Comedian Jenny Yang, on national tour, adds anti-arena message
When the strikes end, comedian Jenny Yang is set to appear in a Hollywood movie alongside Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh. Right now, the Swarthmore grad is on national tour, and her show just stopped in Philly.
It’s unusual for comics to change entire standup routines for a specific location, Yang told BP deputy editor Heather Chin, but after getting the call from activists, she did a whole set on the Sixers arena — here’s what happened.
Nashville hot chicken is hot in Philly right now
The National Restaurant Association predicted a rise in Nashville hot chicken sandwiches this year — and the trend is strong in Philly. With heat levels ranging from moderate to burn-your-lips fire, the dish is popping up on existing menus or starring in stores built entirely around it.
With venues old, new, and unexpected, BP food and drink reporter Ali Mohsen offers 13 places to get a spicy, crispy, hot chicken sandwich in Philly.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Versus all other Pa. counties, teachers in Philly are more likely to be novice, only be certified on an emergency basis, or be working in a field other than their certification, according to a new Penn State study. [Chalkbeat/CEEPA]
• After his first case ended in mistrial, a judge ruled the ex-SWAT officer charged with assault and endangerment for pepper spraying protestors in 2020, should be retried outside of Philadelphia. [Billy Penn/KYW]
• Some are thrilled Made in America is canceled (understaffed police force, Parkway bars that fight underage drinking), but others will lose out on making money, including union laborers doing set-up, food vendors, and hotel workers. [Inquirer$]
• Where can you find Philly’s “hackers, phreaks, nerds, geeks, activists, tinkerers, developers, infosec professionals, and other interesting people”? Try Iffy Books in Callowhill. [Technically]
• Former Sixers coach Doc Rivers is expected to join Doris Burke and Mike Breen on ESPN national NBA broadcasts. [PhillyVoice]
• The no-hitter from Phillies newcomer Michael Lorenzen was Citizens Bank Park’s second ever. The Hittin’ Season hosts have 8 fun facts about the instant classic. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins the Riverfront North Partnership in lower Northeast Philly to celebrate the opening of a new trail segment that will connect three parks via the K&T Trail (10 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Billy Penn event: This month’s BP Quizzo trivia night lands at annex. at the Divine Lorraine, in partnership with the North Broad Renaissance. We’ll have happy hour specials and prizes for the winners. Space is limited, so RSVP today. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24)
🌮 It’s sandwich Saturday at the Cemita Festival in Kensington, featuring several local vendors, each selling their own version of the torta. (11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13)
📚 Meet Philly storyteller Martha Cooney at the South Philly book launch party for her new book, “Walk Me Through Your Resume.” Free. (6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15)
📖 Billy Penn is proud to headline the inaugural Philly Story Fest, joining journalists from media outlets around Philadelphia to tell the city’s best stories on stage at the Bok. Early bird tix are $17. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
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