City Tavern Returns, Storms Wreck Plans, and Philly’s Rental Mess
🌧 Severe Storms, Streets Flooded, and Cleanup
Yesterday’s storms weren’t just dramatic—they took down trees, damaged houses across North Philly (NBC10), and briefly had some people wondering why we ever moved here. Look out for fallen branches, lingering power outages, and slow cleanup on some blocks. On the upside: the sun’s supposed to return today.
🏢 Philly’s School Facilities Get a Long-Overdue Overhaul Try
The School District just set up a new office to oversee $3 billion worth of long-needed repairs and upgrades. Mold, ancient boilers, and leaky roofs have been a sad punchline for far too long—and the district says this will help actually get stuff done. Transition plan here; no word yet on how soon we’ll see results.
🏡 Rental Crackdown: One-Third of Airbnbs Not Playing by the Rules
If you’ve got a short-term rental (or are next door to one), fun fact: A new city report says about a third are unlicensed. That could mean more fines are coming, and the city doubling down on enforcement. Not a huge shock, but this could seriously shake up which blocks see those party houses or weekend Airbnbs.
🍺 Historic Eats: City Tavern Is Back (With a Twist)
After a few years away, Old City’s City Tavern is reopening, but don’t expect just Ben Franklin cosplay—the menu’s "alt-history" theme throws 1700s dining quirks together with modern flavor. Starched collars optional.
🌍 World Cup Rains (and Money) Down on Philly
France beat Iraq in that rain-delayed World Cup match (WHYY recap), and Kylian Mbappé made history—but the real winner was Philly’s hospitality scene. Tourism is way up, bars stayed packed, and the city’s getting more practice at pulling off massive events.
If you scored a free kids' ticket from Mayor Parker’s giveaway, you’re extra lucky.
🚨 Quick Hits and Need-to-Knows
- CHOP gets new CEO: Joseph Mitchell steps up as Madeline Bell retires (PhillyVoice).
- Two Philly pastors charged with sexual abuse of minors (Fox29).
- Warehouse on Watts—the beloved music venue—will close this summer (NBC10).
- Power ranking watch: The Phillies are still rolling in the NL East. Eagles fans debating if their secondary is the league’s best (analysis here).
- Swan boat fireworks at Penn’s Landing on June 27, because why not? (Details)
More events and stuff to do: Week’s picks here.
