🦅 Happy retirement, Brandon Graham

⚖️ Councilmember O’Rourke Brings a Minister’s Approach to City Council

It’s been a busy week at City Hall as budget talks are officially underway. On this Wednesday’s politics episode, Trenae sits down with Councilmember At-Large Nicolas O’Rourke. The two discuss his reservations regarding Mayor Parker’s proposed tax cuts, his efforts to help tenants stay in their homes, and how his background as a minister informs his work. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🏛️ Federal Workers Eye State and Local Positions After Mass Layoffs

Pennsylvania’s state government has received over 1,000 applications after Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to give hiring preference to former federal workers, considering them “pre-qualified.” Meanwhile in Philly, the city is hosting a networking event Thursday to connect current and former federal workers with city leaders. [🔒 The Inquirer, City of Philadelphia]

• Related: If you’re a federal worker impacted by the cuts and policy changes over the past several weeks, City Cast Philly wants to hear from you. Fill out this form to share your story.

🧑‍⚖️ Sheriff’s Office and Register of Wills on the Chopping Block

The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority is calling on City Council and Mayor Parker to abolish the two offices and fold them into the court system due to their histories of scandal. Most recently, probation hearings went virtual due to a shortage of deputy sheriffs. [🔒 The Inquirer]

🏈 Eagles’ Brandon Graham Retires After 15 Seasons

After making his mark as the longest-tenured Eagle and having secured two Super Bowl wins (one of which included a strip-sack of Tom Brady!), defensive end Brandon Graham announced his retirement on Tuesday. Graham returned from an injury this past season just in the nick of time to help the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX in his final game. Graham concluded his goodbye press conference with this: “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles! Fly, Eagles, fly – my last one. B.G. out, baby!” Legend. [Philadelphia Eagles]

Philadelphia’s Harrowgate neighborhood, just north of Kensington, has a strong textile history with factories still sprinkled around. Its name is believed to come from a health spa of the same name that in the 1780s attracted the wealthy to its hot springs until industrialization later changed the character of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood’s boundaries are Erie and Torresdale Avenues to the north, Allegheny Avenue to the south, Aramingo Avenue to the east, and G Street to the west, according to Harrowgate Civic Association President Shannon Farrell-Pakstis.

☕ Food & Drink

El Coquí is a Puerto Rican bakery located inside Harrowgate Plaza. Perfect for your sweet tooth – you can get fresh bread, donuts, cakes, and plenty more. But if you’re craving something savory, there’s pastelillos, alcapurrias (fritters), and sandwiches.

Càphê Roasters is a James Beard semifinalist and has become a beloved staple in the community. The shop sells specialty Vietnamese coffee and dishes, and is a great spot to meet up with friends. The food menu changes seasonally so although the Gritty Khang Sando is no longer on the menu (please bring it back), there are so many more yummy options to try from its own kitchen or a collaborative pop-up.

Another good spot to find Vietnamese cuisine is Cafe Mi Quang, just down the street from Càphê Roasters. If you need something to warm you up, there’s a variety of pho to pick from. One thing to note is that the restaurant is cash only.

Brushwork Cafe is a newer addition to the neighborhood. It’s perfect to grab a quick drink or a cake pop from Crager’s Sweet Creations. There’s an explosion of color along the walls, with artwork available for purchase. The works depict notable cartoons, celebrities, historic figures, and original characters. If you feel inspired by all the artwork, you can head upstairs and get inked by Hard Ink Tattoo Studio.