🗳️ The easiest elected position to win in Philly

Immigration Cases Skyrocket at Philly’s Federal Courthouse

In just the first six weeks of this year, 168 immigration lawsuits have been filed in the region’s federal court compared to 115 for the entirety of 2025. Most cases involve undocumented immigrants challenging attempts to detain them in the wake of a policy change demanding mandatory detention. [🔒 The Inquirer]

What Are Those Never-Ending Cargo Trains Carrying Through Philly?

The city is tight-lipped about which hazardous materials are being transported, but CSX claims it inspects the rails once a week to prevent disasters triggered by train derailments. [Fitler Focus]

You Could Win This Ballot Position in a Landslide

The race for Congress will be the one to watch this upcoming primary, but one ballot position that doesn’t get as much attention? Committeeperson. The races for these hyperlocal positions are rarely competitive, but committeepeople can have impact on their immediate communities during local, state, and national elections. [🎧 City Cast Philly, The Philadelphia Citizen]

Get Transported to 1776 This Summer

Visitors touring Old City during the semiquincentennial will see a new crop of performers portraying Revolutionary War figures as well as non-costumed storytellers at “Once Upon a Nation” benches. One addition to the cast is Hannah Archer Till, a woman enslaved by George Washington as a cook during the Revolutionary War who later bought her freedom. [WHYY]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star last 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.

Mini Mac Mart | 1800 Arch St. (Center City)

If you were sad to see Mac Mart’s brick-and-mortar store close its doors, fear not. Your mac-and-cheese needs can still be met at its new kiosk right outside the Comcast Center. You can also grab hoagies, cupcakes, and other treats from local eateries.

Lovat Square | 184 E. Evergreen Ave. (Chestnut Hill)

Pick up a bottle or attend a tasting at Lovat Square, where wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers can browse a selection of 400 wines. The new addition to Chestnut Hill is opening in phases, with outdoor dining in the garden in the spring and a full-service restaurant and bar in the fall.

Ricci’s Hoagies | 242 E. Girard Ave. (Fishtown)

After making hoagies for over a century, Ricci’s is showing no sign of slowing down. The hoagie shop has expanded to Fishtown, where you can grab a chicken salad hoagie, black pepper turkey hoagie, or the corned beef special.

Pretzel Day Pretzels | 1501 S. 5th St. (Dickinson Narrows)

Philly loves its cheesesteaks and hoagies, but pretzels are another staple in this city. Go beyond the typical salted pretzel at Pretzel Day Pretzels, where you can order flavors like cinnamon sugar, longhots provolone, or s’mores.

Cake & Joe | 1735 Market St. (Center City)

The dessert shop opened its third location this month after gaining a following in Pennsport and Fishtown. The new storefront offers indoor and outdoor seating, evening coffee hours, and its signature mousse cakes. Need something savory? The shop has breakfast and lunch options, with expanded grab-and-go service at the Center City location.

Little Bean | 5015 Baltimore Ave. (Cedar Park)

Cleo Bagels’ loyal customers in need of coffee to shake off their sleepiness can stop right next door at Little Bean. Grab some bagels, bialys, or espresso and hang out in the new sister location.

South Sichuan II | 1537 Spring Garden St. (Spring Garden)

South Sichuan is bringing the heat with its authentic Sichuan meals. Munch on dandan noodles, cumin-style lamb, and dry pepper wings. The restaurant also provides several gluten-free options in a separate menu.