Ex-union head John Dougherty is back on trial
Two years after being convicted on corruption charges, John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty is headed to federal court this week to face embezzlement charges. The former electricians union leader, who was a hugely influential political force in the city and across the state, is trying to avoid another loss.
He could get jail time, Meir Rinde reports, but it’s possible the judge is waiting until the completion of Dougherty’s third federal trial — the one for extortion charges. Continue reading…
A hidden food court brightens the food options in Grays Ferry
Along a sleepy stretch of Grays Ferry Avenue in South Philadelphia, a former USPS sorting facility has been transformed into a food hall, offering to-go orders from four separate counters: a breakfast spot, a BBQ joint, a burrito/taco option, and a pizzeria.
It’s all an extension of catering company Chef’s Table, which evolved from one of Philly’s first gourmet markets. BP food and drink reporter Ali Mohsen has the details. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The winning design for Philly’s Harriet Tubman statue is titled “A Higher Power: The Call of the Freedom Fighter.” Sculptor Alvin Pettit’s submission was selected after more than a year of debate. [WHYY/Billy Penn]
• After five years, the Philadelphia Bail Fund announced it will cease operations “indefinitely” to focus on strategic planning. In addition to paying bonds for people who couldn’t afford it, the nonprofit did advocacy work around the disparities of the cash bail system. [Tribune$/BP 2022]
• Did you know the oldest surviving photo in the U.S. was taken in Philadelphia? Avi Wolfman-Arent tells the story in the latest Headlines of Yore. [Billy Penn]
• After 11 years, beloved Philly ice cream shop Weckerlys will close its Fishtown store on Dec. 23, and its partners at Lil’ Pop Shop will close in West Philly on Dec. 2. [@weckerlys/@lilpopshop]
• Anyone following the Sixers’ James Harden saga can breathe a sigh of relief: it’s not going to last as long as the Ben Simmons debacle. Harden has reportedly been traded to the Clippers. [BP 2021/6ABC]
• We updated our list of free little treats you can get when Philly sports teams do well, from milkshakes to burgers to discounts on groceries. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney attends the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s 223rd annual meeting in Center City (12 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🍻 Billy Penn event: BP Quizzo lands in Germantown, as we return to the spacious Attic Brewing Co. for Philly news and history trivia, with happy hour specials and prizes. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16)
🏠 Sip and support Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia at a “Habi Hour” in Fishtown. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1)
🧶 The 47th annual PMA Contemporary Craft Show brings 195 artists and designers from around the world to the Pa. Convention Center for a weekend of jewelry, sculptures, textiles, glass and more. Tickets are $5 to $25. (Friday to Sunday, Nov. 3-5)
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