🌉 Where do you take out-of-town visitors?

💰 Finally, Agreement on the State Budget

The state legislature voted last night to pass a $47.6-billion budget that includes a funding increase for public transit and a school funding compromise, among other items. [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]

🧑‍⚖️ 6 Years for Johnny Doc

Former union leader John Dougherty has been sentenced to six years in prison for bribery and embezzlement of more than $600,000. He also has to pay $50,000 in restitution to his union within 15 days, which is part of a larger sum that has yet to be determined. [Inquirer 🔒]

• 🎧 Context: Hear a quick recap of Dougherty’s legal troubles in this episode of City Cast Philly.

⚖️ Pushback After DA Declines To Seek Death Penalty

District Attorney Larry Krasner decided earlier this week not to seek the death penalty for the 19-year-old accused of shooting and killing a Temple police officer last year. The officer’s family and former colleagues have spoken out against the decision. [WHYY/AP]

🦪 CookNSolo Plans Olde Kensington Oyster Bar

The restaurant group that runs Zahav and Laser Wolf is planning to open a two-story Middle Eastern seafood spot called Jaffa Bar in a former firehouse. [PhillyVoice]

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the local tourist attractions that we here at City Cast Philly think are actually worth a visit if you’ve got friends or family in town. I also asked you, Hey Philly’s readers, to share the spots you like to take your visitors … and you didn’t disappoint with your recommendations!

🍕 Good Eats & City Views

Hey Philly reader Jo wrote that they love to take visitors to their favorite restaurants — Little Sicily Pizza II in South Philly for Indian cheesesteaks and Mr. Wish for oolong soft serve — or to Chinatown if they want to eat there. “I also take them to the Art Museum area cause it’s nice to look at the city from that view,” Jo wrote. “If it’s summer I’d take them to Race Street Pier.”

🌉 Iconic Outdoor Spots

Eleanor D. offered a really detailed set of options! Their recommendations included:

• A trip to the midpoint of the Ben Franklin Bridge pedestrian walkway for a nice view of the Delaware River. Then, a “ramble through Franklin Square” and a discussion of the lightning bolt sculpture across the street, capped off with a trip to Honey's Sit ’N Eat in Northern Liberties.
• A trip to the Tamanend statue, which “can be easily combined with Franklin Fountain and/or Big Ass Slices.”
• Penn Treaty Park “for the history, the shade and the view of the river, Camden, and Petty's Island.”

🛍️ A Day in Queen Village

Mary H. of Urban Princess Boutique suggested following our recommendation of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with a visit to Queen Village and Fabric Row, where you can find lots of street art, locally owned shops, restaurants, and more. “You could spend 2 days in this area and not make it to each unique gem that the area has to offer,” Mary wrote. “New shops and restaurants are popping up just about monthly! And, others who have been here 10-15+ years are thriving! The beauty is in the variety and diversity of each location.”

📫 Big thank you to everyone who answered this callout! Feel free to write in with your own thoughts on this, or anything that’s appeared in Hey Philly recently. My inbox is always open!

It’s the Friday News Roundup!

Today’s topics include: Mayor Cherelle Parker’s defense of her return-to-office decision, the lawsuit trying to block that policy, ways to stay cool in Philly’s extreme heat, and some of the most Philly things we saw on social media. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri is joined by Mike D’Onofrio, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, and Alex Hillman, co-founder of Indy Hall Clubhouse.