Philadelphians have embraced an automatic 20% service charge for the World Cup
Both local and international soccer fans seem happy to tip their servers — even when it’s mandatory.
Latest news
This new Fishtown venue is bound to make you nostalgic
Nostalgia Fishtown’s owners describe it as a space for artists, musicians and creatives around Philly. Their original idea was far smaller.
The nation’s First Bank just got a $43 million makeover
After undergoing a multi-year restoration, the First Bank building has opened as a new museum all about the country’s financial history.
Philly leaders are working to rebuild the Gayborhood’s LGBTQ+ community center
The William Way LGBT Center at 1315 Spruce is “unsavable,” so the community is working to rebuild something new.
The Wissahickon’s 100 Steps connect a natural oasis to the city
Over 100 years old, the community has repeatedly worked to protect the staircase and its glimmering schist wall.
Connecting cultures through the Eye’s Gallery on South Street
The reconstituted gallery from Julia Zagar draws visitors for a curated look at Indian and Latin American folk art, jewelry, and handmade gifts.
The “South Pacific” is not too far from Philly this summer
Musical aficionados can head to the suburbs to experience the close connection to the works of Oscar Hammerstein and Pearl Buck.
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More Philly news
‘Smokin’’ Joe Frazier finally gets his due with a statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the boxing heavyweight’s new prime real estate where the Rocky statue once stood.
Meet the Philly couple who had their wedding photos crashed by Croatian World Cup fans
Ashton and Zach Smith just wanted the quintessential photos outside City Hall. Now the newlyweds are one of the viral fan moments of soccer’s biggest celebration.
Croatia tops Ghana in Philly’s final World Cup group stage match
After packed crowds for five group stage games in South Philly, excitement is building for what could be a marquee matchup on the Fourth of July.
Scorching semiquincentennial: Philly heat wave could make for a sweaty celebration
Temps are forecast to hit triple digits this week, which could put a damper on tons of outdoor activities in the city leading up to the Fourth of July.
More than a cemetery: Inside Laurel Hill
The East Falls cemetery is the final resting place for some historic and famous figures, but it’s way more than just a collection of tombstones.
The family legacy continues at Seng’s Salon in Lower Moyamensing
The South Philly staple celebrates its 40th year of bringing the community together.
Côte d’Ivoire advances for the first time in history after Philly World Cup win over Curaçao
Curaçao fans showed lots of underdog spirit as the smallest nation ever to compete in World Cup play.
Headlines of Yore
A 19th century Philly civic leader’s legacy includes this pop culture icon
C.C.A. Baldi was a major figure in Philadelphia’s Italian American community. His family would go on to lead in both politics and pop culture.
Food & Drink Scene
Our chip champion for Herr’s ‘Flavored by Philly: Taste of 250’ competition
Loaded Cheese Fries, Hickory Barbecue or Jalapeño Cream Cheese? The choice was tough.
Neighborhoods
‘Go back and get it’: Sankofa farm connects African diaspora in Southwest Philly to the land
The 3.5-acre farm is a sacred space that honors the cultural heritage of crops and the deepening of roots, all while connecting generations via common ancestry.
Power & Politics
‘ICE Out’ protest art in Philly ramps up amid World Cup spotlight
Anti-ICE protest art in the city embraces Philly’s long tradition of blending art, activism and community-building.
Philadelphia expands Wellness Court for people in addiction
Few complete the program but hundreds get help, officials say.
City officials respond to backlash against heavy police involvement at Philly Pride
“That is not us,” police commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said, rejecting claims that the department is hostile to Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.
Philly water bills could rise to cut rates for low-income residents
Council, administration spar over the cost of expanding the Tiered Assistance Program.
Gun violence prevention
Philly ‘Peacekeepers’ to get unique professional development in new program
The 8-week program will help invest in programs that help prevent community violence throughout the city.
Healing Verse Germantown uses poetry and public art to strengthen community bonds
Exhibit organizers hope it serves as a model in Philly and the U.S. for addressing mental health wounds of gun violence through the transformative power of poetry and public art.
From trauma to teaching: Philly gun violence survivors are rewriting how gun violence gets covered
The launch of the Survivor Connection online website and the Association of Gun Violence Reporters both seek to provide training and support.
How Philly became ground zero for rethinking gun violence reporting
An effort led by local researchers and survivors is reshaping how journalists tell stories of trauma, healing, and prevention.
Education
New report shows struggles, successes of Philly area students
The Children First’s report highlights how mental health, violence, poverty and underfunding affects Philly schools and students.
Inside the unraveling of one of Philadelphia’s most successful charter schools
In 25 years, there’s been mostly public praise for MCS — but its methodology is unusual, and some question the founder’s motives in shutting it down.
How teaching in Philly district schools differs from charters: Three teachers share their stories
They each have their pros and cons, on issues ranging from resources to oversight.
Why a Southwest Philly charter is refusing to close after the school board voted to shut it down
Parents had good things to say about the K-8 academy, which was founded in 2007 and, like its neighborhood, is majority Black.
BP Quizzo
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secrets & Fun
School’s (almost) out! Your Philly guide to kid-friendly, summer activities
A list of free and low-cost activities for your kiddos this summer. From parks to Playstreets to summer camps – here is your guide.
Sports Culture
‘Small islands, big dreams:’ Curaçao looking to make World Cup history against Ivory Coast in Philly
Many didn’t give the Caribbean island a chance at the tournament, or know where it is. Now it’s one of the Cinderella stories of the summer.
FIFA fan fest organizers reveal steps to cut down lines for World Cup bracelets
The free customizable charm bracelets offered at the Bank of America booth have become a viral hit, and created long queues to get one.
France defeats Iraq in Philly’s weather-delayed third FIFA World Cup game
Kylian Mbappé scored twice for Les Bleus as Iraq’s diaspora cheered on their nation’s return to the tournament.
Brazil takes over Philly, dominates Haiti in city’s second World Cup match
Hundreds of yellow jersey-wearing Brazil fans took over the Art Museum steps this week before descending on South Philly to watch the Canarinho win.
