🍁 The ultimate guide to fall in Philly

🍁 When Will Fall Foliage Peak?

Autumnal leaf peeping is much like catching the bus at rush hour: if you’re just a little late, you’re actually extremely late. Luckily, there's a map with estimates on when you can expect those leafy greens to turn a seasonally appropriate orange-y yellow, so you don’t miss out. On Oct. 9, leaves in and around the city should start to change. For some expert pholiage recs in Philly, check out our segment below! [Axios]

• Or, if a gorgeous autumnal road trip is more your speed, on our podcast we have a rundown on the best destinations within two hours of the city. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Fatal Overdose Numbers Reach Record Highs

Last year, Philadelphia saw a record 1,413 fatal overdoses. Opioids (primarily fentanyl) were involved in 83% of drug fatalities, while stimulants, like cocaine or methamphetamine, and opioids were present in more than half of the overall overdose deaths. [Inquirer 🔒]

📢 Mom Attacked By Dirt Biker Speaks Out

By now, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the viral video of a mother confronting a dirt biker who struck her car Sunday evening in Center City. It shows the dirt biker shattering the vehicle’s windshield and pointing a gun at the driver while her children were in the car. On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the woman featured in the video, finally spoke out, stating that she was attempting to protect her children. Police are still searching for the suspect, and released new images of the man they’re seeking. [NBC Philadelphia]

📚 Read a Banned Book | All Week | Any time

Head to your local Free Library of Philadelphia branch (or check out an ebook online) to pick up a book and support everyone’s right to open access of information and ideas. [Free, across Philly]

🎤 Philly Story Fest | Thursday | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Featuring a mix of journalists, artists, and entertainers, this one-night festival brings some of the city’s best wordsmiths together for a night live storytelling. [$17+, South Philly]

🌭 The Perfect Red October Day at the Ballpark

The Phillies have once again made it to the playoffs, facing the Miami Marlins in a three-game Wild Card series this week. If you're lucky enough to get tickets to one of these home games, we have your guide to making the most of them. Back in June, host Trenae Nuri spoke with O.J. Spivey, Philadelphia Tribune sports contributor, about how to have a home run experience at Citizens Bank Park.