Philly Voice

Team USA never led against Belgium in the World Cup's Round of 16, and its World Cup journey ended with a 4-1 loss in Seattle. Belgium's Hans Vanaken celebrates scoring their third goal with Dodi Lukebakio and Youri Tielemans as Matt Freese of the U.S. looks dejected. The dream for the USMNT in the World Cup is over.

Bluebird Distilling will show off its $2.2 million expansion Tuesday, when the Phoenixville distillery relaunches with a new name and new pizzeria. The Chester County liquor makers are rebranding their flagship space at 100 Bridge St. as Bluebird Distilling & Dough House. The change reflects recent upgrades, chief among them a Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant.

The Phillies dropped two of three in the Midwest to the Royals, thanks partially to an absent offense, and partially Cris Sánchez' worst start as a major league pitcher. As a result, a promising gem from Jesús Luzardo on Saturday gave way to back-to-back losses on Sunday and Monday, with Monday's 15-1 setback as brutally ugly as they come. The loss was so bad that it put the Phillies into the negative in run differential for the season (after entering Game 2 of the series at +10).

Thunderstorms and flooding Monday caused road closures and structural damage in South Jersey. The roof of a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township partially collapsed Monday amid severe storms. Thunderstorms that rolled through New Jersey on Monday caused traffic delays, power outages and structural damage. Extreme flooding along Route 35 led to a partial roof collapse at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, a dramatic incident that was caught on video and quickly spread on social media.

The Sixers will retain Adem Bona, a source told PhillyVoice on Monday, certifying that Bona will have his 2026-27 salary of $2,296,271 guaranteed in full. Bona's salary was non-guaranteed until July 7; the Sixers could have waived him at no cost before then. Bona, the No. 41 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had two chaotic seasons to begin his tenure in Philadelphia. In 129 games (29 starts), Bona has averaged 16.6 minutes, 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Theatre in the X will present "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf "at Malcolm X Park from Aug. 20-23 as the landmark play marks its 50th anniversary. The free outdoor production will take place at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Friday, Aug. 21, and at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23.

Bella Kay is bringing her first headlining tour to Philadelphia this fall. The 20-year-old pop singer will perform at the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street on Sunday, Sept. 13. Hailey Picardi will open the show. Kay built a large following on TikTok with songs including "The Sick" and "iloveitiloveitiloveit," which became her biggest hit. Her debut album, My Reckless Abandon, will be released July 12.

Members with IBEW Local 614, which represents about 1,600 workers, said negotiations resumed Monday morning. IBEW Local 614 President Larry Anastasi addresses a crowd at Washington Square Park on June 25 to announce that PECO workers would strike on July 4 if a new deal had not been reached. Monday marked the third day of the work stoppage.

Al Holland, a former relief pitcher who spent three seasons with the Phillies and made the All-Star Game in 1984, has died, the team announced Monday. Holland saved 55 games in three seasons with the Phillies from 1983-1985, helping the Phillies win the 1983 National League pennant with 25 saves and a 2.26 ERA in 91.2 innings. The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Al Holland, who spent parts of three seasons with the club from 1983-85.

The shocking trade between the Sixers and Boston Celtics – sending Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and Paul George plus four future draft picks to Boston – is official. The deal was officially announced by the teams on Monday, the first day many of the trade and free-agency commitments made over the last week can be executed. “I am incredibly excited to welcome five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers,” Sixers Managing Partner Josh Harris said.