Your Daily Guide

The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns Sunday after a 10-year hiatus and is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators. Here’s everything you need to know about the event. [Philadelphia Cycling Classic]

• The loop: The circuit race begins on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, follows the curves of the Schuylkill River, and circles back around at the foreboding “Great Wall of Philadelphia” in Manayunk before riding through Lemon Hill to end back at Logan Square.
• The racers: There is both a women’s race and a men’s race. The 62-mile women’s race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 120-mile men’s race starts at noon. The winner of both races will receive a $75,000 prize. Racers complete multiple laps on a fixed 14.4-mile course.
• How to watch: Over 100,000 people are expected to line the streets along the circuit. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best way to watch the Classic.
• Fan Fest: Starting Saturday, a two-day Philadelphia Cycling Classic Fan Fest at the Iroquois statue at Eakins Oval will feature DJs, mini-bike courses, bike demos, and more than 150 vendors. Entrance is free, and the first 2,000 guests get a musette bag.
• Road closures: Inner lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will close starting tomorrow. Check out this detailed list of road closures, parking zones, and how to get to the race via public transportation.
• History lesson: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic was first established in 1985 and attracts over 250 athletes from more than 50 countries. The women’s race was added in 1994.

The Best Philly Dates Under $25

Whether you're aiming to keep the romance alive or thin out your roster before cuffing season, dating can be expensive! But workout classes, bike rides, and opera tickets don't have to break the bank. That's why we're revisiting a conversation where we share the best date ideas for $25 or less. [🔒 City Cast Philly]

Shapiro Has Double Digit Lead

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro leads Republican Stacy Garrity by 16 points in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, according to the latest poll. Shapiro is seeing strong approval across party lines, while Garrity lacks strong name recognition, even among Republicans. Shapiro's popularity could boost him in a 2028 presidential run, with most state Dems saying they would support him in such a campaign. [🔒 The Inquirer]

The Mysterious Case of the Missing State Test Scores

Philly students are facing uncertainty over admissions to magnet schools due to “embargoed and not available” state test results from last spring. The district is offering an alternative assessment this fall, but little is known about when it will be offered or if it is even necessary to take. State and district officials have not explained exactly where the results are and why students, who spent days taking these tests, have yet to learn their results. [Axios]

Tenant Unions Grow in Presence, Power

The number of tenant unions in Philly have quadrupled since the pandemic, empowering renters to organize, secure new legal protections, demand repairs, and resist evictions. Landlords, however, argue tenant unions lead to legal disputes and complicate property management. Tenant organizers now have their eyes set on the first collectively bargained lease in the city. [WHYY]

Who Left the Tires at Fairmount Park?

Police are searching for the driver who dumped hundreds of tires in Fairmount Park after a U-Haul truck carrying the tires got stuck in the mud in Fairmount Park. Anyone who witnessed the dumping or has information is urged to call 311. [CBS News]

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.

Do you recognize where this artwork is?

While out searching, you can:

• Visit an independent bookstore, like Little Yenta.
• Find hidden cash in Philly.
• Go on a history walk in Old City.
• See the new view down Broad Street.