🗳️ Did Shapiro try to sabotage a fellow Dem?

How Philly Can Fix Its Sidewalks

We talk a lot about how beat-up our Philly streets are, and the sidewalks aren’t doing much better. Broken curbs, sunken sidewalks, and raised tree roots should be easy to address, but can often be a costly burden to homeowners responsible for fixing them. Cities across the U.S. may have some solutions Philly should steal. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Most Immigrants Arrested in PA Don’t Have a Criminal Record

The number of immigrants arrested who have criminal charges or a criminal conviction has gone down, despite rhetoric from the Trump administration. In January 2026, nearly 60% of those detained in the state had no criminal record. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Recording Exposes Shapiro Boosting a Party Rival

A recording of U.S. House candidate Bob Brooks is making the rounds on social media after he said that Gov. Josh Shapiro requested that Brooks’ union support Republican Stacy Garrity over Democrat Erin McClelland in the 2024 PA treasurer race. While Brooks now claims he misspoke, McClelland said, “What goes around comes around,” and that the issue is not going away. [Axios, Stephen Caruso via X]

• Related: Shapiro and Garrity are now facing off in the race for governor. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Shapiro Demands Utility Companies Change ‘Broken’ System

Shapiro says he will oppose requests for rate hikes, demanding that companies take other considerations into account when raising costs, including how infrastructure investments are financed. However, any of his solutions would require support from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and legislative reforms to hold any weight. [Spotlight PA]

• Related: Need help covering utility costs? Friday is the last day to apply for LIHEAP. [Metro Philadelphia]

We may be thinking about tacos today, but others are craving pasta instead. Yesterday, I asked for any recommendations for the best places to eat pasta in Philly. Since Borromini took its 100-layer lasagna off the menu for outshining its other offerings, I need some other pasta dishes to try. Here's what readers recommend:

🍝 Laura I. said: “The best pasta dish in Philly is the penne à la famiglia at La Famiglia on Front St. They have been in business with the same family owners for 30+ years. It's a simple dish always perfectly executed with onions, prosciutto, and parmigiana, and is the ultimate comfort food.”

🍝 Kerry A. said: “Hands down ... Emilia! The newish Vernick-owned restaurant, headed up by pasta chef Meredith Medoway, formerly with [chef Greg Vernick] at Vernick Fish.”

Thanks for putting me on!