🌐 Philly portal goes dark after vandalism

🌲 Why Doesn’t PA Have Its Own National Park?

One of the best things about the United States is its ranging landscapes, from vast canyons in Arizona to lush forests in the Appalachian Mountains. And you don’t have to go far: Pennsylvania is home to plenty of beautiful landscapes. But for some reason, none have received a National Park designation. On today’s episode, Trenae speaks with journalist Kyle Bagenstose about what it would take to make this happen. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🗳️ Help Wanted: Republican DA Candidate

Despite talking to “every Republican lawyer with a pulse,” it looks like Philly’s GOP is running out of time to secure a candidate for the District Attorney’s race. Party leaders say it’s unlikely someone will emerge to take the spot. This solidifies the Democratic primary – closed to voters not registered as Dems – as the race that will determine the next DA. [🔒The Inquirer]

⚽ World Cup Poster Unveiled at Philadelphia Flower Show

If you’re itching for another sport to get you pumped, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner – and Philly is one of the host cities. Philadelphia Soccer 2026 unveiled a flower version of the official Philly poster designed by an artist from…Pittsburgh? [Billy Penn]

🚦 Red Means Stop, Green Means Go SEPTA

SEPTA will pilot a new green light program that will use GPS tracking to prioritize buses in traffic with either longer green lights or shorter red lights. The transit agency will test these at 20 intersections between Callowhill and South Streets, and Broad and 6th Streets. [6ABC]

The change of seasons is a great time to go outdoors and try new hobbies like bicycling, running…or birdwatching.

I started birdwatching in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, needing a reason to get out of my house. And when I first saw a golden-crowned kinglet hop above me, I was sold. As someone who grew up with Pokémon, I’m drawn to the concept of keeping track of every new creature I come across that’s not your typical pigeon or house sparrow. Since I started my Life List (where I track each new species I find), I’ve seen 121 different birds, with 105 right in Philadelphia. These have included owls, warblers, woodpeckers, and even our beloved eagles.

So if you’re wondering what types of birds you can find in your own backyard or local park, here are five birds native to Pennsylvania to get you started on your birding journey.

Belted Kingfisher

The first time I saw this bird, it was an attention seeker in the best way, whizzing above the Tacony Creek with the flash of its mohawk and orange belt. The belted kingfisher, about a foot tall, can usually be found hanging out around streams and shorelines.

Great Blue Heron

Great blue herons may defy what you first picture when you hear the word “bird.” Herons, which can be up to four feet tall, fold their necks into an s-shape when flying. Many can be found at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.

Indigo Bunting

Blue jays aren’t the only bird with a pop of color. While the females are plain brown and more hidden away, male indigo buntings burst out in song and color all along the East Coast.