❤️ Here’s what you love most about Philly

⚖️ Mark Dial Facing Murder Charges

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 8, the Philadelphia Police officer who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry last month quietly turned himself in at a South Philly police station. This is the fourth time that District Attorney Larry Krasner has charged a Philly officer for an on-duty shooting over the last five years. Prior to his tenure, prosecutors hadn’t done so for nearly twenty years. [Inquirer 🔒]

🦩 Flamingos in Pennsylvania?

For the first time in Pennsylvania history, birders spotted American flamingos in Franklin County, about 170 miles west of Philly. Flamingos were also found in 10 other states, including Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Bird experts say they were likely flung off course by the winds of Hurricane Idalia, which struck Florida on Aug. 30. [PhillyVoice]

🗑️ Philly’s BigBelly Problems

Philly has a major litter issue, so much so that it’s earned the unflattering nickname “Filthadelphia.” To keep the streets cleaner, the city installed hundreds of solar-powered BigBelly trash compactors that notify the Streets Department when they reach capacity. But some residents and businesses say that the bins aren’t living up to their potential, and actually create more of a mess. Billy Penn reporter Meir Rinde breaks down the community concerns and potential solutions. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

City Cast Philly recently celebrated our one-year anniversary with a live podcast taping and rooftop party. It was a blast! We asked all of the attendees, as well as Hey Philly readers, to share what you love about Philly. Here’s what you said:

“I love Philly's great neighborhoods, hospitals, colleges, tremendous food scene, parks, historical museums, sports teams, and so so much more,” - Hey Philly reader Henry W.

Many of you simply said “the food!” And praised our impressive collection of restaurants.

Two people specifically highlighted cheesesteaks (one of them ‘wit wiz’) as their most treasured Philly experience. S/O to Lary V. and Felina H. for their deep sandwich appreciation.

Some of you noted that Philly is super walkable and bike-friendly. The jury is still out on that one for me. I think Philly drivers are (generally) a bit unhinged, which isn’t always great for pedestrians and cyclists. S/O to Juan S., Eric D., Ryan B., and Kelsey H. for challenging my perception!

It’s no secret that Philly is a city brimming with diehard sports fans. S/O to Adrian C., Madeline N., and Jenny L. for their love of the Eagles, Phillies, and Gritty, respectively 🧡

Youse guys also love the sense of community and togetherness, the various art museums and art installations, the rich history of our city, and the classic Philly attitude. We’re not ‘rude,’ we just have a low tolerance for nonsense!

🤣 Comedy | Tuesday | 9 p.m.

Come out to Heritage for a comedy show featuring local comics Blake Wexler, Megan Goetz, Hannah Trav, and more. [$15, Northern Liberties]

🍫 Smore Fest | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 12 p.m.

Head to the Navy Yard for this 3rd annual music festival featuring 30-plus performers, food trucks, games, art installations, vendors, and of course, free s’mores. [$35-$100, South Philly]

🏳️‍🌈 Gay Bingo | Friday, Sept. 22 | 7 p.m.

Rewind to the 80s for this edition of GayBINGO at Congregation Rodeph Shalom featuring drag performances and the chance to win some fabulous prizes. [$40, Spring Garden]

🛍️ Deck Your Walls | Saturday, Sept. 23  | 11 a.m.

Head to Jet Wine Bar for a local artist vendor market and happy hour. [pay-as-you-go, Center City]

Should You Still Kill Spotted Lanternflies?

In 2017, spotted lanternflies showed up in Philly. This invasive species is a threat to local agriculture, so Philadelphians got really into smashing the bugs. Spotted lanternfly numbers have since declined in the city, but you still see these red and gray insects around. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Henry Savage, civics reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what happened to the hoards of spotted lanternflies we used to see, and whether we should still bother to squish them.