🐾 What’s next for the Philly Zoo?

🏢 Parker Defends Return-to-Office Policy

Yesterday, Mayor Cherelle Parker defended her controversial order that city employees return to full-time, in-office work starting Monday. Today, a judge is expected to consider a lawsuit filed by a municipal workers union that aims to block Parker’s policy. [Inquirer 🔒]

🚎 FYI: Trolley Tunnel Blitz Coming

Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 won’t operate east of 40th Street starting tomorrow through July 29 as SEPTA does maintenance on the Center City trolley tunnel. The transit agency recommends using the El between 13th and 40 Streets. [SEPTA]

💰 New Airport Retail Surcharge

Heads up for summer travelers: Most businesses operating at PHL airport are now charging an additional 3% surcharge on purchases, which is meant to offset operating costs and wages. [WHYY]

🧀 A Win for a Local Cheesemonger

28-year-old Jake Heller of Perrystead Dairy won the 44-contestant Cheesemonger Invitational in Brooklyn last month. The Montco native’s resume includes previous jobs at Narberth Cheese Company and Downtown Cheese, plus landing second place in the Academy of Cheese’s Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition. [Inquirer 🔒]

• Related: Is Philly the best cheese city in America? Here’s an expert’s breakdown of the local cheese scene. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Reflecting on 150 Years of the Philadelphia Zoo

From a new celebratory zoo key design to a special day designated by the mayor, there’s been plenty of hype surrounding the institution’s milestone birthday. So we took a trip to the zoo, and City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri sat down with president and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman to talk about the Philly Zoo’s place in history — and what’s next for the local institution.