🧑‍⚖️ Philly Dems’ controversial endorsement

🦑 The Inkcredible Art Campaign Teaching Philly About Squids & Science

Sarah McAnulty is a squid biologist who doubles as a Philly street artist. McAnulty recently began giving away thousands of bags of native plant seeds, which she attached to colorful street posters, in an effort to help restore the butterfly population. You also may have seen her anti-Elon Musk shrimp stickers opposing federal cuts to science research. Today on City Cast Philly, we’re revisiting Trenae’s conversation with McAnulty about her ongoing Get Squid Facts project and the power of street art to teach science. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚋 New Tour Brings Laughter All Across Philly

Punch Line Philly and Founding Footsteps are taking comedy on the move with a new “Stand Up & Drink” BYOB trolley tour. Enjoy the sites of the city while getting some laughs through the month of May. [Billy Penn]

🗳️ Philly Dems Backing Judicial Candidate With History of Issues

Philadelphia's Democratic party is endorsing Shawn Page for municipal court judge in the May 20 primary, despite a rare reprimand from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, thousands owed in federal taxes, and a “not recommended” designation from the Philadelphia Bar Association. Page nonetheless got the endorsement because he did free legal work for Democratic ward leaders. “The kid’s a good kid,” said Bob Brady, Democratic party boss, of 52-year-old Page. “Very articulate, very good-looking, very well-dressed.” [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Need help preparing for the judicial races? Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is having a workshop on the state’s judicial races on April 28 and the North Central Philadelphia CDC is hosting a candidate forum on May 7.

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask Bon Appétit, which included not one but two Philly restaurants (Meetinghouse and My Loup) in its top 20 new restaurants of the year.

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

🍨 Irv’s Ice Cream | 932 E. Passyunk Ave. (Bella Vista)

After serving up scoops at Cherry Street Pier in 2024, Irv’s owner Ilissa Shapiro took her pastry career to the next level with an official brick-and-mortar location. Customers can expect custard-based ice cream in flavors such as banana chocolate tahini swirl and pistachio praline, plus an “ATM” with pastry from Flakley. The ice cream shop joins a plethora of bustling businesses along East Passyunk’s growing corridor.

🍣 Javelin | 1811 Fairmount Ave. (Fairmount)

If you were a fan of Engimono Sushi and were sad to see it go, we have good news! Javelin, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, took over the restaurant’s former space. The new addition to Fairmount includes seared Japanese A5 wagyu, sashimi ceviche salad, and a dozen specialty rolls.

🪴Plant and People | 3952 Lancaster Ave. (West Powelton)

After giving us a brief scare when announcing they were closing up shop on 52nd Street, the owners of Plant + People reassured us with the news they were moving to an even bigger space. The café and plant nursery offers workshops, events, and goods to support a plant-based lifestyle.

☕ Haraz Coffee House | 3421 Chestnut St. (University City)

The first Yemini Coffee House in Philly is officially open. The Bryn Mawr couple running the franchise’s Philly location opened it with the vision of creating a third space and sharing their culture. If you need something with low caffeine, you can try Juban, which is made from coffee husks and infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and cinnamon. You can also grab a bite of pastries, baked either in-house or by local vendors, such as pistachio mosaic cake and sweet cream donuts.