Yesterday in Philly: Fire Risks, FIFA Frenzy, and South Philly Turns Brazilian
Welcome to your neighborhood catch-up. Let’s make this quick.
🔥 Real Talk: E-Bikes and Fires
A deadly South Philly rowhouse fire Saturday was traced to a charging e-bike battery — the latest in a string of local fires tied to lithium batteries. One woman died, and a child is in critical condition. The city’s warning: pay attention to where and how you charge those things. Unfortunately, a separate e-bike crash in West Philly also turned tragic Saturday night. Stay safe out there, folks.
🚦 Weekend Streets: Shootings, Carjackings, Traffic Woes
It was another chaotic weekend of violence and carjackings, with police finding nearly 70 shell casings after a wild shootout and carjacking in Parkside. There was also a rideshare driver shot in Fairmount during a robbery attempt (driver survived), a 62-year-old man killed in Northeast Philly by a driver, and more violence scattered around the city. Traffic was also a mess thanks to World Cup crowds. Take SEPTA if you’re heading to South Philly — just expect delays and sardine conditions.
⚽ FIFA World Cup: Philly Goes Global
Brazil fans basically turned South Philly into South America yesterday as the Seleção demolished Haiti 3-0 at Lincoln Financial. The stands were packed, neighbors set off fireworks, and even the local kids were out there walking players onto the field. Want a taste of the scene? Check these wild crowd shots. And Fan Fest is up and running with art, DJs and food trucks all weekend. Even if you hate soccer, the vibes are strong.
🎆 Juneteenth & Philly 250: Festivals, Reminders
This city doesn’t need an excuse to party, but Saturday doubled up on big events. Crowds flooded Germantown for the oldest Juneteenth celebration in Philly. Meanwhile, Philly Fair 250 kicked off to mark — you guessed it — 250 years since the country got started. If you noticed more old-timey costumes and fireworks than usual, that’s why.
⚾ Sports Quickies
- Phillies dropped 17 hits and annihilated the Mets. Schwarber & Harper went wild.
- Sixers have their eye on Dailyn Swain in pre-draft chatter.
- Flyers don’t have many high picks this year but might make moves. Draft preview here.
- If you’re actually excited for the Eagles: here’s a reminder graphic of their decorated defense.
🏙️ In Case You Missed It
- Long-empty City Tavern’s garden is popping up again in Old City — worth a drink stop.
- A Germantown corner is now named for activist Herbert “Drum” Burch.
- USDA has new rules for anyone taking their dog to Mexico (no, seriously).
Stay smart. Tip your bartenders. Be careful where you charge your e-bike.
