Your Daily Guide

Bust Out Your Bikes on These Routes This Summer

Biking can be intimidating if it’s been a while since you were on two wheels, or if you’re not sure where to go. Explore the city (and region) in new ways by riding around on beginner-friendly trails or challenging yourself across the Delaware River for a multi-day jaunt known as the Jersey Devil Hunt. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

State Supreme Court Slams Krasner, Empowers AG for Oversight

The highest court in the state said that District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office had a pattern of misleading judges when pursuing reversals of murder convictions. Now the state attorney general must review cases the DA seeks to reverse, which Krasner says “undermines the value of a vote in Philadelphia.” [🔒 The Inquirer]

Where Are Crimes Concentrated in Philly?

Some neighborhoods are experiencing an uptick in nonviolent crimes such as theft, while others are seeing a dramatic downturn. The shift suggests different neighborhoods will require unique strategies to combat different types of crime, and more surveillance could lead to more alleged crimes being reported. [Axios]

• Related: Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel previously spoke to us about the historically low murder rate and the creation of a strategic plan. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Skill Games Are Slot Machines After All

Now that the state Supreme Court has ruled that those electronic games in gas stations and bodegas are technically slot machines, lawmakers have four months to decide whether to regulate them, creating a new source of tax revenue for the state, or ban them entirely. [Spotlight PA]

• Related: Mayor Parker applauded the ruling, stating that skill games should be in casinos and not “in neighborhoods that already face high rates of poverty, crime, and violence.” [City of Philadelphia]

Banned From Coming to Philly to Root for Their Teams

The Ivory Coast national team plays in Philly again next week, but many of their fans will be missing due to visa denials. The issue has plagued several World Cup teams and their supporters, including Haiti. The Caribbean country plays here tomorrow, but its fans are effectively barred from entering the country due to the Trump Administration’s travel ban. [🔒Philadelphia Tribune]

• Related: Despite these restrictions, Philly’s Ivorian American community has been making their presence known with pride. [Fun Times Magazine]

Hosting a barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends while enjoying the warm weather this summer. But sometimes you don’t want to be responsible for manning the grill. So set down the charcoal and lighter fluid. Here’s where you can get the best barbecue in Philly.

Deke’s Bar-B-Que

137 Berkley St., Suite B

Located near Wayne Junction station, Deke’s serves locally sourced and slow-cooked meats. Go for baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, or even a rice bowl, pairing your choice of meat with rice and collard greens. If you need something to nibble on while you wait for your main order, munch on some brisket chili nachos. Do not leave here without trying the cornbread.

Sophie’s BBQ

4323 Main St.

After finding success in Havertown, Sophie’s has made Philly its second home with its new location in Love City Brewing. Pair your craft beer with a brisket cheesesteak, dry rub chicken, or the BBQ platter, which includes a choice of any meat (½), two sides, and cornbread with cinnamon maple blueberry butter.

Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse

7500 State Rd.

This establishment has been dedicated to “serving happiness” since 2003, and its menu will definitely make you happy. Sweet Lucy’s prides itself on its wood-burning pit, cooking meats low and slow, adding its distinct aroma, flavor, and color. Help yourself to a rack of St. Louis ribs or hickory-smoked hot wings. If you’re eating with company, order the Pig-Out, which offers a combo of ribs, boneless meats, and sides in sizes that serve parties of four or six.

Zig Zag

2111 E. York St.

Zig Zag’s got you covered with pork spare ribs, brisket, and berbere spiced chicken with black lime ranch. But if you stop by on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can treat yourself to a “Slappy Meal” with your choice of a turkey teaser, brisket sandwich, chopped and smoked or pulled pork sandwich, paired with a choice of queso mac, potato salad, or coleslaw, and a drink. If you’re 21 and over, that drink could be a beer. Sober? There are N/A options too.