World Cup fans; Wellness Court expands; Walmart delivery drones

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Cloudy skies above, Sunshine and rainbows below
(Photo by @barbhmphilly)

Scorching temps didn’t dim soccer spirit at Lemon Hill

Fans snapped up all available registration spots for the first day of Philly’s World Cup fan festival at East Fairmount Park.

As Mexico battled South Africa on the big screens, supporters of both teams and many others gathered to experience the start of 39 days of free festivities including musical performances, food trucks, and of course, the most watched tournament in the world. Continue reading…

Mlamuli Mhlongo (right) came to the FIFA World Cup fan festival at Lemon Hill on the opening day to support South Africa against Mexico. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)

Philadelphia expands Wellness Court for people in addiction

In the Neighborhood Wellness Court program, police arrest unhoused opioid users for minor offenses as a way to pressure them to accept treatment and social services.

Critics say using the threat of prosecution to force people into drug treatment is unethical and ineffective to use the threat of prosecution to force people into drug treatment, but supporters argue that the program helps people rather than punishing them. Continue reading…

Kensington’s Neighborhood Wellness Court helps streamline a diversion process where people suffering with substance abuse disorder can avoid jail time and receive medical care. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• The Trump administration launched an investigation into Philadelphia gun permit denials. [WHYY]

• Rep. Brendan Boyle announced Congressional members from across the country will gather at Philly’s Independence Hall on July 2 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. [NBC10]

• Carpet cleaning, cash, and bar tabs: the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 billed the city for an array of expenses that are far outside the scope of funeral home and cemetery costs. [Inq$$]

• Hundreds remember Penn State student Billy Schmidt at vigil in South Philadelphia: “This is senseless.” [CBS3]

• Philadelphia has been declared the world’s first “Playful Learning City” by a Philly-based nonprofit that designs and installs low-impact play stations in high-traffic areas, like laundromats and bus stations. [WHYY]

• Walmart plans to bring delivery drones to Philly in 2027. [PhillyVoice]

MAYOR WATCH

Yesterday, Mayor Parker signed her $7.1 billion budget into law following City Council approval, which only came after councilmembers rejected her proposed taxes on ride-share and short-term rentals, while approving Parker’s proposal for a use-and-occupancy tax on cell phone towers.

Today, Parker joins officials to celebrate the start of summer pool season, with 60+ outdoor public pools opening on a rolling basis. (2 p.m.)

⚽ World Cup Daily Recap ⚽

Start Here:
World Cup events guide
Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide

On the Ground:

Nearly 50,000 volunteers help make the World Cup happen. Here’s how Philly’s crew will help out.
Fairmount neighbors say Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival road closures threatens public safety.
World Cup fans can take a hike — literally. Soccer enthusiasts in Philly can access Lemon Hill fan fest and other sites via trails.
A heat wave may be the most obvious health threat. But infectious diseases can spread in a crowd, and experts are set to scrutinize wastewater, hospital visits, even social media for any signs that an outbreak might be brewing.

ON THE CALENDAR

June 8 to 14 is chock full of events across Philly!

This weekend, don’t miss Saturday’s Art for the Cash Poor, b[l]ok party at the Bok, Gardens of Society Hill Tour, and the Northern Liberties Music Festival!
Or Sunday’s Odunde Festival, Pride on Passyunk block parties and the Philadelphia Water Dept’s SpokesDog competition!

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