Your Daily Guide

The Neighbors Behind Philly’s Dazzling Blocks

South Philly is festive year-round not through an official city initiative, but rather due to the joint effort of neighbors keeping their blocks merry and bright. These residents, usually block captains, are the ones maintaining the display (and paying those PECO bills). [🔒 The Inquirer]

Could Fetterman Be Replaced in 2028?

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, who represents parts of North and Northeast Philadelphia, teased a potential run for Senate. And he’s not the only Democrat eyeing Sen. John Fetterman’s seat after his controversial appearance at the Republican National Convention last week. [🔒Semafor, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

New Turf Field at FDR Park Violates State Environmental Laws

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation bypassed the necessary erosion control permits to allow the Phillies to construct a new ballfield at FDR Park in time for the 250th celebrations and MLB All-Star Game. It remains uncertain if the construction of the artificial turf field polluted nearby waterways. [WHYY]

A $50 Million Gift to Boost Cancer Research at Penn Medicine

Freedom Mortgage founder (and Phillies co-owner) Stanley C. Middleman donated to Penn in the hope that the money would “fuel the development of lifesaving therapies and new approaches to treating patients.” Its research center, which reopened last year, will be named after him. [Philly Voice]

Pennsylvania Invests in EVs Despite Lagging Popularity

Pennsylvania is betting big on the future of electric vehicles, spending millions to add chargers statewide, with new charging stations on the way. But despite investing more than any other state, Pennsylvania only ranks 29th in electric car ownership in the country, and 32nd in car charger availability. [Inside Climate News]

Cheesesteaks may be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Philly, but another sandwich deserves the spotlight just as much. Hoagies are a part of the city’s identity, so much so that they were once declared “the official sandwich of Philadelphia.” While there’s disagreement on how the name exactly came to be, two things are certain: Philly loves eating hoagies and apparently fighting over them. For National Eat a Hoagie Day, here are our recs for where to grab this classic sandwich.

Farina di Vita

250 Catherine St.

Aside from “The Italian,” you can chow down on “The Marie” — stuffed with fresh mozzarella, parma prosciutto, arugula, tomato, and lemon spritz — or “The Bucci,” served with Italian tuna, long hots, and sharp provolone. Keep an eye out for its weekly special.

Middle Child

248 S. 11th St. or 1213 N. Front St.

Vegans can enjoy an animal product-free version of the sandwich at Middle Child. “The Phoagie” includes eggplant, avocado, onions, cilantro, and pho sauce on a seeded roll.

Paesano’s

943 S. 9th St.

Chef Anthony Bourdain featured this restaurant and its owner in a book, saying: “Yeah, OK, he isn’t Italian, but he serves a mean sandwich here, most of them as batsh** crazy as he is.” This sandwich shop takes pride in its Italian-inspired menu, including the “Daddy Wad” loaded with classic Italian meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the “Bolognese,” a lasagna-stuffed sandwich served on a hoagie roll.

L. Mancuso and Son

1902 E. Passyunk Ave.

Despite nearly 90 years in business, the grocery store L. Manusco and Son only started serving sandwiches in 2022. Don’t let that deter you from trying this South Philly staple’s hoagies, which range from the “Old Italian Speciality Hoagie” to the “Dry Cured Capicola Hoagie” to the “Mixed Cheese Hoagie.”