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Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he's gone astray

The former Inquirer columnist is feuding with a group that helped mold him into the journalist he is.

News

Stephen A. Smith is committed to having the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first take" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/59fe7218-3b48-4543-8f24-7bafd3956f03/first-take" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/59fe7218-3b48-4543-8f24-7bafd3956f03/first-take" target="_blank">first take</a> and the last take.Why it matters: Smith is feuding with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Association of Black Journalists" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/6035210-stephen-a-smith-nabj-award/" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/6035210-stephen-a-smith-nabj-award/" target="_blank">National Association of Black Journalists</a> — a group he credits with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="helping shape him into the journalist he&#x27;s become" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/BITy6WSbniQ?si=Gk_SRVIjU8JXFIa9&amp;t=249" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/BITy6WSbniQ?si=Gk_SRVIjU8JXFIa9&amp;t=249" target="_blank">helping shape him into the journalist he&#x27;s become</a> — over its claim that he has a &quot;recurring public pattern&quot; of disrespecting &quot;prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.&quot;

500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year

Teacher turnover has a ripple effect, negatively affecting school climate, teacher quality and student outcomes.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teacher turnover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" target="_self">Teacher turnover</a> in Philadelphia district schools rose last year for the first time since 2022.Why it matters: Losing teachers can hurt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school climate" data-vars-click-url="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" target="_blank">school climate</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teacher quality" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" target="_blank">teacher quality</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" target="_blank">student outcomes</a> while driving up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" target="_blank">staffing costs</a> for districts.

King us. The Sixers are suddenly the NBA's hottest ticket

The LeBron effect is real. The Sixers are the most in-demand team on StubHub.

The Sixers can already claim one preseason accolade: They&#x27;re the NBA&#x27;s hottest ticket on StubHub.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="0ab94c70-1ae4-4861-925b-4287f6f32f8e" data-vars-headline="King us. The Sixers are suddenly the NBA&#x27;s hottest ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" target="_self">LeBron James</a> doesn&#x27;t just move the needle — he&#x27;s the straw that stirs the NBA&#x27;s drink.

Philly among final 3 cities in contention for the DNC in 2028 

The selection is a nod to the cities' political power and a signal they're vital to Democrats' road back to the White House.

Politics

Philadelphia, Boston and Denver are the finalists to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/dnc-convention-and-a-possible-shapiro-moment" data-vars-content-id="680488b7-20f5-42d4-b85f-92657dd8b443" data-vars-headline="Philly among final 3 cities in contention for the DNC in 2028 " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/dnc-convention-and-a-possible-shapiro-moment" target="_self">2028 Democratic National Convention</a>, the party revealed Thursday.Why it matters: The party&#x27;s selection is a nod to the cities&#x27; political power and a signal they&#x27;re vital to Democrats&#x27; road back to the White House.

Philadelphia weekender: Third Thursday, Pirate Day, treasure hunt

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

Things to Do

🎙️Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner bring decades of classic rock hits to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Camden waterfront tonight." data-vars-click-url="https://www.livenation.com/event/vv17FZbUGkw-p5kg/lynyrd-skynyrd-x-foreigner-double-trouble-double-vision-tour" data-vars-content-id="63198a1e-e756-4648-bd64-a3cc5b222f41" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Third Thursday, Pirate Day, treasure hunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.livenation.com/event/vv17FZbUGkw-p5kg/lynyrd-skynyrd-x-foreigner-double-trouble-double-vision-tour" target="_blank">Camden waterfront tonight.</a><ul><li>Grab a spot on the lawn and settle in for a night of big guitar riffs, familiar choruses and plenty of singalong moments. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lynyrd-skynyrd-x-foreigner-double-trouble-camden-new-jersey-08-20-2026/event/0200636CA158B1B5?_gl=1*g51gap*_ga*MTE2NzYzODkwNS4xNzg3MTYxMjI5*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3ODcxNjEyMjkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODcxNjEyMjkkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="63198a1e-e756-4648-bd64-a3cc5b222f41" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Third Thursday, Pirate Day, treasure hunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lynyrd-skynyrd-x-foreigner-double-trouble-camden-new-jersey-08-20-2026/event/0200636CA158B1B5?_gl=1*g51gap*_ga*MTE2NzYzODkwNS4xNzg3MTYxMjI5*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3ODcxNjEyMjkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODcxNjEyMjkkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">Tickets:</a> $27.50+</li></ul>

Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival

⛳ The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USGA&#x27;s Amateur Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://championships.usga.org/usamateur.html" data-vars-content-id="bc62665a-e916-424d-a777-5f4511ab5ea6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://championships.usga.org/usamateur.html" target="_blank">USGA&#x27;s Amateur Championship</a> runs through Sunday at Merion Golf Club, where you can catch some of the best male amateur golfers on the links. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://seatgeek.com/u-s-amateur-golf-championship-tickets/golf/2026-08-12-3-30-am/18140578" data-vars-content-id="bc62665a-e916-424d-a777-5f4511ab5ea6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seatgeek.com/u-s-amateur-golf-championship-tickets/golf/2026-08-12-3-30-am/18140578" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $39+🍿 The weather&#x27;s right for outdoor movies. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Street Movies series" data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/street-movies-2026" data-vars-content-id="bc62665a-e916-424d-a777-5f4511ab5ea6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/street-movies-2026" target="_blank">Street Movies series</a> is offering free, family friendly movies at city parks through Aug. 30. <ul><li>That includes on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saturday at 7:30pm at the Yard " data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/SMstrawberrymansion" data-vars-content-id="bc62665a-e916-424d-a777-5f4511ab5ea6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/SMstrawberrymansion" target="_blank">Saturday at 7:30pm at the Yard </a>on John Coltrane Street in Strawberry Mansion, which includes a night of short films, discussions and live music. </li></ul>

Don't swim in the Delaware River around Philly

Swimming in contaminated water is a surefire way to get yourself a stomach illness, eye infection or skin rash.

Culture

The Delaware River may look tempting during a hot Philly summer, but a new study emphasizes that swimmers are better off heading upstream.Why it matters: Swimming in contaminated water can cause stomach illnesses, eye infections and skin rashes.

Unplug and look up at Philly's Skyspace this weekend

This one-night concert is a way to relax, unclutter your mind and experience the cool space in a new way.

Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Skyspace" data-vars-click-url="http://chestnuthillskyspace.org/" data-vars-content-id="b3d8e1a7-dd68-4a45-aceb-c389bbaf2f0f" data-vars-headline="Unplug and look up at Philly&#x27;s Skyspace this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://chestnuthillskyspace.org/" target="_blank">Skyspace</a> will blend light and music this weekend.Why it matters: This one-night concert is a way to relax, unclutter your mind and experience the cool space in a new way.

Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown

🍽️ Here&#x27;s your reason for a date night or to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dine solo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/solo-dining-reservations-jump-opentable" data-vars-content-id="fb64cf45-7010-4c51-8600-334c4b0d6c20" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/solo-dining-reservations-jump-opentable" target="_self">dine solo</a>: Restaurant Week in Queen Village runs through Sunday. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Participating restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.qvna.org/restaurantweek" data-vars-content-id="fb64cf45-7010-4c51-8600-334c4b0d6c20" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.qvna.org/restaurantweek" target="_blank">Participating restaurants</a> are offering lunch and light bites for $25 and under, and dinners from $40-$60. </li></ul>⚾ Phillies former star Chase Utley gets inducted into the team&#x27;s Wall of Fame around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="6:15pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/schedule/2026-08" data-vars-content-id="fb64cf45-7010-4c51-8600-334c4b0d6c20" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/schedule/2026-08" target="_blank">6:15pm</a> before Friday&#x27;s game against the Blue Jays at the Bank. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=MLB_MPV&amp;orgid=21&amp;pid=9643116&amp;tfl=Philadelphia_Phillies-Schedule-Philadelphia_Phillies:_Schedule:_Schedule-web-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;adobe_mc=MCMID=05113102176553870161253372101734209410|MCORGID=A65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg|TS=1785946263&amp;_gl=1*11ek194*_gcl_au*OTU1MjA5MjEzLjE3ODMzNTA0NjM.*_ga*MjM1NjQ2MTEzLjE3ODMzNTA0NjM.*_ga_N8YFCZLYSZ*czE3ODU5NDYyNjEkbzEyJGcwJHQxNzg1OTQ2MjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMTI3Nzk0OTI4NQ..*_fplc*U09Kek56WDU1eHVPYkF4TkFsNEpoQk5qQ25uaUU2S252M3VjbXUxTU9tVFZXeU1vMmVZUjdBa2lBeEEzMTYxWlNuRmpza2luU0hFaXJyZkNBaU1QT1NqNFFRS1VGbERpczZKRGdDVzhnSzA4UUhSODhmJTJCMGhlS0drZVVjYmclM0QlM0Q.#/event/9643116/ticketlist/?view=sections&amp;minPrice=69&amp;maxPrice=200&amp;quantity=1&amp;sort=price_asc&amp;ada=false&amp;seatSelection=false&amp;onlyCoupon=true&amp;onlyVoucher=false" data-vars-content-id="fb64cf45-7010-4c51-8600-334c4b0d6c20" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=MLB_MPV&amp;orgid=21&amp;pid=9643116&amp;tfl=Philadelphia_Phillies-Schedule-Philadelphia_Phillies:_Schedule:_Schedule-web-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;adobe_mc=MCMID=05113102176553870161253372101734209410|MCORGID=A65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg|TS=1785946263&amp;_gl=1*11ek194*_gcl_au*OTU1MjA5MjEzLjE3ODMzNTA0NjM.*_ga*MjM1NjQ2MTEzLjE3ODMzNTA0NjM.*_ga_N8YFCZLYSZ*czE3ODU5NDYyNjEkbzEyJGcwJHQxNzg1OTQ2MjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMTI3Nzk0OTI4NQ..*_fplc*U09Kek56WDU1eHVPYkF4TkFsNEpoQk5qQ25uaUU2S252M3VjbXUxTU9tVFZXeU1vMmVZUjdBa2lBeEEzMTYxWlNuRmpza2luU0hFaXJyZkNBaU1QT1NqNFFRS1VGbERpczZKRGdDVzhnSzA4UUhSODhmJTJCMGhlS0drZVVjYmclM0QlM0Q.#/event/9643116/ticketlist/?view=sections&amp;minPrice=69&amp;maxPrice=200&amp;quantity=1&amp;sort=price_asc&amp;ada=false&amp;seatSelection=false&amp;onlyCoupon=true&amp;onlyVoucher=false" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: ~$69+

Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT

🎭 Enjoy theater at Clark Park this weekend. Watch an actor-driven adaptation of Shakespeare&#x27;s &quot;Hamlet.&quot; Performances start at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="7pm every day through Sunday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakespeareinclarkpark.org" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakespeareinclarkpark.org" target="_blank">7pm every day through Sunday</a> at the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/venues/the-bowl-in-clark-park" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/venues/the-bowl-in-clark-park" target="_blank">Bowl</a>.&quot; <ul><li>If there&#x27;s bad weather, the performance will move indoors to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plays &amp; Players Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.playsandplayerstheatre.org/" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.playsandplayerstheatre.org/" target="_blank">Plays &amp; Players Theatre</a>. </li></ul>🍿 Don&#x27;t forget you can see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/20/where-watch-the-odyssey-70mm-imax-philadelphia-king-of-prussia" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/20/where-watch-the-odyssey-70mm-imax-philadelphia-king-of-prussia" target="_self">Christopher Nolan&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot;</a> at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Regal UA in King of Prussia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-ua-king-of-prussia-1329" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-ua-king-of-prussia-1329" target="_blank">Regal UA in King of Prussia</a> on a 70mm IMAX screen — only one of 25 in the country. <ul><li>Plus: you can catch the flick on 70mm also at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bryn Mawr Film Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://brynmawrfilm.org/event/the-odyssey-on-70mm/" data-vars-content-id="fbf745b3-affa-4b20-9ebc-ee0b2154089b" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Shakespeare, summer festivals and TNA iMPACT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brynmawrfilm.org/event/the-odyssey-on-70mm/" target="_blank">Bryn Mawr Film Institute</a>. </li></ul>

Nolan's "The Odyssey" sends Philly library waitlists soaring

Waitlists for the book are growing by the day.

