Philly's smoking bars are on borrowed time

⚖️ SW Philly Mass Shooting Suspect in Custody

Philadelphia police released updates on Monday’s mass shooting that killed five and injured four in Kingsessing. The suspect, 40-year-old Kimbrady Carriker, wore a bulletproof vest and a ski mask while “shooting aimlessly” with an AR-15 assault rifle, police said. Carriker reportedly told responding officers who made the arrest that the rampage was an attempt to help authorities address Philly’s gun violence crisis, because it would trigger divine intervention. [Inquirer 🔒]

🏫 Philly To Change School Lottery Admissions Process

Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington announced that the school district will revise its current process for admission to its most selective schools. The lottery system was introduced in 2021, to try to increase the proportion of Black and Latino students in these schools. It replaced a long-standing practice in which principals made final admission decisions. However, the consulting firm Accenture conducted a recent survey of counselors, principals, students, and other stakeholders, and only 20% said they liked the newer process. [Chalkbeat Philadelphia]

🎒What went wrong with Philly’s school lottery system? We found out! [City Cast Philly 🎧] 

🎓 Temporary Girls’ High School Principal

After refusing to give diplomas to some students at graduation, Girls’ High principal Lisa Mesi has been temporarily replaced. Prior to the ceremony, Mesi warned graduates that if their families clapped, cheered, or called out their names, diplomas would be withheld. Video of Mesi withholding a diploma from a student who danced across the stage then went viral. Some alumni said that Mesi received death threats after the incident. [Inquirer🔒]

🥳 Free Summer Events in Philly

Living your best life this summer doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. There are tons of exciting things to do all over Philly for free, and we’ve got your ultimate event roundup to keep your soul and your wallet happy all season. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🎥 Short Films | Friday | 6 p.m.

Catch three under-30 minute films made by Latino filmmakers at Cherry Street Pier. [free, Penn’s Landing]

🍿 Movie Screening | Friday | 9 p.m.

Watch “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” at Triangle Park. [free, Wynnefield]

🪩 Dance Party | Friday | 9 p.m.

Drink, dine, and dance the night away at World Cafe Live featuring live music from Guachinangos and DJ Mario Cotto.

🍻 Parks on Tap | Through Sunday | Various times

Enjoy fresh food, beer on tap, wine, snacks, and other drinks at FDR Park. A portion of all proceeds benefits the park. [pay-as-you-go, South Philly]

Philly's Smoking Bar Scene Is Running Out of Time

McGlinchey’s Bar is a long-time dive on South 15th Street in Center City. It’s also one of the few bars that still allows smoking, despite a 2008 ban on smoking in most indoor spaces.

Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Ali Mohsen, food and beverage reporter for Billy Penn, and Sheldon Sokol, co-owner of McGlinchey’s Bar, about how it has kept its smoking exemption and why these bars are likely to lose them in the next couple of decades.