#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Child’s pose in the sun
(Photo by @photolope)
More than 100 people gathered Saturday afternoon in Old City, just steps away from the Liberty Bell, to defend the integrity of a slavery-focused exhibit at the President’s House Site.
Historians, faith leaders and residents voiced outrage over a federal review process that could remove or revise interpretive content that candidly addresses America’s legacy of slavery. Continue reading…
Roz McPherson stands in front of a panel exhibit about slavery during America’s early years. McPherson served as project director during the development of the site, which opened in 2010. (Carmen Russell-Sluchansky/WHYY)
BUBS — short for “B* under Berks Station,” with the first “B” interchangeably standing for anything from breakfast to “Battleship” — has stacks on stacks of board games and a vision to open early in the morning, close late into the night, and host a variety of local events.
“I felt the neighborhood needed a sober, friendly community space that was open till 10 p.m.,” owner Simon Joseph said. “Just to be a living room for the neighborhood, a place that is open in the evenings, that is not a bar.” Continue reading …
Simon Joseph at the BUBS counter. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania won’t share SNAP data with Trump Administration – for now. [Capital-Star]
• Gov. Shapiro visited a West Philly music program to push for additional funding for youth diversion programs. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia teachers union leaders are preparing members for a strike as contract negotiations with the school district continue in the lead-up to the first day of school. [Chalkbeat]
• Today marks the start of a temporary closure of the westbound lane of Market Street between 2nd and 6th Streets, through Friday, Nov. 17. [Billy Penn]
• CHOP finds that virtual appointments to check child car seats are effective and will continue to offer them. [WHYY]
• The African American Chamber of Commerce is working to make sure its members can grow their businesses from the influx of tourists next year. [WHYY]
• Less than a week after Richard “Dick” Allen was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, his family members, elected officials, Mural Arts, the Phillies and fans gathered in South Philadelphia to dedicate a mural to the baseball legend. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, Aug. 4: Picnic and Bike Safety Check
Meet up in Rittenhouse Park and BYO your favorite snacks and drinks, and your bike if you want to get a bike safety and repair check from Mittens Pop-Up Bike Shop. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Monday, Aug. 4: The Stories You’ve Never Seen Before: A Masterclass with Alexander Chee
A class on “how to push yourself to write the stories you’ve never seen anyone write but that you know exist, or should exist, because they tell themselves to you.” Via Zoom or in-person at Asian Arts Initiative. $50 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 5: Shells of Liberty Oyster Bash
Shell-ebrate on National Oyster Day at this collab between Carpenters’ Hall and Fishtown Seafood. The inaugural party throws back to the Revolutionary era when oysters were the snack of choice for the Founding Fathers. From 3-5 p.m. is a FREE lineup of family-friendly games, crafts and tours, with oysters available for purchase. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. is the $75 per person 21+ only oyster-and-beer party.
Tuesday, Aug. 5: Fishtown Choir Sings RENT
Fishtown Choir takes over Evil Genius Beer Co. for a night of full-throated musical theater glory. No experience needed. Just show up ready to sing like there’s no day but today. Lyrics are provided. The vibe is high-energy, low-pressure. $18 tickets. (7 to 10:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 6: Bearded Ladies Summer Sing-along
Sing-alongs that promote healing and resistance via “renditions of songs that have nothing to do with fascism” Sing-along or scream on pitch or just scream! Pay-what-you-can $0 to $50. (7 p.m. at FringeArts)
Thursday, Aug. 7: Free Bingo Thursdays at the RiverRink Lodge
Free bingo in the air-conditioned Lodge with friends and family. Win prizes. All ages welcome. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 8: Movies in Clark Park: “Clueless”
This remake of the classic Jane Austen novel Emma changes the setting to a mid-90s Beverly Hills high school and features breakout performances, an iconic soundtrack, and unbeatable fashion. Free. (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.)