Yesterday in Philly
SUBJECT: SEPTA Reopens, A.J. Brown Says Bye, World Cup Plans Drop
Good morning! If you were busy trying to find a WiFi signal or just tuned out the news cycle, here’s what happened in your city yesterday:
Transit & City Life
The South Broad underground concourse is finally open again. The walkway connecting Walnut-Locust to City Hall is back after a year of construction, just in time for summer events and (yep) the FIFA World Cup.
Read more: PhillyVoice | Fox29
Speaking of the World Cup, the city just dropped new transit and security plans for the Fan Fest and all those matches. City officials are promising more parking, enhanced SEPTA service, extra police, and advice for anyone coming near Independence Mall next summer. (Start practicing your patience now.)
Parking, transit, and security: 6ABC | Guide | Fox29
Center City District Sips is back this week with happy hour discounts at dozens of bars. If you miss old Philly, this might feel like a little bit of it again. Here’s the map.
Giant grocery is moving into the old Acme spot in Andorra Shopping Center. Doors open June 19, so mark your calendar if you’ve been making inconvenient food runs up there. More here.
Minor chaos on Market Street: A driver crashed right through the Shops at Liberty Place. No major injuries but definitely more boarded up glass for now. Details.
Politics, $$$, and City Hall
Airbnb is hitting back at the proposed short-term rental tax hike, launching a fresh ad blitz as City Council eyes a vote. The tax could hit hosts hard if it passes—watch this space if your side hustle is anything but long-term. PhillyVoice
Philly is rolling out its safety plan (and spending more on police) for special events, thanks to World Cup demands. Hosts and advocates are already grumbling about the costs. NBC10
Sports & Culture
A.J. Brown is officially out—goodbye to the Eagles, hello Patriots. He said his goodbyes (with a lot of subtext about Jalen Hurts) on social media. If you’re hoping for instant closure, stay off Twitter today.
NBC10 | Philly Sports Nation
Dîner en Blanc returns August 20, this time with an America250 theme. Start dusting off your white pants and prepping your best centerpieces. PhillyVoice
Your guide to the best oyster bars in Philly dropped yesterday. If you need a break from all the city stress, maybe plan half a dozen on a half shell this weekend. Philly Mag
Elsewhere
Delaware’s getting its first-ever med school—run by Thomas Jefferson University. That might matter if you love a Philly-Delaware rivalry, or if you’re a future doctor eyeing a new commute. WHYY
Catch you tomorrow.
