#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Art imitating life imitating art — Roxy Paine’s sculpture, Symbiosis (2011)
(Photo by @chuckseye)
Cheesesteak philosophy: balancing tradition and reinvention
“You learn that you’re more than just a cheesesteak shop. You’re part of people’s history and part of people’s expectations,” Ken Silver said.
Silver, who owns the hugely popular Jim’s South Street, joined four other cheesesteak entrepreneurs sharing stories about the highlights — and occasional low points — of making and selling Philly’s most famous dish. Continue reading…

Why street artists in Bella Vista are trolling a guy named Joel
Artists plaster stickers on poles and signs. Joel Palmer paints over them with green paint. The artists return with more stickers. Will the cycle ever end?
How one man’s “neighborhood beautification routine” — the covering up of graffiti and street art, specifically with green paint — is leaving some bitter. Continue reading…

RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Measles cases this year have surpassed all of 2025 to become the worst since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with cases now in 44 states and the District of Columbia. [Capital-Star]
• A corporate landlord in Philly broke the law by using rent-setting software, a tenant alleged. [WHYY]
• What do we do about all the trees lost in the microburst storm? [Philadelphia Citizen]
• Franklin Square celebrates 20 years after transformation from neglected site to thriving public park. [WHYY]
• LeBron effect: Sixers preseason tickets soar after ‘last decision’ announcement. [6ABC]
• Penn professor Emily Wilson, who penned a highly acclaimed translation of “The Odyssey” in 2017, is having a big summer amid momentum for the film. [Inq$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Monday.
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
On the edge of Black Bottom: A walk down Lancaster Avenue
This West Philly neighborhood is steeped in history that locals are eager to keep alive.
Mayfair Diner: Serving Northeast Philly and beyond for generations
As the classic Philly diner approaches its 100th birthday, the pancakes, potatoes and scrapple are still hot items for regulars and newcomers alike.
ON THE CALENDAR
Retro video game night at Fishtown Community Library (Monday),
Market and a movie in Chinatown (Tuesday),
Bridging Blocks convo on gun rights and responsibilities (Tuesday),
AND MORE!
Send us events to add to the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🌽 CSA farmshare guide
🛝 Kid-friendly summer guide
☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide





