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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Philadelphia. Written by local reporters.

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Axios Philadelphia

Dunkin' heats up breakfast wars with new tacos

Economy & Business

How "too big to fail" banks became a symbol of safety

A new dimension for food security

Energy & Environment

Why America was uniquely vulnerable to COVID

Health

State public option plans keep hitting obstacles

What's up with legal weed in Pennsylvania?

One proposal would have weed be sold in state liquor stores.

News

Quit parking on the grass along Kelly Drive

The city wants people to quit parking on the grass, but the barrier it erected isn't very imposing.

How to fake it: Philadelphia Union's championship quest

The Union bring back every starter from last year’s championship squad.

Sports

Stephen Starr eyes new restaurant in Rittenhouse Barnes and Noble

The bookseller is closing its Walnut Street store in February.

Tiger Woods investing in Cobbs Creek revival

The West Philly club will get a new short course from Woods, plus golf and educational programs.

Tiger Woods is teeing up the plan to revive the Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philly.What’s happening: Woods’ team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said yesterday" data-vars-click-url="https://news.tigerwoods.com/cobbscreekpartnership/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.tigerwoods.com/cobbscreekpartnership/" target="_blank">said yesterday</a> they&#x27;ll partner with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cobbs Creek Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://cobbscreek.org/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cobbscreek.org/" target="_blank">Cobbs Creek Foundation</a> to build a new short course and provide programming for students.

Guide to the Big Ten men's basketball tournament

The Big Ten men&#x27;s basketball tournament begins Wednesday at United Center, the first time it&#x27;s been in Chicago since 2019.Why it matters: The tournament brings students and spectators from all over the country together to compete for the conference title and a possible trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Photo of a basketball player cutting down a net 

Cafe Lombardi's serves up a slice of South Philly in the burbs

For dessert, I had a cannoli that made my achy, flaky heart swell

Food and Drink

👋 Isaac here. I’ve been on an Italian food tour and found my new favorite spot in the burbs: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cafe Lombardi’s." data-vars-click-url="http://www.cafelombardis.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.cafelombardis.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Lombardi’s.</a>The intrigue: A local staple that bills itself as a “taste of South Philly in Horsham,” the tables sit side-by-side in a one-room dining space and they are adorned with red vinyl tablecloths and small, flickering candles.

Illustration of utensils with hungry emojis on them.

Get into the playoffs spirit with Eagles food and drink specials

Order specialty cocktails, including "Hurts So Good" and "Swole Batman," at Tinsel's new pop-up.

Philadelphia is hyped for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eagles playoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/20/eagles-giants-game-playoffs" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/20/eagles-giants-game-playoffs" target="_self">Eagles playoffs</a> and bars, restaurants and other businesses are all in. Here&#x27;s what we&#x27;re most excited about:Tinsel Takes Flight: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tinsel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/Tinselphilly" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/Tinselphilly" target="_blank">Tinsel</a> has gone green. The popular holiday pop-up bar opened an Eagles-themed version this week at 116 12th St.

A football sitting on a bar in front of televisions

Philly Weekender: Springsteen, March Madness and Peeps

Things to Do

🎵 The Boss is back. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play tonight at 7:30pm at the Wells Fargo Center. A couple tidbits if you go: He’s recorded hits about our city and played one of his longest shows here — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than four hours and 34 songs." data-vars-click-url="https://metrophiladelphia.com/bruce-springsteen-philly/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://metrophiladelphia.com/bruce-springsteen-philly/" target="_blank">more than four hours and 34 songs.</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets still available" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stubhub.com/bruce-springsteen-philadelphia-tickets-3-16-2023/event/150308403/?quantity=1&amp;clickref=1011lwDgdmIq&amp;utm_source=partnerize_skimlinks_phg&amp;utm_medium=publisher_program&amp;utm_sub_medium=Subaffiliate&amp;utm_campaign=1101l799&amp;utm_content=0&amp;PCID=partnerize_all&amp;sections=&amp;ticketClasses=&amp;seatTypes=&amp;listingQty=" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stubhub.com/bruce-springsteen-philadelphia-tickets-3-16-2023/event/150308403/?quantity=1&amp;clickref=1011lwDgdmIq&amp;utm_source=partnerize_skimlinks_phg&amp;utm_medium=publisher_program&amp;utm_sub_medium=Subaffiliate&amp;utm_campaign=1101l799&amp;utm_content=0&amp;PCID=partnerize_all&amp;sections=&amp;ticketClasses=&amp;seatTypes=&amp;listingQty=" target="_blank">Tickets still available</a>.

