizarry fled the scene, and “lunged” from the car with a knife in his hand. But officials now say Iziarry never attempted to flee, and was seated in the car when the officer shot him. Officials did not disclose whether Irizarry was holding a weapon or if the officer provided a verbal warning before shooting. [Inquirer 🔒]

🎸 ‘The Boss’ Postpones Shows

Due to an unnamed illness, Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band postponed their performances at Citizens Bank Park, scheduled for Wednesday Aug. 16 and Friday, Aug. 18. Fans are advised to hold onto their tickets, as they will be valid for the rescheduled show. [6ABC]

☀️ Guide to Philly ‘Streeteries’

Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to dine outside. Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association shares recommendations for where you can still go to enjoy a meal in the sunshine. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🎣 Fishing Lesson | Thursday | 5:30 p.m.

Learn how to fish at Lardner’s Point Park. Supplies provided. [free, Tacony]

🍿 Movie Night | Friday | 7 p.m.

Catch a screening of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” at Frankford Pause Park. [free, Frankford]

🍄 Mushroom Walk | Friday | 6 p.m.

Enjoy a guided mushroom walk with the Philadelphia Mycology Club. Meetup point: Blue Bell Field Parking Lot. [free, Germantown]

🌮 Taco Fest | Saturday | 2 p.m.

Celebrate the 6th annual Philadelphia Taco Festival with tacos, margaritas, games, and live Mariachi performances at Xfinity Live! [$21.99, South Philly]

Bye-Bye ‘Boom Parties’?

Philly and South Jersey residents have long lived with loud music blasting from cars during late night ‘boom parties' held along the Delaware River. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with PhillyVoice reporter Maggie Mancini about how New Jersey and Philly are pulling the plug on these meetups, and nuisance cars in general, with new laws and fines.