Getting your hands on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/20/where-watch-the-odyssey-70mm-imax-philadelphia-king-of-prussia" data-vars-content-id="f2cfb126-576d-4b2e-9858-f94227902206" data-vars-headline="Nolan&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; sends Philly library waitlists soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/20/where-watch-the-odyssey-70mm-imax-philadelphia-king-of-prussia" target="_self">&quot;The Odyssey&quot;</a> isn&#x27;t quite as daunting as Odysseus&#x27; journey back home to his wife, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" data-vars-content-id="f2cfb126-576d-4b2e-9858-f94227902206" data-vars-headline="Nolan&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; sends Philly library waitlists soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/only-25-us-theaters-odyssey-imax-70mm" target="_self">Christopher Nolan&#x27;s</a> new film is fueling a run on Homer&#x27;s epic at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia Free Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/17/free-library-most-popular-books-movies-borrow" data-vars-content-id="f2cfb126-576d-4b2e-9858-f94227902206" data-vars-headline="Nolan&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; sends Philly library waitlists soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/17/free-library-most-popular-books-movies-borrow" target="_self">Philadelphia Free Library</a>.Why it matters: Interest in the 2,700-year-old tale is on the rise, causing library waitlists for the book to grow by the day.

Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties

🇮🇹 Passyunk goes Italian with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Passeggiata" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" target="_blank">Passeggiata</a> — or evening stroll — tonight starting at 5pm with happy hour specials at bars and restaurants, extended retail business hours and a live jazz popup.🍽️ Last call to score discounts at restaurants in West Philly during the area&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dining Days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" target="_blank">Dining Days</a>. <ul><li>More than a dozen restaurants are offering $20-$40 lunch and dinner deals through Sunday. </li></ul>🚶 Head to Manayunk tonight for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stroll After Hours" data-vars-click-url="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" target="_blank">Stroll After Hours</a> event that brings food trucks, family activities, an outdoor movie and vendors from 6-10pm. <ul><li>Many of the activities will take place on the 100 blocks of Cotton and Grape Streets, which will be closed to traffic. </li></ul>

A pen maker wants to make a timeless piece out of this Philly landmark

Ryan Jones has made pens out of America's most iconic wood, but he still has his eyes on Independence Hall.

Business

From Mount Vernon to Wrigley Field, Ryan Jones has crafted pieces of American history into fountain pens.<ul><li>His collection includes a Civil War-era oak that once stood outside George Washington&#x27;s estate, a beam from San Diego&#x27;s historic Hotel del Coronado, wood from Churchill Downs, and Wrigley Field seats.</li></ul>Why it matters: There&#x27;s one iconic landmark still on the Kentucky master pen maker&#x27;s bucket list: Independence Hall.

The Philly region has a rare way to see "The Odyssey"

The region has one of the few U.S. theaters where you can see the flick as Christopher Nolan intended.

The Philadelphia region is home to one of the few U.S. theaters where you can see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" data-vars-content-id="4e9df892-e370-4b0c-850b-c59c316048d4" data-vars-headline="The Philly region has a rare way to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/07/15/christopher-nolan-movies-ranked" target="_self">Christopher Nolan</a>&#x27;s &quot;The Odyssey&quot; as the director intended — on a 70mm IMAX screen.The big picture: Nolan fans are going bonkers over it. Some fans bought tickets a year ago, others delayed their pregnancies or went on cross-country road trips to see the film in its proper format, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Variety" data-vars-click-url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" data-vars-content-id="4e9df892-e370-4b0c-850b-c59c316048d4" data-vars-headline="The Philly region has a rare way to see &quot;The Odyssey&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" target="_blank">Variety</a> reports.

Things to Do 🗓

Philadelphia weekender: Third Thursday, Pirate Day, treasure hunt

Philadelphia weekender: UFC, outdoor movies and Folk Festival

Don't swim in the Delaware River around Philly

Unplug and look up at Philly's Skyspace this weekend

Philly weekender: Pierogi Fest, Chase Utley honors and WWE Smackdown