Philly
Today
Sunday, August 31st, 2025
Good morning, Philadelphia. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 31st of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Philadelphia small businesses will face new tax rules starting in 2026 as the city ends the $100,000 Business Income and Receipts Tax exemption and the $2,000 use and occupancy tax exemption—while a new $150 million Jumpstart Business Program supports them over five years. Business curfew rules will take effect on Sept. 11 in parts of the 7th and 8th Districts, including Kensington, Germantown and Fairhill, and SEPTA transit changes will soon affect travel. Metro Philadelphia
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Philly Fringe will feature Tanaquil Márquez’s bilingual play La Otra in September. The show is in English and Spanish with subtitles and tells a funny story about three sisters in a Bogotá kitchen who learn a family secret as part of the festival’s tradition of multilingual theater. WHYY
- ➤ Chris’ Jazz Cafe will celebrate its 36th anniversary with a month-long series of shows starting on September 6—featuring a Tribute Legacy Band set, a quartet by Luke Carlos O’Reilly, and a final party with Benny Benack III and Anaïs Reno Sextet. The venue will also host weekly jazz jams, special nightly events, and options for dinner packages and virtual access. Metro Philadelphia
- ➤ Philadelphia is preparing for a big year in 2026 with major events including a 250th anniversary celebration of American independence and several sports tournaments. The city will also host events like the MLB Midsummer Classic, TED Talks, March Madness and the PGA Championship, bringing a variety of activities to the community. WHYY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ SEPTA said the Chestnut Hill East Line remains closed until Sept. 7 because delays in repairing five bridges postponed the planned Sept. 2 reopening. Riders should use the Chestnut Hill West Line or Route 23 bus — extra trains will run on the West line until Sept. 5. Metro Philadelphia
- ➤ Mayor Cherelle Parker approved a sweeping $2 billion plan—H.O.M.E.—in June with a $6.8 billion budget aimed at creating or preserving 30,000 housing units over four years, with measures to streamline development in Kensington. Some community leaders worry that faster new builds may accelerate gentrification if repair and tenant support programs are not adequately maintained. Metro Philadelphia
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ My Brother’s Keeper Cares is hosting its fourth annual Discovering Mental Wealth event on Sept. 13 at The Discovery Center in Fairmount Park to boost mental health awareness in Black communities— the free event will feature panel discussions and artistic performances that highlight community support. WHYY
- ➤ Mumia Abu-Jamal, a 71-year-old former Black Panther convicted in 1981, said his vision is worsening due to complications from an earlier cataract procedure and that Pennsylvania Department of Corrections delayed his corrective laser treatment—now set for an unspecified date in September. His doctor and supporters blame overadministered steroids for his condition and urge officials to act without further delay. WHYY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ AEW kicked off its three‐week residency at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia on Wednesday with a live AEW Dynamite event that drew about 1,300 fans and showcased dynamic wrestling matches. The residency comprises seven shows, with Collision on August 30 having taken place and upcoming events scheduled for Sept 3, Sept 5, Sept 6, Sept 10 and Sept 11—tickets remain available. Metro Philadelphia
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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