🌞 A very ‘Sunny’ tour of Philadelphia | Morning Newsletter

Good morning, Philly.

Today, we’re taking a walking tour of Philadelphia, the Always Sunny way.

But first, we’ll cover Comcast’s strategy to stop losing internet customers, what we know about Mike Missanelli’s departure from 97.5 The Fanatic, and some good news for local homebuyers.

Scroll along for all these stories and more.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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I was a fan of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia long before I ever could have imagined living in the very city in which it is set. So when I moved here, it was only natural that I’d hear the show’s twinkling theme and bicycle bells in my head every time I walk down South Street or have Boathouse Row and the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in my line of vision.

My colleague Stephanie Farr recently took this to the next level by embarking on a proper tour of the city for fans of the series. Created by Marshall Schurtz, it’s the city’s only local tour centered on the show. Between stopping at notable episode locations (like the courts where the gang played basketball and the coffee shop where the waitress works), the tour also gives people a look “backstage” into how the earlier seasons came together.

Farr’s tour group was also a hoot. I laughed out loud at the part where they had jokingly come up with the plot of a new hilariously bizarre episode. “And therein lies one of my favorite things about living in Philly and loving this show. The show’s plot lines sound completely bizarre but they’re things that could actually happen in Philadelphia,” Farr writes, hitting the nail on the head. They also got to witness some Philly chaos — and kindness — to boot.

This excursion seems like a fun experience for fans looking to connect with the show in a tangible way, and to experience Philly and its “chaotic-neutral charm,” as Farr describes it. Schurtz also told Farr that it’s a draw for passionate fans to learn about the city. But a lot has changed since its debut two decades ago.

In a 2005 interview, Philly native and show creator Rob Mac (formerly McElhenney) told The Inquirer: “You can’t fake Philadelphia. You can’t fake a feeling, and feelings come across the screen.” So while the show has not filmed here again since 2016, it’s nice that we have this tour to ground Always Sunny appreciators back into the roots of where it all began, and to what makes the show so special.

SEPTA is headed for a fiscal crisis, and will proceed with service cuts as early as Aug. 24 if the transit agency does not receive millions in state funding by Thursday. Delaware commuters and public officials also worry that they are about to become collateral damage in losing a critical interstate connection.

In a column for The Inquirer, Sylvie Gallier Howard and Maurice Jones say that Philadelphia can choose to lead on public transit — or be the first domino to fall.

“The city doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need courageous leadership bold enough to act with a sense of urgency” they write. “While we stall, places around the world are meeting these same challenges head-on with bold investments, visionary leadership, and the bravery to act.”

Get their perspective on how Philadelphia can learn from other transit systems facing fiscal challenges.

Which national pizza chain is looking to open dozens of new restaurants in the Philly area?

A) Domino’s

B) Pizza Hut

C) Little Ceasars

D) none of the above

Think you know? Check your answer.

Hint: Host of Ready to Love

MOSTLY MIME

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Jim Bradley who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Rittenhouse. Center City District is bringing back its signature Open Streets program, closing seven blocks near the square for six Sundays this fall.

After over 60 years and countless games, the first all-female NFL Films crew worked the Eagles preseason opener.

The NFL Films Women in Film Experienceship program provides women in other areas of filmmaking with the tools to succeed in sports.

Learn more about the program with sports reporter Gabriella Carroll with photos by staff photographers David Maialetti and Yong Kim.

Did you watch the viral video of an alligator tugging on a kayaker’s fishing line in Bristol Township? A Florida man (of course) captured the reptile.

Someone is really peeved that the city’s 7-Elevens are failing to provide a particular condiment for pretzels and hot dogs. My favorite response: “I’m glad you mustard up the courage to post this.”

Spotted at Citizens Bank Park: rocker Jack White. Is he a Phillies fan? Apparently, the Bank was the final stop on his longtime journey to see a game at every major baseball stadium.

And is there really a such thing as being “too Eagle’d out” to go to Costco? You be the judge.

👋🏽 That’s all for now. Take care, and I’ll catch up with you again tomorrow.

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