Mayor Cherelle Parker wants to create a $100 million "wellness village" in Northeast Philly to serve people in addiction.

Why it matters: The massive proposed facility is part of Parker's plan to combat the city's worsening opioid crisis and end open-air drug markets, following a recent rise in overdoses and homelessness.

Driving the news: In a closed-door meeting with city legislators Tuesday, Parker administration officials unveiled a plan to build over three years the Riverview Wellness Village in Holmesburg, the Inquirer reports.

• The facility, near the city's jail complex, would house more than 600 people and provide counseling, drug treatment options and job training.

The big picture: The move comes amid friction between the mayor and some city legislators over the administration's public safety plans.

• Some lawmakers have chafed at Parker's go-it-alone approach and questioned why they weren't informed about details.

Friction point: The new proposal comes after Parker unexpectedly expanded an existing shelter in Fairmount in April, drawing criticism from City Council and pushback from community members.

Meanwhile, Parker and city legislators are hashing out the mayor's first spending plan, due by the end of June.

• Under a proposal, the mayor outlined a $100 million plan to build so-called "wellness and triage centers" to address addiction and homelessness.
• The administration has since stopped using the phrase "triage centers."

Zoom in: The new wellness village would be on city-owned property at 7979 State Road and the campus of the Riverview Personal Care Home, per the Inquirer.

• Health providers would operate the facility via a contract with the city.
• City spokesperson Ayanna Williams declined to provide additional details about the proposal.

The intrigue: The city previously proposed to build a tiny house village at the same location to serve people experiencing homelessness.

• Yes, but: Parker pulled the plug on that plan earlier this year.

Councilmember Michael Driscoll, who represents the area, said he would seek to prioritize people living in the Northeast for the new facility.

• Driscoll also called on forming a community advisory board to evaluate operations at the facility.

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Owners of sports shops in the Philadelphia region say they're the victims of a pickleball-paddle racket — and it seems they're not alone.

The big picture: East Coast stores, stretching from Washington to Long Island, New York, have seen a rash of paddle thefts, causing thousands of dollars in losses, the Washington Post reports.

Driving the news: The owners of Tennis Junction in suburban Bryn Mawr, and Everyone's Racquet in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, tell Axios that, over the past month, three people stole more than $5,000 worth of paddles.

• They reported the thefts to police but, without surveillance footage, were told little could be done.
• The owners allege a man distracted employees while two women in loose-fitting dresses and scarves took dozens of paddles — which can fetch more than $250 — by hiding them under their clothes.

Zoom out: Police told the WP they're investigating the possibility that a group using similar tactics stole paddles at stores in the D.C. region.

• Similar thefts are occurring elsewhere — a store in Colorado had $30,000 worth of pickleball paddles stolen in February.

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⚖️ University of the Arts staff filed a class action against the historic Philly institution. They cited unpaid wages and the school's failure to give enough notice about its impending closure. (Philadelphia Magazine)

💰 Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing whether to cap payments to charter schools at $8,000 per student, which could save school districts more than $500 million a year.

• A state House committee advanced the proposal this week. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

🍽️ Update your summer restaurant bucket list with these new eateries, including the Indonesian-themed Rice & Sambal in South Philly and Sushi by Boū in Fishtown. (Eatery Philly)

Some environmental groups and lawmakers are worried about the most common method used to decaffeinate coffee.

Why it matters: Decaf has long been considered a safe way to enjoy a cup of joe for those cutting back on caffeine.

• 6% of adults in the Northeast drank decaf coffee over the past 24 hours, according to the National Coffee Association.

Between the lines: The European method of making decaf coffee is how most coffee companies decaffeinate (Starbucks calls it "direct contact"), and it typically involves a controversial chemical: methylene chloride.

• Methylene chloride is considered a potential carcinogen by OSHA.

The FDA regulates methylene chloride when it is used to decaffeinate coffee. Exposure to residues must not exceed 10 parts per million.

The latest: Groups including the Environmental Defense Fund petitioned the FDA this year to ban the use of methylene chloride in food.

• And, a California bill amended this month calls for the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to study the health impacts of methylene chloride.

Go deeper

🎉 The Odunde Festival is this weekend. More than 100 vendors will be selling artwork, jewelry and clothing, along with traditional Caribbean, African and soul food.

• Plus, don't miss out on the two stages of live music and performances. Sunday, 10am-8pm.

🛒 The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll takes place tonight from 5-8pm. Snatch up deals from neighborhood businesses and vendors. Then head to the block party at 48th Street and enjoy live music and crafts.

😊 It's First Friday, so you know what that means. Stroll through the marketplace at the Art and Artisans Market at Cherry Street Pier from 4-9pm.

• Also, check out other First Friday exhibitions and events in Old City.

See more weekend events