🔥 West Philly apartment fire declared arson

🚼 Philly Fathers Talk Social Media, Dad Groups & Upcoming Documentary

What does it mean to be a good dad? In this special roundtable for Father’s Day, City Cast Philly executive producer (and dad) Matt Katz sits down with Daddy University founder Joel Austin and Joe Gidjunis, host of the PBS docuseries “Grown Up Dad.” The trio get into rules for raising kids in Philly, the pull away from traditional perceptions of fatherhood, and why it’s hilarious to toss bread at the kids - not the ducks – at Fairmount Park. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚒 Slumlord’s Apartment Complex Fire Investigated for Arson

West Philly residents woke up Saturday morning to a four-alarm fire at an abandoned apartment building which police now say was deliberately set on fire. Landlord Phil Pulley, who was convicted for voter fraud in January, had evicted all residents in 2018 in advance of a sale that never happened. [🔒 The Inquirer]

🏫 Parents Feel Shut Out of School Closure Process

The School District of Philadelphia promised more community input and transparency as it prepares to potentially close or repurpose schools. But participants in the advisory groups say their opinions aren’t being heard and they’re being used to make the district appear more credible. [Chalkbeat]

• Related: Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. spoke with City Cast Philly earlier this year to discuss the impact of school closures, how the district is committed to getting more resources, and student safety. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚲 Bike Advocates Hurry To Lock In City Hall Bike Lanes

Today is the last session of City Council before the summer recess. While the city budget and housing proposals are big items of discussion, local bike safety advocacy groups are hoping that Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr. introduces a bill to add new bike lanes around City Hall. Last November two pedestrians were hit outside of the building. [Philly Voice]

• Related: Bike lanes are the talk of the town, especially after a new lawsuit targets them on Pine and Spruce Streets. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

South Philly is home to immigrant groups from several parts of Asia, and at the end of June it’ll be abuzz with Philly foodies ready to celebrate Asian cuisines.

Joining Philly’s summer festival line-up is From Our Hands, a new festival spotlighting the meals of the city’s Asian-owned restaurants and the stories of the people who make them.

The inaugural event is the brain-child of Hanna Kim, founder of food justice group Asian Food Collective, and Cindy Ngo, founder of the storytelling and event series Roots to Table. The festival is a culmination of the work the two projects have been doing.

Asian Food Collective’s origins began when Kim first moved to Philly in 2019. After completing time studying at a predominantly white institution, facing isolation in the early aughts of the pandemic and dealing with rising anti-Asian hate, Kim found herself searching for community.

As a regular volunteer with the South Philadelphia Community Fridge, Kim wanted a space where people would not only cook together, but give back to the community.

“Not being near my parents who live in North Carolina, I felt a little disconnected with homemade meals because I’m not that big of a cook,” Kim said. “I wanted to be in a space where I can cook all these dishes, especially after a hard few years.”

Kim received a grant and mentorship from the Asian American Women’s Political Initiative, and with that the backing she needed to officially found Asian Food Collective in 2023.

Asian Food Collective meets weekly at Old Pine Community Center, where participants cook Asian cuisine. The group is open to anyone, not just people of Asian descent, but it’s intended to be a way to connect with Asian cultures.

“I love building connections through food,” Kim said. “Some of my best memories have been over dinner with friends and even strangers.”

Meanwhile, Ngo was interested in reviving an old project meant to shine a light on the people behind Philly’s favorite restaurants.