The Pope in Philly
Pope In Philly Day 1: Nun tailgates, blessed children and a papal ‘rainbow’ (your photos and tweets)

#PopeInPhilly finally became the real thing. After months of discussion and weeks of preparation and worry, Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia and put on a show. And that show began shortly after he arrived at the airport, when he displayed the kindness and mercy that have made him beloved as the ‘cool’ pope.

Journey to the center of SIPS: An influencer-backed guide to the summerlong happy hour
The Wednesday drink specials now come with afterparties — and a healthy dose of personal regret.

Philadelphians to mayor: resign; Love Park seeks new restaurant; SEPTA police chief is out | Morning roundup
Old trolley car = new wine garden 🍷

Violent crime is exceedingly rare on South Street, despite longstanding misconceptions fueled by the recent shooting
Some have called for more policing, but the business and entertainment corridor is among Philly’s safest, city data shows.

What happens if Mayor Kenney resigns? The council president could step in — or not
With a year and a half left in his term, Philadelphia’s 99th mayor once again faces mounting calls for his resignation.

Fourth of July disrupted; PATCO reopening at Franklin Square; New ice cream in Old City | Morning roundup
Summer photos at Devil's Pool ⛰️

What we know about the July Fourth shooting that disrupted Philly’s fireworks
Two police officers were wounded. It's unclear if they were shot intentionally.

Photos: Philly celebrates Independence Day with music, dancing, food, and fun
The free Fourth of July festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway gave Philadelphians a chance to smile.

A starter guide to Philadelphia’s must-see American Revolution history
From the basic to the lesser-known, a primer for tourists or residents.

Protests for women’s liberty and reproductive freedom will fill Philadelphia on the Fourth of July
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe. v. Wade, many plan to demonstrate on the nation’s birthday.

Russia detains Flyers backup; American Revolution starter guide; Melrose Diner slated for demolition | Sunday roundup
Parties and protests on July Fourth 🧨

Old City gets a new scoop shop with Vanderwende’s, offering ice cream made on the family farm
The youngest of three siblings is bringing the Delaware venture into Philly.

The civil rights legacy of Horace Mann Bond, Lincoln University’s first Black president
Bond's research helped make school segregation illegal, and his son would go on to co-found the Southern Poverty Law Center.

School district’s $60M worry; Which ‘Flavored by Philly’ chip is best?; Center City on the rebound | Morning roundup
New watershed trail for North Philadelphia 🏞️

With $450k consulting contract, Philadelphia’s new school superintendent crushes hopes for change | Opinion
Tony Watlington is bringing in a Tennessee-based firm, and the Board of Ed. isn’t taking questions.

Taste test: Which ‘Flavored by Philly’ potato chip is the best?
The Billy Penn newsroom landed on a pretty clear winner.

How Philly schools are funded — property taxes play a huge role — and why state budget negotiations are key
Philadelphia’s school district will spend more than $4 billion this year to educate city kids.

Whose history is it, anyway? Examining how we commemorate the city’s first Gay Pride March | Opinion
In 1972, Cei Bell was a 17-year-old volunteer.

SEPTA double-charging rail riders; Pa. budget deadline looms; Remove a tree, pay the price | Morning roundup
Corn dog donuts at Okie Dokie 🌭🍩

Say hello to corn dog donuts, the newest creation from South Philly’s Okie Dokie
The brilliant mashup obviously needed to exist.

SEPTA has been double-charging Regional Rail riders’ Key cards, with 1,600 hit by ‘bug’ before a fix
The transit authority has already issued refunds to half of the affected customers, officials said, with more on the way.