📣 Why Philly is a ‘union town’

Stanford Under Scrutiny for Incomplete Tax Filings

The Black Doctors Consortium, run by congressional candidate (and apparently Will Smith’s doctor) Dr. Ala Stanford, did not properly report Stanford’s nearly $1 million income over several years. The group has received millions in public funds, originally to provide vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and later for other initiatives. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Drink Like You’re in Europe With This Pre-Dinner Ritual

Tired of the same-old happy hour special when you clock out of work? Switch up your nightlife with aperitivo hour, the trending drinking experience focused on relaxing with light bites and low-ABV cocktails. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Storefronts on Market East to Fill Up for Semiquincentennial

Vacant properties owned by Comcast and the 76ers’ owners are being temporarily revived as pop-up shops to welcome visitors and residents alike during this summer’s festivities. Slated to open are a vintage clothing shop, a record store, and a water ice vendor. [Metro Philadelphia]

How Philly Remains a Union Powerhouse

The local labor movement has gotten more visible in recent years, given last summer’s trash strike and unionization efforts at big chains like Starbucks and Whole Foods. The uptick is part of the city’s union legacy dating back to the 18th century. [🎧 City Cast Philly, Billy Penn]

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.

Karak Cha House and Kabobeesh | 3748 Lancaster Ave. (University City)

This is your one-stop shop for halal Pakistani food in West Philly. From Karak Cha House, you can sip on traditional or fruity teas, refreshers, and shakes. Highlights include brown sugar cardamom cha, rooh afza refresher, and a mango shake. If you’re looking to fill your stomach, Kabobeesh is serving up kabobs, curries, and sandwich rolls with daily specials including lamb kabobs, fried fish, and tandoori chicken. Both businesses can be found in the same building.

The Juice Pod | 2151 Hawkins St. (Rittenhouse)

Originally founded in Avalon, N.J., The Juice Pod recently expanded to its second Philly location. Promising a menu that’s both healthy and accessible, The Juice Pod sells cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and açai bowls.

Mr. Fries Man | 2313 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Locally owned and operated by the team behind Cloud Cups, this L.A. street vendor-turned-chain is hopping coasts with its new location. Mr. Fries Man’s menu focuses on loaded fries, including honey garlic with shrimp and bacon cheddar. Coming soon exclusively to the Philly location: cheesesteak fries.

Rougarou Baking | 526 S. 4th St. (Queen Village)

Queen Village’s bakery scene just got bigger. Rougarou’s Jewish and Cajun shop offers delectable sweet and savory pastries from chocolate babka and lemon meringue tart to cardamom buns and jambalaya hand pies.

Iron Hill Brewery | 1150 Market St. (Center City)

After a brief closure, Iron Hill Brewery is back on Market East under new ownership. Menu highlights include the chicken pot pie, beer-battered fish and chips, and baby back ribs. Patrons can select from over 20 craft beers to wash down their meal. If you’re just outside of Philly, locations in Huntington Valley and Wilmington are set to reopen soon.