⚡ Why you’ll pay more for electricity

💰 Where Is the Budget?

Pennsylvania has been operating without a new state budget for several weeks and the will-they-won’t-they saga has schools, nonprofits, and local governments on edge. With SEPTA’s service cuts just around the corner, we’re asking Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso how this budget delay will impact us. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Despite new funding for SEPTA in jeopardy, hopes for a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway aren’t dying down. [Philly Voice]

📰 Allentown Deportation Declared a Hoax

The bizarre circumstances regarding an alleged deportation of an Allentown resident left some questions needing answers. Additional reporting concluded no such arrest happened in Philadelphia and that the man in the viral photo is not the real Luis León. But that isn’t to say there haven’t been legitimate arrests and deportations in the Philadelphia area. [🔒 The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚚 Controversial Mobile Service Unit Ban on Hold

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill to restrict mobile service units that serve people in addiction in Kensington was set to begin enforcement next week. But the law will not be enforced until the city finalizes the permitting process. [Kensington Voice]

💡 Your Electric Bill Is Going Up

PJM Interconnection, which manages the electric grid across the Mid-Atlantic region, including in Pennsylvania, closed a process that guarantees future power generation capacity at a record high for the second year in a row. Ratepayers could see bills rise 1.5% to 5%. [WHYY]

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.

🤠 Out West | 5127 Walnut St. (Walnut Hill)

The folks behind Down North Pizza are back with another mission-driven restaurant. Grab a braised brisket sandwich, vegan hoagie, or a Korean fried chicken sausage sandwich while supporting people impacted by the criminal justice system.

☕ Duskaia | 1007 S. 9th St. (Bella Vista)

The Italian Market is getting some Nicaraguan flavors. Duskaia is the newest coffee shop opening in the neighborhood. Located in the former Alma de Mar, this women-owned business will serve Nicaraguan coffee along with menu items like pastries and Rocky-inspired smoothies.

🍗 Flannel | 1819 E. Passyunk Ave. (East Passyunk)

If you were sad to say goodbye to Flannel when it was replaced with DaVinci & Yu, you’re in luck. The owner behind both restaurants is bringing back the Southern comfort food with pop-ups on the weekend.

🇬🇪 KINTO | 1144 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

This new spot near Fabrika is bringing a taste of Georgia (the country) to Philly. Treat yourself to a traditional Georgian beef soup, stuffed grape leaves, or khachapuri, the boat-shaped stuffed cheese bread. Kinto also serves vegan and vegetarian dishes.

🍚 Bella Vista | 4210 Whitaker Ave. (Feltonville)

Over in North Philly, enjoy dishes from Latin America like a hearty sancocho or mofongo with garlic shrimp. Bella Vista is a sit-down restaurant by day and transforms into a nightclub during the late hours.