Typewriters in class; Philly's novelty stores; Charter school confusion

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Morning Bentley break
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)

Resisting AI in education, one typewriter at a time

WPM Typewriter Shop & Garden — W.P.M. stands for words-per-minute — has been selling, renting and repairing typewriters in West Mount Airy for nearly a decade. Recently, a Texas teacher drove to Philly for 28 typewriters for his English class students. Continue reading…

Some of the typewriters at the W.P.M. Typewriter Shop at 6819 Greene St. (Jon Caroulis/for Billy Penn)

A guide to Philly’s specialty books, arts, vintage, toy stores and beyond

The city is full many novelty stores and hidden gems. From apparel stores to souvenir shops to wacky jewelry stores, it’s easy to find unique goods. But with lots of neighborhoods to explore, the choices can get overwhelming.

We put together a list of Philly’s novelty shops – and while it’s not exhaustive, we hope it helps you find your next quirky shopping spot ahead of the fall and winter months. Continue reading…

Stores like Tildie’s Toy Box in South Philly hold hidden gems and treasures that those of all ages can enjoy. (Photo courtesy of Albert Yee Photography)

BP Quizzo Question of the Day

“Wissahickon” is thought to come from the Lenape word “Wisameckhan,” which means what?

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Fighting tech’s influence on kids emerges as a focus for Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday. [Spotlight PA]

• Philly DA Larry Krasner’s uncertain future: How a routine case devolved into controversy. [Inq$]

• Philadelphia is overhauling its charter school evaluation process. But it keeps delaying sharing details. [Chalkbeat]

• These 10 Philly blocks have been chosen to receive $100,000 for beautification projects. [PhillyVoice]

• How libraries in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania communities evolved from subscription clubs to vital public institutions. [The Conversation]

• Faded, tattered and torn: The Gilded Age glory of Elkins Park’s Lynnewood Hall is back on display after 84 years. [WHYY]

Celebrate Philly’s finest at the Billies!

Join us for Billy Penn’s 12th annual Billies Awards from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at WHYY Studios!

We’ll honor the people and groups making Philly better — with food, refreshments and plenty of hometown spirit.

Admission is free with an RSVP. Optional donations support WHYY’s community programs. The Billies are supported in part by Every Voice, Every Vote.

Sign up to attend the Billies →

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker attends Chestnut Hill College’s presidential inauguration celebrating Dr. Brian McCloskey as the college’s new president. (10:30 a.m.)

Parker then joins city and state leaders to launch Merakey’s Mobile Methadone Program, expanding access to evidence-based treatment for people with opioid use disorder by bringing services directly into Philadelphia communities. (2 p.m.)

Philly Fringe coverage

How to Fringe: Your guide to Philly’s massive Fringe Festival
Philly’s Fringe Festival puts rookie theater makers (including a former state treasurer) in the spotlight
These Philly Fringe shows focus on veterans stories with parallels to Iran, Vietnam and beyond
Philly Fringe shows explore joys and trials of fatherhood
How a clown on a Philly stage is helping audiences find solutions
When life hurts, can you laugh? Fringe artists explore trauma through comedy

Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide

Exploring Philly’s arts scene with an accessibility mindset
How Art-Reach is working to help make the city’s cultural assets available and accessible to visitors of all abilities.
Logan Square: Life in the museum district
Just two blocks off the grand neoclassical sweep of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the scale of the city completely changes.

ON THE CALENDAR

South Street Fall Fest returns (Saturday),
Kensington Crankie Festival (Saturday),
Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts (Sunday),
Albanian Food Festival (Sunday)
AND MORE!

See the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!