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| What Philly's Talking About |
| School’s Out for These Educators | The School District of Philadelphia’s turnover rate remains high after 506 full-time teachers resigned or retired last year. Poor facility conditions and stagnant pay are among the reasons why teachers are moving on. [Axios] | | Union Turns Against Garrity in Gubernatorial Campaign | The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, which previously supported Stacey Garrity in her bid for state treasurer, said she broke promises to the union by running against Gov. Shapiro for governor and associating with anti-labor groups. [WHYY] | | | Shapiro Pumps Breaks on Data Center Development | The governor, an early proponent of data centers, signed an executive order that will require local approval for projects needing state permits, demand projects generate their own electricity, and forbid such plans from fast-track permitting. [🔒 The Inquirer] | - Related: The move could complicate things for Philly’s construction industry, which has found a lifeboat in building for “defense and data” over “eds and meds.” 🔒 The Inquirer]
| | State A.G. Urges Hemp Crackdown | The U.S. Senate delayed a ban on hemp-based THC products by a month, despite support from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and more than 30 state attorneys general to allow new regulations to go into effect. Such a ban would include more than just intoxicating products, however, so industry groups warns 95% of the hemp consumable marketplace could shutter. [The Hill, Spotlight PA] | - Related: While Sunday focuses on hemp products, unregulated psychedelics continue to proliferate local smoke shops. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
| | Middle Child Drops ‘Juicy’ New Merch Line | If you want your wardrobe to channel the early 2000s, hit up Middle Child. The sandwich shop’s new merch line parodies the era with pink “Juicy Tomatoes” shirts and matching shorts. Find the Paris Hilton-esque fits online or at its Fishtown and Center City stores. [Philly Voice] |
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| Why Pennsylvania is the ‘Potato Chip Capital of the World’ |
|  | City Cast Philly’s haul of PA-made potato chips. (Matt Katz / City Cast Philly) |
| Potato chips weren’t invented here, but Pennsylvania really has ‘em in the bag. | | With nationally distributed brands like Wise, Utz, and Herr’s — along with nostalgic names like Gibble’s and Good’s — it’s no wonder Pennsylvania’s known as the “Potato Chip Capital of the World.” | | This crispy, salty treat is part of PA’s larger snack and confectionary empire. And if you look at a map of where chips are produced, you’ll notice a beltline along the southern and eastern part of the state. This overlaps areas where Pennsylvania Dutch communities live, like Lancaster and York counties. | | Today, more than a dozen potato chip businesses operate in the Keystone State, giving rise to modern styles and trendy flavors — from red hot and jalapeño cheddar to dill pickle and honey BBQ. | | For National Potato Day, consider snacking on these Pennsylvania-made chips. ⬇️ | | | Herr’s, based in Nottingham, PA, is the largest privately-held, family-owned snack food company in the U.S. It has fans nationwide, but locals have the opportunity to tour the plant in Chester County. This chip giant has some of the most intriguing flavors like Cheddar Horseradish and Baby Back Ribs. Plus, the Flavored By Philly contest introduces unique limited-time flavor combinations, like 2026’s Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries. | | | Also in Adamstown, Zerbe’s stands out with its chips known locally as “Zerbe Darks.” Don’t worry, they’re not burnt! The sugar content in the russet potato creates a darker color and distinctive taste. Buy them online to pair with your sandwich … or just skip it and go straight for the Italian Hoagie flavor. | | | Dieffenbach’s fans love the quirky flavors like Deli Dill and Bacon Cheddar — but its sister brand, Uglies, is changing the way we eat chips. Uglies are made from potatoes with small imperfections that would otherwise be thrown out. Check out the factory store in Womelsdorf, PA, or buy them at MOM’s Organic Market, Grocery Outlet, Riverwards Produce Market, or Sprouts Farmers Market. | | |
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| — Siani Colón | Today’s article was written by Francesca Dabecco. |
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