Illustration of a latte with "weekend" written in the foam.

An AI poetry slam with Philly's street poet

Who prevailed when Marshall James Kavanaugh and his typewriter faced off against ChatGPT.

Marshall James Kavanaugh furiously pecks at his typewriter, blocking out the whir of activity in Rittenhouse Square.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Dream Poet for Hire&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/dreampoetforhire/?hl=en" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/dreampoetforhire/?hl=en" target="_blank">&quot;Dream Poet for Hire&quot;</a> needs machine-like focus today because his opponent is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chat GPT," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/02/07/test-chatgpt-philadelphia-knowledge" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/02/07/test-chatgpt-philadelphia-knowledge" target="_self">Chat GPT,</a> the AI bot that has promised to change the world.</li></ul>

Street poet Marshall James Marshall, right, chats with UPenn student Jerry Cai at Rittenhouse Square.

Flu and COVID cases climbing in Philadelphia

Flu cases are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://hip.phila.gov/data-reports-statistics/influenza/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hip.phila.gov/data-reports-statistics/influenza/" target="_blank">on the rise</a> in Philadelphia as Americans across the country experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst influenza outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/05/flu-outbreak-decade-hospltalizations" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/05/flu-outbreak-decade-hospltalizations" target="_self">worst influenza outbreak</a> in more than a decade.Why it matters: City health officials say flu vaccination rates among residents are lower than previous years, leading to more severe cases as hospitals deal with high rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/philadelphia-pennsylvania-covid-cases.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/philadelphia-pennsylvania-covid-cases.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Pandemic shaved minutes off Philadelphia commutes

More people working from home and fewer commuting by car has reshaped the traditional back-and-forth.

The daily commute in Philly shrank during the pandemic.What&#x27;s happening: The average one-way commute in Philly was 3.2 minutes shorter in 2021 compared to 2019, per the latest U.S. Census data.

A cheesesteak pro's favorite sammies

Top picks and few sleepers from Jim Pappas' conquest of Philly's favorite sandwich.

Jim Pappas has eaten at 1,091 cheesesteak establishments over the past five years — and counting.The intrigue: Before embarking on his great &quot;Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure,&quot; Pappas, who lives in Wilmington, spent more than two decades working in financial services. His kids were grown, his marriage was ending, he was finally in remission from leukemia — why not stuff his face with Cheese Whiz?

Jim Pappas eating one of more than 1,000 cheesesteaks over the last five years.

Meet the Samboners, cheesesteak fanatics

The Philly podcasters dish out hot takes  on the city's sandwich and sports cultures in their near-weekly show.

Stumble over to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaul &amp; Co. Malt House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gaulandco.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gaulandco.com/" target="_blank">Gaul &amp; Co. Malt House</a> Friday and you&#x27;ll find yourself in a total sambone-a-thon.What&#x27;s happening: Mickey McKenzie, co-host of &quot;The Samboner Show&quot; with Temple alum and former NFL player <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colin Thompson" data-vars-click-url="https://owlsports.com/sports/football/roster/colin-thompson/8523" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://owlsports.com/sports/football/roster/colin-thompson/8523" target="_blank">Colin Thompson</a>, are doing a live taping of their podcast all about cheesesteaks and other sammies. And it&#x27;s a four-hour special.

Illustration of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich pinned to a map of Philadelphia.

Juicy Philly cheesesteak history

John Kerry and steak-gate, a magical cheesesteak moment at Jim's and more.

We steak-ed out some of the most memorable moments in Philly cheesesteak culture. Gee whiz, the list is a doozy.🧀 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steak-gate:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/08/13/steak-raises-stakes-for-kerry-in-philly/f59dd0f7-20fc-4309-85fc-ac63cec7a123/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/08/13/steak-raises-stakes-for-kerry-in-philly/f59dd0f7-20fc-4309-85fc-ac63cec7a123/" target="_blank">Steak-gate:</a> Then-presidential candidate John Kerry was torched for ordering his sammy with Swiss during a visit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pat’s King of Steaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.patskingofsteaks.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.patskingofsteaks.com/" target="_blank">Pat’s King of Steaks</a> in 2003.

Former presidential candidate John Kerry eats a Philly cheesesteak during a 2003 campaign stop at Pat's King of Steaks.

Philly Weekender: March 24-26

Watch a master sand castle artist. Hit Bunnyland. And more.

There&#x27;s a lot to do in Philly this weekend. 🏖️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Enter Sandman." data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-E-LDc384" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-E-LDc384" target="_blank">Enter Sandman.</a> Sculptor Matt Long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transforms 65 tons of sand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adventureaquarium.com/explore/special-events/sand-sculptures/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adventureaquarium.com/explore/special-events/sand-sculptures/" target="_blank">transforms 65 tons of sand</a> into dazzlingly recognizable creatures, from penguins to hammerhead sharks, at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, starting today through April 16. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets: $37" data-vars-click-url="https://store.adventureaquarium.com/product/single/dynamic/f32310dc-0ae5-48e0-92fc-369805b11a43" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://store.adventureaquarium.com/product/single/dynamic/f32310dc-0ae5-48e0-92fc-369805b11a43" target="_blank">Tickets: $37</a>

Illustration of a cherry pie with "weekend" cut out of the crust. 

Philly primary races heat up

A competitive council race is no longer competitive, and more.

Politics

The city’s May 16 primary is kicking into high gear after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot positions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/20/philadelphia-2023-mayors-race-ballot-john-wood-coffee-can" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/20/philadelphia-2023-mayors-race-ballot-john-wood-coffee-can" target="_self">ballot positions</a> were chosen last week. Candidates are jockeying for attention and stepping up attacks on rivals.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a cheat sheet to the biggest developments so far.</li></ul>

Campaign pins inside the city's Board of Elections Office in City Hall 

Does ballot position matter in Philly mayor election?

Little-known candidate John Wood pulled top billing from the famous coffee can. Here's how past races worked out for the #1 name.

Much has been made of the “<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee can of destiny" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/DeeleyforPhilly/status/1635999654000091136" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/DeeleyforPhilly/status/1635999654000091136" target="_blank">coffee can of destiny</a>” after little-known mayoral candidate John Wood drew the top spot on the ballot among a dozen candidates in this year’s Democratic primary.What they’re saying: Wood was surprised by the lucky draw, and a lot of candidates feel positioning matters in a crowded race.<ul><li>“I think it lifts me tremendously, gets me some donations, maybe some endorsements,” <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wood told WHYY." data-vars-click-url="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-mayoral-race-ballot-john-wood-coffee-can/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-mayoral-race-ballot-john-wood-coffee-can/" target="_blank">Wood told WHYY.</a></li></ul>

Illustration of a pattern of blue checkmarks.

Philly seniors want new mayor to solve crime

Older residents, who may have a big say in the mayoral election, want their new leader to get a handle on public safety.

Older Philadelphians are sending a clear signal to mayoral candidates: Make the city safer.Driving the news: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new AARP survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/politics/info-2023/philadelphia-mayoral-race-voter-survey.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/politics/info-2023/philadelphia-mayoral-race-voter-survey.html" target="_blank">new AARP survey</a> of registered voters aged 50 and older found public safety was among the top issues in the race.

Illustration of Philadelphia city hall over a divided red and blue background with elements of ballots.

Who's running for mayor?

City Hall is primed for a shakeup, and scores of candidates want in.

Monday was the deadline to get on the May primary ballot in this municipal election, and more than 90 candidates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filed" data-vars-click-url="https://vote.phila.gov/news/2023/03/06/2023-primary-list-of-candidates-who-filed-nomination-petitions/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vote.phila.gov/news/2023/03/06/2023-primary-list-of-candidates-who-filed-nomination-petitions/" target="_blank">filed</a>. No, that&#x27;s not a typo.Why it matters: City Hall is poised for a shakeup. Mayor Jim Kenney is term-limited, and City Council will have several new members.

Starbucks wrongly fired Philadelphia workers, board says

More than 275 Starbucks stores, including several in Philly, have unionized since December 2021.

Business

Starbucks illegally fired two employees and committed other union-busting practices meant to disrupt labor organizers at two Philadelphia stores, according to the National Labor Relations Board.Driving the news: The decision, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first reported by Bloomberg Law" data-vars-click-url="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/starbucks-philly-union-busting-violated-the-law-nlrb-rules" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/starbucks-philly-union-busting-violated-the-law-nlrb-rules" target="_blank">first reported by Bloomberg Law</a>, said employees at stores on the 1000 block of South Broad St. and 3400 Civic Center Blvd. were threatened, surveilled, interrogated and prevented from discussing complaints about work conditions and managers. Employees supportive of the union also complained that their work hours were reduced.

Illustration of a union protest sign attached to a coffee stirrer in a to-go cup.

First phase of South Philly's new Bellwether District to soon begin

The site along the Schuylkill River should take 10-15 years to complete.

