🏊 Is your neighborhood pool opening this week?

🚆 Court Upholds SEPTA Special Prosecutor Law

On Friday, Commonwealth Court upheld the law that directs the Pennsylvania attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to handle crimes that happen on SEPTA in Philly. District Attorney Larry Krasner had sued over the law in January, arguing that it’s unconstitutional, and he plans to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. [AP]

• Following the court ruling, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the appointment of attorney Michael Untermeyer to the role of special prosecutor. [PhillyVoice]
• The law, introduced by a Republican state senator from Cambria County, has been controversial from the start. Here’s some context. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🌡️ Heat Wave Expected

Brace yourself for a scorching week! Meteorological projections show a “heat dome” forming above the East Coast, which means that Philly should expect temps in the 90s throughout this week. [Axios Philadelphia]

• Please stay safe! Here are some hot weather preparedness tips. [City of Philadelphia]

🏊 Public Pools Start Opening This Week

Four city pools open today, 21 more will open throughout the course of the week, and another 35 are expected to open later in the summer (exact dates still TBA). Check here to see if your neighborhood pool is part of the first ~wave~ openings. [Philadelphia Parks & Recreation]

🚗 Fetterman’s Unsafe Driving

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s driving record has been under scrutiny following an auto accident two Sundays ago, when he rear-ended a 62-year-old woman in Maryland. Fetterman was speeding and “at fault” for that accident, according to Maryland police. Several months ago, Fetterman was cited for driving 34 miles over the speed limit in western Pennsylvania and was reportedly required to take a driver’s improvement course. [Washington Post 🔒]

Take it from a lover of cheesy romance and good deals: Date night doesn’t have to be pricey!

Whether you’re getting to know someone new or looking for a romantic time out with your longtime partner, Philadelphia is full of inexpensive opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.

Read on for a few date ideas that go beyond the traditional (or tired) dinner and drinks — and also happen to cost around $10 or less per person. Win-win! (See the full list on our website.)

📽️ Catch a Monday Night Movie

Tickets to showings at the Philadelphia Film Society’s two Old City theaters cost just $6 each on Mondays (plus a $1.50 processing fee if you buy online).

🧑‍🎨 Admire Sculptures

Going out with an art appreciator? Buy some pay-what-you-wish tickets to the collection of masterpieces at the Rodin Museum, then stroll down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to check out the various sculptures surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

💃 Go Dancing!

Brasil’s Nightclub near Penn’s Landing has a $7 cover on Wednesdays and no cover on Friday nights. Both nights feature a salsa lesson at 9:30 p.m.

🎨 Attend a Queer Clay Event Together

Admission is on a $10-$15 sliding scale for Queer Clay PHL’s monthly Monday-evening events in Society Hill, where you can get your hands messy and embrace your creativity in a LGBTQ+-friendly space.

🌳 Explore Nature and Picnic

A walk in the park is a classic date with lots of potential for romance and quality one-on-one time, and Philly has plenty of parks to pick from.

Hey Philly reader Roxanne G. recommends walking or biking together through the Wissahickon, packing a blanket and picnic, and finding a nice spot by the creek to eat together.

🎳 Show Off Your Bowling Skills (or Lack Thereof)

You and your date can head to North Bowl in Northern Liberties on Wednesday nights for $3 bowling, $3 shoe rentals, and $3 drink specials after 9 p.m.

Why Philly Needs a Sports Mayor

Whether you love our Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, or Sixers, one thing is clear: Philly is a very sports-oriented city. But is there something missing in our sports culture? City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri talks with Diana Lind, writer and urban policy specialist, about what the role of a sports mayor could look like in Philly.