#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Iron and ivy
(Photo by @bhalda)
While two nearby public libraries are closed, a Kensington nonprofit has stepped into the gap to provide its own modest library.
“The kids and families can come in and check out books,” the library’s director told Billy Penn. “And then there’s other books that are actually totally free. So any in those piles, if you want them, you can grab them and keep them. They’re yours forever.” Continue reading …
Tim Lopez worked for the Birds for 13 years, and was onboard for their first Super Bowl win. He even has a championship ring to prove it.
Now he has a new cookbook with recipes for dozens of NFL tailgate classics, including a pair from Philadelphia. The book goes on sale next week.
Billy Penn spoke to Chef Tim, and took our shot at making the two Philadelphia-inspired staples. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• State Sen. Art Haywood, of Montco, wants to prevent President Trump from taking over police in Pennsylvania like he did in Washington, D.C. [WHYY]
• Man who allegedly impersonated ICE agent to rob Philly auto shop will face federal charges. [PhillyVoice]
• Protesters packed state GOP Sen. Picozzi’s Northeast Philly office ahead of SEPTA cuts. [WHYY]
• New Temple Health maternity hospital will offer private labor and delivery rooms, expanded NICU services. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia’s Frankford High School reopens after $30 million asbestos remediation project. [Chalkbeat]
• How do mascots like the Phillie Phanatic stay fresh in the summer heat? Vodka and water. [AP]
• McGlinchey’s owner Sheldon Sokol said the dive bar is not closing per Philly Mag’s report; rather, he is hoping to sell ASAP and will reopen in September after a vacation. [Inq$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 Philly Bookstore Crawl preview
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
🏮 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
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Comic book signing with Joseph Illidge
Illidge visits Multiverse on Germantown Ave to chat and sign copies of Bloodletter (Image Comics) and The Shadow Cabinet (Milestone/DC). Illidge has helped redefine comics from the inside out. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Summer Fest Paint and Sip
Art, music, drinks and connection at the RiverRink, hosted by Walls for Justice. Come solo, bring a friend, or make it a group night out. All supplies included. RSVP for a $20.50 ticket. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Girard Estate Tour
Trace the history of this South Philadelphia neighborhood from its origin as a colonial farm to the early 20th century planned development of “Ideal City Homes.” See outstanding examples of Bungalow, Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival residential styles. Meet near the statue of Stephen Girard in Girard Park at 2101 W Shunk St. $18 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Dialogue on the Diamond
The MLB All-Star Game is coming to Philadelphia in 2026—what will its legacy be for North Philadelphia? Join this public convo at Temple to discuss how the 2026 MLB All-Star Legacy initiative can support youth baseball, community development and safer neighborhoods. Free to RSVP. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Bodyweight, Benches, & Bands
Head to the new Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park for the last two Wednesday workouts of the summer. Challenge yourself and have fun with like-minded individuals. (7:15 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 21: Laid Off? Come socialize.
Join fellow unemployed neighbors at the Clark Park dog bowl to hang out without spending money. This is not a job opportunity or a networking event. Just BYO food, blanket, pen and paper, games, etc. to socialize in camaraderie. Noon.
Thursday, Aug. 21: Physical Media Swap
Bring VHS, cassettes, CDs, video games, records, DVDs, etc to swap! Face masks are encouraged and will be available. At Funhouse Gallery on Frankford Ave. (3 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 21: Singles Arcade Night
Singles aged 25 to 45+ are invited to Dave & Busters in NoLibs for an arcade night. $25 tickets include a $10 game card. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 21: Street Movies! with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
Free outdoor screening series bringing independent short films and videos to vibrant public spaces throughout Philly. At the N. 11th community park. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 22: PowerPoint Night
Join the Athenaeum Young Friends to learn something new! $10 tickets for non-members. (6 p.m.)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
