Indego brings back the single-ride pass
The single-trip option was cut in April 2018 over concerns about bike thefts, but public pressure encouraged its return.
The news was greeted positively by bike advocates and social media in general, but others pointed out that the $4.50 price for 30 minutes and $15 for 24 hours pricing are still much more expensive, compared to other transit options in Philly and prices in other cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Continue reading…
Nostalgia as Temple Owls test video game avatars of themselves
For Temple football players, being in the highly anticipated College Football 25 video game was a surreal kick. “Growing up playing Madden, always making my MyPlayer, it’s pretty crazy,” said Owls’ starting quarterback, Forrest Brock, while playing the games as … himself.
Each player who agreed to their name, image, and likeness being used received $600, a copy of the game, and an in-game player rating based on their on-field performance. Those ratings sparked mixed feelings from some players — and determination to prove they’re even better in real life. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania’s long-running dispute over dates on mail-in voting ballots is back in the courts. [AP]
• Pa. teacher Marc Fogel was not included in yesterday’s multi-country prisoner swap with Russia. State lawmakers want to make sure he isn’t forgotten. [Inquirer$]
• The Philly area is under a Heat Advisory, with heat index values up to 103 expected today, and a Code Orange declared due to poor air quality. Has this summer been the hottest in recent memory? [WHYY/PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphia police step up presence on Aramingo and Island avenues with hopes of reducing crashes. [CBS3]
• As commuters return to in-person work, here’s how local restaurants are working to adapt to what customers want now. [WHYY]
• No one was injured in the collapse of part of Graffiti Pier into the Delaware River on Wednesday morning, but left people wondering if it was the end of plans to turn it into a public park. [PhillyVoice/BP]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🐈Friday, August 2: Cats ‘n’ Crafts
A laidback, two-hour workshop to explore your artsy side with feline and human pals by your side at Le Cat Cafe in Fairmount. Supplies and light snacks provided. Free with RSVP. (6:30 p.m.)
💎 Sunday, August 4: Family Festival: Flashy, Friendly, Ferocious
What do you wear to make you feel fancy or fierce? At the PMA, discover helmets, jewelry and other wearables adorned with protective creatures. Pay-what-you-wish admission. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
🪘Sunday, August 4: 16th Annual ACANA African Festival
Cherry Street Pier hosts the largest African festival on the East Coast with a diverse lineup of African music, cuisine, and unique crafts. (2 to 8 p.m.)
🪴Monday, August 5: August Plant Swap
Spruce up your indoor space by heading to the outdoor space of Manayunk’s PHS Pop-Up Garden for the monthly swap of plants, plant cuttings, or any garden-related items! Register for free. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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