Yesterday in Philly
Subject: World Cup Wins, Restaurant Moves, and a Refinery Fire
Sports, food, and a few headaches—catch up on what Philly's been up to.
⚽ Philly Gets Its World Cup Moment
South Philly was buzzing yesterday as Ivory Coast took down Curaçao at the Linc, making history by advancing to their first-ever World Cup knockout round in Philly. Massive crowds, rolling parties, and lots of orange and blue—if you were anywhere near the stadium or FDR Park, you felt it. Curaçao fans turned out hard too, marching and singing all through the street (here and here). The SoccerFest parties spilled over into South Jersey and Delco as well (SoccerFest coverage).
🚒 Local Headaches: Refinery Fire & Labor News
If you noticed the air smelled off, you weren’t imagining things—a major fire hit Monroe Energy refinery in Delaware County, injuring four employees and prompting a shelter-in-place alert. Officials say air quality is fine for now, but it’s a reminder of how close these risks are to home.
In other neighborhood-impacting news: PECO workers could go on strike over the Fourth of July if there’s no contract (details here). But after threatened walkouts, 1,200 nurses at Jefferson Einstein just ratified a new union contract and avoided a hospital strike. Still, stay tuned on the electric front.
🍴 Restaurant Moves & Openings
The Bellevue’s new spot, Mr. Edison, is open and pulling some clever Thomas Edison inspiration—menu, décor, the whole thing. And Amma’s in Rittenhouse has had a bit of a makeover but, according to early reviews, hasn’t lost its South Indian soul.
Ever notice all those stunning new restaurant interiors popping up? Turns out there’s a single design team shaping tons of Philly’s prettiest dining rooms.
🏀 Draft Season: Flyers & Sixers Watch
Flyers started the trade engine early, moving Garnet Hathaway to the Panthers ahead of the NHL Draft. For the Sixers, it's all about draft plans and free agency, with Bob Myers and Mike Gansey connections worth watching.
🎉 Free (and Fun) This Weekend
- Punk Rock Flea Market takes over South Philly with vintage, vinyl, and local weirdness.
- Under the El Bazaar is back with live art, music, and food.
- Wawa Welcome America continues—check out the Black Music Month events and free museums.
Quick Hits
- Project HOME just opened a facility to support people dealing with addiction between hospitalization and housing (read more).
- Chester County gets an outdoor gym with seven quick workout stations (for overachievers).
- Joe Frazier’s statue now lives at the Art Museum (yes, next to Rocky).
That’s the big stuff. Go treat yourself to some AC, some soccer, or something spicy—and keep an eye out for more fireworks (of all kinds) as the weekend gets started.
