Mango hunting in Philly; Parker seeks school funding; Fighting mosquito-borne diseases

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

West Philly porch pride
(Photo by @therowhousecity)

One reporter’s quest to find the perfect Indian mango in Philadelphia

For a few weeks in May and June of each year, the Indian mango market is hopping and people around the country eagerly plot how to get their fix.

Could these mangoes actually be that much better? BP’s Julia Binswanger set out to find out what she was missing. Continue reading...

Alphonso mangoes (Julia Binswanger/ Billy Penn)

France defeats Iraq in Philly’s weather-delayed third FIFA World Cup game

Philly’s third FIFA World Cup game set up another David versus Goliath matchup, like Brazil against Haiti was on Friday. However, the upset wasn’t in the cards, with Les Bleus winning 3-0.

Neither the uphill battle nor the summer downpour dampened Iraqi fans’ enthusiasm, though. Supporters found community at the PMA as well as at Philly’s only Iraqi restaurant. Continue reading…

Iraq soccer fans Jamal Aldine (from left), Magtham Jamal, Ali Jamalaldine, Amjad Alsebti, Alwan Saoud, Haider Anoon and Dinho Jamal stopped by Crispy Wonders Baghdad Restaurant in Northeast Philadelphia the day before the team’s World Cup against France. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• A road trip with a cause had Philadelphia city leaders and education supporters crossing Pennsylvania to push state officials in Harrisburg for school funding. [WHYY]

• Does this Pa. utility offer North America’s best-tasting tap water? The Chester Water Authority is headed to DC to compete. [Spotlight PA]

• Bug season has arrived. How are Philly and Jersey fighting ticks and mosquito-borne diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus and alpha-gal syndrome? [WHYY/Billy Penn]

• Philadelphia is technically a buyer’s market, but housing economists say that’s misleading. Sellers are less serious, and buyers can’t afford anything. Economists say it will likely take years for things to improve. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• Bearded Ladies Cabaret empties its storage units to keep the legacy of Philadelphia’s queer theater. “Priority Hoarding,” coming this fall, will invite audiences to sort through 16 years of cardboard props. [WHYY]

• Where to take swimming lessons in Philly. [City Cast]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker will join youth soccer players and coaches at Hunting Park Recreation Center to announce the donation of FIFA World Cup 2026 match tickets to Kensington Soccer Club and Starfinder Foundation. (10 a.m.)

Parker later heads to Tustin Rec Center to kick off the city’s Summer Meals program. (4:30 p.m.)

⚽ World Cup Daily Recap ⚽

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

The Latest:

France defeats Iraq in Philly’s weather-delayed third FIFA World Cup game
‘ICE Out’ protest art in Philly ramps up amid World Cup spotlight

On the Ground:

Over 3,100 parking tickets were issued during the first five days of Philly’s FIFA Fan Fest. Less than 6% were in error, PPA says. [WHYY]
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 22 to 28 is here!
Show Tune Karaoke, anyone? (Tuesday)
+ Go on a historical scavenger hunt (Wednesday)
+ Vegan comfort food pop-up at Meyers Brewing (Wednesday)
+ Drag opera (Thursday)
and more!

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