#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
A little free library grows in Fitler Square
(Photo by @bookczuk)
President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer was confirmed to a lifetime position in a fiercely divided 50-49 vote Tuesday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit holds jurisdiction over the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.
Democrats criticized Bove for politicizing the Department of Justice during his few months as deputy attorney general. That includes firing career federal prosecutors who convicted Jan. 6 rioters and ordering prosecutors to drop the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, reportedly in exchange for the mayor’s collaboration on immigrant crackdowns.
A whistleblower also recently told Congress that Bove told DOJ officials that they may have to disobey court orders. Continue reading…
Sandbox VR, a location-based virtual reality experience, opened its Philly location in Rittenhouse in April, and has been drawing groups for birthday parties, team-building experiences and date nights since then.
Your ever-curious Billy Penn team tested out the virtual experience during a recent visit. What worked? What didn’t? And what did we find out about ourselves? Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Key reasons Pennsylvania’s mental health system is failing. [Spotlight PA]
• Heavy rain pummeled the East Coast and sparks isolated flash flooding; PHL reported flight delays and cancellations, and Amtrak officials said high water stopped trains between Philly and Wilmington. [AP]
• How Philadelphia women are still working to close the gender pay gap. [WHYY]
• Art by the pound: Thousands of abandoned artworks are being salvaged from UArts. [WHYY]
• Gardeners breathe a ‘sigh of relief’ over Summer Winter Community Garden preservation. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Fab Youth Philly brings playful learning to city’s Playstreets program has been around for over 50 years, and the Play Captain program helps teens learn leadership in the process. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Friday.
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
Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3: BlackStar Film Fest
The 14th annual celebration of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmaking, with screenings both in-person and online. Various times and prices.
Saturday, Aug. 2: Southeast Asian Water Festival
Watch the dragon boat race and enjoy cultural music, food, dancing and festivities! At FDR Park Boathouse. Free. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: School of Rock Block Party
Evil Genius Beer Co. hosts this outdoor live battle of the bands, plus performances from the School of Rock Philadelphia, and the return of Tell All Your Friends to close out the night! Along Front Street, with beer, food, vendors, and lots of music. (12 to 11 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: The Island Country – Philadelphia’s Annual Indonesian Independence Day Celebration
Kick off the month-long celebration at the opening parade and ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m. to Gapura at 1612 S. Broad Street. Save the date for the Aug. 30 community festival!
Saturday, Aug. 2: Zoo Done It?
Uncover the secrets of the Philadelphia Zoo on this mystery adventure set in 1874, during a time when America’s first zoo was about to open its gates to the public. Guests can compete as individuals or in teams. $50 tickets. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Sonic Sunsets: Concert and Tour Series
Enjoy an evening at Christ Church Burial Ground with live jazz and storytelling. Each month features a different group of artists, marking the changing of the seasons. BYOB picnic. Pre-show guided mini-tour with musical history optional. $5-10 concert-only; $8-15 show and concert. (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Love City Cabaret x SideQuest: Adventure is Out There!
Pack your picnic basket – Love City Cabaret is journeying to SideQuest Theater for an expansive evening of show tunes and shenanigans, all on the theme of “adventure”. Watch cast members head into the woods, go the distance, and find their grails! All ages show, costumes encouraged. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. $21.94 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2: Sahba Motallebi and Reza Mohsenipour
An evening of Persian music at UniLu, at 3637 Chestnut St. $15-35 tickets. (8 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: Book Swap
A cozy morning of book swapping and coffee sipping. Bring 1-2 gently loved books to be rehomed and select 1-2 new ones to take with you. No RSVP needed. At Encanto Kicks & Coffee. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: 2nd St Festival
Founded in 2008 by several local business owners, 2nd St Festival takes over the corridor and has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in the city. (12 to 10 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: Honoring Rev. Dr. King’s Legacy in the Black Bottom—60 Years Later
This commemorative event will take place at 40th & Haverford and surrounding areas in the Black Bottom. Live performances, a photo exhibit, spoken word, storytelling, wellness services, free classes, oral history booth, food trucks, and a historical guide along Dr. King’s 1965 route through the neighborhood. (1 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: 17th Annual ACANA African Festival
Don’t miss the largest African festival on the East Coast, at Cherry Street Pier, which celebrates the African diaspora with music, food, and vendors. (2 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: Philly Roda de Samba e Choro
Philly Roda performs choro and samba music from on the first Sunday of each month at Black Squirrel Club. Each month will feature different special guest artists. The caipirinhas will be flowing and there will be complimentary Brazilian snacks (coxinha, pão de queijo) while they last (arrive early!) and of course lots of amazing music and dancing! Ages 21+. $11.50 tickets. (3 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 3: Magic for Adults
Eric Eaton of the hit TV Show Masters of Illusion puts on a show at Helium Comedy Club. All tricks include audience members. $33-43 tickets. (6 p.m.)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
