Your Daily Guide

Where Can You Live for $1,500 in Rent?

Just because tenants in different cities are paying the same amount in rent doesn’t mean they’re paying for the same amount of space. Spending $1,500 on rent isn’t always enough to cover a one-bedroom apartment in Philly, but elsewhere, it could cover four-bedroom apartments. See how Philly compares. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: These are your rights as a renter, no matter what type of home you live in. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Excavation Begins at Olney Home Amid Investigation

Philadelphia Police and the FBI began digging for a pipe on the property Wednesday following a raid by multiple law enforcement agencies in June. The investigation is connected to Eugene Horsch, who is facing multiple federal charges. A missing woman, Amy McHale, was last known to be at the home 10 years ago. [NBC10]

Preservationists Demand PennDOT Secure Historic Bridge

Philly just celebrated the Ben Franklin Bridge’s 100th anniversary, designed by renowned architect Paul Philippe Cret. His other work, the University Avenue Bridge, has not received the same reverence. Its ornamentation has been stolen, vandalized, or destroyed. As foot traffic increases, the public demands more respect for the longstanding bridge. [Hidden City]

Highway Patrols Crack Down on Aggressive Driving

As vacationgoers travel down the highway to their destinations, state police are putting a stop to chaotic driving with more patrols and enforcement through Aug. 16. In the Philadelphia region last year, 2,190 crashes were caused by aggressive driving. [WHYY]

Poor Neighborhoods Are Most Impacted by Criminal Justice Fines

Kensington, Fairhill, Hunting Park, and Nicetown are among the neighborhoods most impacted by legal obligation fees, which are costs associated with court and restitution payments. This type of debt, concentrated in economically disadvantaged communities, adds a layer of punishment for those who can’t afford the fines. [The Conversation]

Rooftop bars are a great way to watch those summer sunsets and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. See the beauty of Philly’s skyline at these local bars, and stick around for their special programming that keeps the party going through the evening.

El Techo

1830 Ludlow St.

Located at the Motto Hotel, El Techo is your source for rooftop tacos and cocktails. For National Tequila Day tomorrow, enjoy tequila tastings and a special cocktail menu. Throughout the season, El Techo hosts its “Summer Sessions” series with monthly music programming. Upcoming dates are July 26, Aug. 16, and Sept. 27. General admission tickets are $25, with light bites available for pre-purchase. The fun doesn’t end after the summer. El Techo has a retractable roof, keeping it open year-round.

Bok Bar

800 Mifflin St.

The top level of this former South Philly high school has become a summer staple with programs like line dancing, rooftop fitness, and sunset drag. If you’re hungry, Bok Bar rotates its menu each month. For July, Gabriella’s Vietnam is serving dishes such as crispy catfish and fries, meat skewers with bao buns, and Vietnamese banana ice cream. For drinks, sip on “Tami-Miami,” “Time After Thyme,” or “Bird’s Eye View” — appropriate for the venue.

Kimmel Center

300 S. Broad St.

You may be thinking “that’s not a bar, that’s a theater.” While you’re not necessarily wrong, that means you’re missing out on one of this venue’s unique features. The Balcony Bar at Curtain Call is a summer-only pop-up at the Kimmel Center. Admission is free with food and drinks between $6 and $9. Guests also have a chance to win tickets for performances through Ensemble Arts. The pop-up runs through Aug. 26.

Thanks, Alex! You can also explore the city by joining these local walking clubs.

Are you a member who wants to take advantage of more perks? Or how about a dedicated reader looking to get to know other Philadelphians who love the city as much as you do? It’s not too late to join the City Cast Philly team at the historic Wyck House and Garden on July 27. Become a member for just $10 a month or $100 a year — then you’ll get access to this exclusive garden tour and picnic with our crew.