🚗 City denies speed bumps on block with 20 kids

⚖️ What’s the Deal With John Fetterman?

Friends, we need to talk about John Fetterman. The former Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania was once hailed for his progressive values, but he’s now getting raised eyebrows for how his politics have shifted in the U.S. Senate during Trump 2.0. (At least when he shows up to vote.) On today’s episode, we team up with City Cast Pittsburgh to unravel Fetterman’s changing political allegiances and what that means not just for Pennsylvania, but for the U.S. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚙 Residents Calmed Traffic With Their Own Speed Bumps…’Til Someone Complained

Getting speed bumps and other traffic measures installed in Philly is easier said than done. After residents on one Fishtown block had their request denied, they took matters into their own hands. The solution was short-lived, though, after a complaint to police led to the bumps’ removal, leaving neighbors frustrated and once again concerned for safety. Have you ever found yourself finding your own solutions to address a neighborhood problem that the city failed to solve? Let me know. [🔒The Inquirer]

🛍️ Making the Case for the Fashion District

After the conversion of The Gallery (which I still call it) to the Fashion District, the mall just hasn’t been the same. While the shift in shopping patterns can be blamed, residents just aren’t connecting to a mall with multiple vacancies, a sterile aesthetic, and few local businesses. With its future uncertain after the scrapped Sixers arena plan, how is the Fashion District trying to appeal to shoppers? [Philadelphia Citizen]

🦅 Tush Push Lives On…For Now

Talks to ban the Eagles’ iconic play is on hold until the next NFL meeting in May. The ban was proposed by the Green Bay Packers, who appear to still be nursing hurt feelings after losing to us last season. Anyone can do the tush push, but we’re the only ones who are good at it. [NBC Sports Philadelphia]

Join us as we take a stroll up Germantown Avenue from Berkley Street to West Johnson Street. Our City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri spent the day on Germantown Avenue, exploring the sites, restaurants, and shops on this avenue.

What To Do

Trenae recommends starting your walk around noon and stopping in Deke’s Bar-B-Que for BBQ and cornbread. If you are looking for a spot to hang out with your friends, Deke’s is great because they have a pool table to use while you indulge in ribs and mac & cheese. Note that they open later on Mondays and Tuesdays. Walking around this area, you may smell the delicious odors of freshly baked bread. Merzbacher's, an amazing bakery that offers a variety of breads (check out the Philly Muffin!), is near Deke’s. The shop is open from 4–8 p.m. and is closed Tuesdays and Saturdays. Also in this area is Attic Brewing Company, which boasts 14 award-winning craft beers.

Further up Germantown Avenue, Trenae stopped at Bargain Thrift Center. This thrift store offers discounts on a different color tag each week, making certain items even more of a bargain. And all clothing and linens with a brown tag are always just $1! After all that thrifting, Trenae needed a pick-me-up, so she stopped at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee Shop & Books. While sipping her drip coffee with Oatmilk and pumpkin spice, she browsed the book selection. For art lovers out there, Ubuntu Fine Art is a spot you’ll want to check out. You can see the beautiful photos from photographer and owner Steven CW Taylor. Side note: There is a great fabric store near Uncle Bobbie’s called Gaffney Fabrics to check out if you’re in the market.

After getting caffeinated, Trenae recommends stopping at Yadain Cultural Solutions where they sell body, hair, and facial care products. And right across the street is Harlem Uncut Organics which offers various herbs, fragrances, and cosmetic bases. K&J Caribbean American Diner is located near these shops, and we recommend checking that out if you’re feeling peckish. Try the large jerk chicken, rice and beans, mac & cheese, and the cabbage platter. Yadain Cultural Solutions and Harlem Uncut Organics are located on Chelten Avenue and K&J Caribbean American Diner is located on Greene Street.