One of Philly&#x27;s largest development projects is on the cusp of breaking ground.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilco Redevelopment Partners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hilcoredev.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hilcoredev.com/" target="_blank">Hilco Redevelopment Partners</a> (HRP) will begin the initial phase of its multibillion-dollar project in South Philly, dubbed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bellwether District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebellwetherdistrict.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebellwetherdistrict.com/" target="_blank">Bellwether District</a>, in the coming months.

A rendering of Hilco's development project for South Philadelphia

Where Penn's disciplinary case against professor Amy Wax stands

The university has been under pressure to fire Wax over inflammatory comments about race.

Penn law professor Amy Wax has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/04/13/penn-law-tucker-carlson-amy-wax" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/04/13/penn-law-tucker-carlson-amy-wax" target="_self">the one</a> between her and her employer may be the biggest of her life.Why it matters: Wax’s disciplinary case will test the bounds of academic freedom and protections for academics from being punished for their discourse in public and the classroom, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts believe." data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/13/us/upenn-law-professor-racism-freedom-speech.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/13/us/upenn-law-professor-racism-freedom-speech.html" target="_blank">experts believe.</a>

Cayman the caiman euthanized by state agency

State animal welfare officials couldn't find a home for the reptile found roaming in FDR Park.

Pour one out for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cayman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/07/pet-caiman-found-philadelphia-fdr-park" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/03/07/pet-caiman-found-philadelphia-fdr-park" target="_self">Cayman</a>.What&#x27;s happening: State animal welfare officials sent him off to the great beyond after they couldn’t find an animal sanctuary willing to accept him, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania Fish &amp; Boat Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fishandboat.com/Pages/default.aspx" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fishandboat.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Fish &amp; Boat Commission</a> spokesman Mike Parker tells Axios.<ul><li>He says he wasn&#x27;t sure how long the agency waited before euthanizing the three-and-a-half-foot-long reptile.</li></ul>

A caiman found earlier this month at Philly's FDR Park was euthanized. 

Eyes Gallery reboots in April

The beloved folk art seller is moving to a new space after a fire damaged the old one.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eyes Gallery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eyesgallery.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eyesgallery.com/" target="_blank">Eyes Gallery</a> in South Philly is poised to reopen in a new space on April 15 after a fire forced it to shut down last summer.What’s happening: The store will open at 327 South St, a block from its former location, owner Julia Zagar tells Axios.

Philadelphia to pay protesters $9 million

It's said to be the largest such settlement in the city's history.

Philadelphia will pay $9.25 million to hundreds of people injured by police during protests in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Driving the news: Lawyers for the plaintiffs said at a news conference yesterday that it was the largest settlement secured to date against police for using heavy-handed tactics.

Illustration of a pair of handcuffs in the shape of a dollar sign.

Eviction filings surge in Philadelphia

Renters facing eviction are also racking up higher debts than in pre-pandemic times.

Eviction filings in Philadelphia have soared this year compared to 2022 amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/30/philadelphia-rents-still-high" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/30/philadelphia-rents-still-high" target="_self">rising housing costs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/the-sticky-inflation-conundrum" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/the-sticky-inflation-conundrum" target="_self">high inflation</a>.<ul><li>That’s according to recent data from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eviction Lab" data-vars-click-url="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/philadelphia-pa/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/philadelphia-pa/" target="_blank">Eviction Lab</a> at Princeton University.</li></ul>Why it matters: Not only do evictions <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contribute to a cycle of poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://clsphila.org/housing/report-eviction-record-policy/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clsphila.org/housing/report-eviction-record-policy/" target="_blank">contribute to a cycle of poverty</a> and instability, but they form a record that private landlords screen for and can thus prevent families from accessing other housing.

Illustration of a house broken into mismatched puzzle pieces.

Bridging the divide in Philly's Chinatown

City officials say residents can help design the area over the Vine Street Expressway.

Philadelphia is taking its first steps on a major downtown renewal project some two decades in the making — a cap over Vine Street Expressway in Chinatown — with the area between 8th and Broad streets eyed for the cap.Driving the news: City officials said Wednesday that they&#x27;re partnering with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation to start planning and design for the overhaul, dubbed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinatown Stitch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/programs/complete-streets/projects/the-chinatown-stitch-reconnecting-philadelphia-to-vine-street/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/programs/complete-streets/projects/the-chinatown-stitch-reconnecting-philadelphia-to-vine-street/" target="_blank">Chinatown Stitch</a>.

Chinatown Friendship Gate in Philadelphia. 

A cheesesteak pro's favorite sammies

Meet the Samboners, cheesesteak fanatics

Juicy Philly cheesesteak history

Philly Weekender: March 24-26

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