⚖️ Philly Archdiocese Settles Lawsuit

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will pay $3.5 million to settle a sexual assault lawsuit. The suit alleged that Pastor John Close assaulted a 14-year-old boy who was attending a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program in Delaware County in 2006, and that the local archdiocese knew about it. In a statement, an archdiocese spokesperson said that the organization “acknowledges settlement in this matter and the resolution it brings.” [Inquirer 🔒]

🩸 LGBTQ Blood Regs Lifted

Now that the FDA has updated its rules about donor eligibility, more gay and bisexual men are able to donate blood. Blood donation centers will use updated questionnaires to assess HIV risk and eligibility, with the intention of reducing blood shortages at hospitals. In May and June, the Red Cross received 50,000 fewer donations than needed in the Philly region. [Axios Philadelphia]

🚌 2023’s 10th SEPTA Crash

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, a Route G SEPTA bus collided with another Route G bus that was stopped at 15th and Oregon Streets, injuring six passengers. This crash marks the third SEPTA vehicle-related incident this week, and the tenth so far this year. SEPTA officials and federal transportation agencies are currently investigating the uptick in collisions. [NBC10]

🤔 MIA Cancellation Theories

Philly’s Made in America festival was called off due to “severe circumstances outside of production control,” according to organizers. On social media, Philadelphians churned out theories. Was it because co-headliner Lizzo is under fire for alleged workplace harassment? Or how about the “SZA curse," named for the other co-headliner? NBC News reported another possibility: low ticket sales. [Billy Penn/NBC News]

🌀 Unconventional Philly Fun

Ever heard of Grip the Raven? What about the Cave of Kelpius? Philly is known for the Rocky statue and the Liberty Bell, but there are a ton of other bizarre and offbeat landmarks to visit. Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, shares some of the weird and wonderful things to explore in our city. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🍿 Movie Night | Friday | 8 p.m.

Catch a free screening of the Disney film “Encanto” in Clark Park. BYO seating, blankets, and snacks.  [free, West Philly]

🐜

Bug Fest | Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m.

Head to the Academy of Natural Sciences to explore the intriguing world of insects. You can even eat some bugs (if you’re into that!) [$21-$25, Logan Square]

😂

Comedy | Friday and Saturday | 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.

Enjoy a show by Philly-born comedian Annie Lederman at Punch Line Philly. [$30-$40, Fishtown]

📚

¿Qué Necesitas? | Saturday | 11 a.m.

Join the Veggie Mijas Philly chapter for the launch of their new bilingual children’s book by Andrea Cañizares-Fernandez. [free, Kensington]

🎨

Mural Tour | Saturday | 1 p.m.

Journey through Philly’s Black history and culture with a guided mural tour beginning at LOVE Park. [$35-$59, Center City]

🇯🇵

Obon Festival | Saturday | 3 p.m.

Join the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center for Obon Festival, a celebration of one’s ancestors. The event features a tea ceremony, a taiko drumming workshop, dance performances, live music, crafts, food vendors, and more. [pay-as-you-go, Fairmount Park]

🇲🇽

Cemita Festival | Sunday | 11 a.m.

Join Cantina La Martina for specialty cocktails and plenty of cemitas, a staple sandwich from Puebla, Mexico. Some vendors are cash only. [pay-as-you-go, Kensington]

🎵

Run-DMC | Sunday | 3 p.m.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at Cratediggaz Records with a performance by Darryl McDaniels, founding member of Run-DMC. [free, Queen Village]

☀️ The Oval | Through Aug. 20 | Various times

Soak up summer fun at Eakins Oval, with all-ages performances and activities, and food trucks. [pay-as-you-go, Logan Square]

🇲🇽

In Unison | Through Sept. 10 | Various times

Explore large-scale ceramic sculptures by Mexican-American artist George Rodriguez at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. [$15, Bella Vista]

The last photo challenge was a tough one. This mural is on the 400 block West Jefferson Street, but according to Hey Philly reader Karen S., it's best seen from the 1400 block of N. Lawrence Street.

Email me your guess of this image’s location. The winner can submit a photo for next week's challenge!

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri talks with reporters

Zoe Greenberg, Stephen Caruso, and Ben Seal about the saga over some surprisingly valuable church windows in West Philly, the push for psychedelic reform in Pennsylvania, and why a long-awaited sexual abuse amendment won’t make it on the November ballot.

Have an amazing weekend, neighbor 😎

- Brittany Valentine

This newsletter was edited by Laura Benshoff.