🐊 Exotic pets you can keep in Pennsylvania

💰 Musicians OK Strike

The Philadelphia Orchestra musicians' union voted to authorize a strike if negotiations with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. don’t progress by Sept. 10, when their contract expires. Musicians are fighting for higher wages, pay equity and job security. Stuart W. Davidson, a lawyer for the union, told The Inquirer that recent negotiations have been largely unproductive. A management spokesperson told the paper that they "are disappointed" with the strike vote. [Inquirer 🔒]

🏠 New Philly Eviction Protocols

Evictions are resuming with new safeguards in place. Last month, the city halted lockouts following a series of shootings by representatives of the landlord-tenant officer, a private attorney who is tapped by the city to help carry out evictions. The updated procedures, such as dispatching teams of two officers at a time, are intended to maintain equity and fairness for tenants facing eviction. [NBC10]

🎸 Bobby Eli Dies at 77

Renowned musician Bobby Eli passed away on Thursday, August 17, at age 77. Whether you know his name or not, you’ve probably heard Eli’s guitar playing in tracks from Hall & Oates, Elton John, Jay-Z, and The Temptations. Eli also co-founded the Philadelphia International Records house band, which released the theme song for the TV show ‘Soul Train.’ Eli grew up in North and Southwest Philly, and briefly attended Temple University before pursuing his music career. Per the Inquirer, there will be a public memorial in October. [PhillyVoice/Inquirer]

🔊 No More ‘Boom Parties'?

Philly and South Jersey residents have long voiced their grievances over music blaring from cars during late-night 'boom parties' along the Delaware River. Host Trenae Nuri and PhillyVoice reporter Maggie Mancini discuss how both Philadelphia and New Jersey are taking action against these noisy gatherings. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🌳 Tree Walk | Tuesday | 1 p.m.

Learn the basics of tree identification on a guided walk through the Wissahickon Environmental Center. [free, Andorra]

🍄 Mushroom Art | Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.

Make a polymer clay mushroom character at the Starr Garden Rec Center. Instructions and materials provided. [$30, South Philly]

🕯️ Candle Making | Thursday | 5 p.m.

Create a Barbie-themed candle with Wick It Wax on Main Street. [free, Manayunk]

😆 Comedy | Monday, Aug. 28 | 8:30 p.m.

Laugh away the Monday blues at Saint Lazarus Bar. [free, Fishtown]

PHL ↔️ DC: Local Guide to a Good Time

It’s road trip time! Washington D.C is only a short distance from Philly via car, bus or train, and there’s plenty to explore. Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast DC host Bridget Todd about the best places to eat, what tourist traps you should avoid, and how the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection compares to our nation’s capital.