🥤 Could Philly’s ‘soda tax’ get repealed?

🥤 Should Philly Keep Its Soda Tax?

The city’s beverage tax has funded its free pre-k program for the past eight years. But some members of City Council are arguing that an unspecified alternate revenue source should fund early childhood education, calling the tax a “job killer.” [Chalkbeat]

🚆 Regional Rail Car Fires Increased Over the Decades

At a rate of eight car inspections a day, SEPTA is unlikely able to meet tomorrow’s deadline to inspect all 225 Silverliner IV railcars following five fires this year. So what exactly was wrong with those train cars and how dangerous is the rest of the fleet? [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: A lack of long-term funding solution has forced SEPTA to continue to use these aging railcars rather than replace them. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

⚖️ Pennsylvania Sues Over SNAP Benefits

Gov. Josh Shapiro joined Democratic leaders in more than 20 states to sue the Trump administration to issue food stamp payments amid the federal shutdown. Shapiro described the withholding of funds as a “political bargaining chip.” [Axios]

• Related: DoorDash announced it’s waiving fees for SNAP grocery orders while Gopuff is offering $50 worth of groceries to SNAP recipients. Juana Tamale is providing free or pay-what-you-can meals to children of SNAP recipients starting Nov. 1 until payments restart.

⚽ Next Wave of World Cup Tix Up for Sale

If you plan on seeing the World Cup in Philly, including a game on Independence Day, you have another chance to score tickets. You must enter the lottery by tomorrow at 11 a.m. for the chance to be eligible to purchase tickets in mid-November. [Philly Voice]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask The New York Times, which included not one but two Philly restaurants (Mawn and Meetinghouse) on its list of top 50 best restaurants in the U.S. this 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.

🥖 The Bread Room | 834 Chestnut St. (Washington Square West)

Ellen Yin of High Street Hospitality and Cookbooks & Convos has opened her latest concept, The Bread Room. You can find pastrami on rye croissants and whole grain sourdough loaves on the menu. The Bread Room includes an event space and it’s already hosting workshops and experiences.

🌹 Rockwell & Rose | 601 Walnut St. (Old City)

The steakhouse and oyster bar is reminiscent of Cape May, with its coastal decor and light color palette. Menu items include jumbo crab cakes and key lime pie brûlée. For drinks, try the “Land of Enchantment” cocktail with Ketel One Vodka, sake, lychee, lemon, and grapefruit, or the “On Pop of the World” mocktail with lime, mint, Sprite, and hibiscus.

🥪 Smalls’ Provisions | 2241 Memphis St. (Fishtown)

A realization of owner Mark Gears’ dream of opening a sandwich shop, this new breakfast and lunch spot brings new life to the former One Stop deli. From peppers-and-eggs to cheeseburgers, you can grab quick bites or everyday goods all in one spot.

🤖 Dance Robot | 1710 Sansom St. (Rittenhouse)

Inspired by Japanese izakayas and kissatens, this new establishment from Royal Sushi & Izakaya’s Jesse Ito is serving up katsu curry, kare pan, and wagyu roast beef. You can make reservations for dinner, but the bar is available for walk-ins. Expect brunch hours, late night bites, and live jazz soon. (I also recommend checking out its website for a fun and retro interactive surprise.)

🫒 Olive Roots Cafe | 618 S. 2nd St. (Queen Village)

The newest addition to Philly’s ever-growing coffee scene is Olive Roots Cafe. Its signature drinks include the pumpkin spice roots chai latte (perfect for fall), strawberry roots matcha latte, and pistachio roots latte. If you need fresh air, there is additional seating outside.

Every Thursday, we highlight shoutouts from our City Cast Philly Neighbors. Become a member to tell us what you love about Philly.

With National Cat Day earlier this week, this is a purrfectly timed resource for a furry friend in need. If you’re not sure what to do when you run into an animal emergency, here are some other tips.