Married couple Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo, owners of Nihonbashi Philly — a beloved cheesesteak spot and Philly-themed sports bar in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district — will be returning to the city for a pop-up tour this April. Continue reading …
On a recent Friday night, dozens of people crowded inside Ruba Club in Northern Liberties, holding sheets with lyrics to Sufjan Stevens’ song, “Chicago,” printed on them.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes,” they sing in unison, as Philly music teacher Melissa Schepers turns this random group of friends and neighbors into an impromptu choir. This is the Fishtown Choir experience. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As Philly and Pa. officials work to preserve federal funding to fight climate change, a natural gas industry group — whose largest member is Philadelphia Gas Works — is lobbying against program support. [WHYY]
• Philly leaders say their 2026 plans for FIFA and the semiquincentennial are on track, but SEPTA’s funding crisis could derail them. [WHYY]
• Pa. official says schools already comply with civil rights laws and will not order schools to scrap DEI. [Chalkbeat]
• The Philly Portal was the centerpiece of a celebratory parade along the Ben Franklin Parkway, complete with a 15-minute stop at the Art Museum steps, before arriving at its new home at the City Hall courtyard. [6ABC]
• Mayor Parker’s proposed raise for Philly teachers won’t do much to close the pay gap with suburban school districts. [PhillyVoice]
• Kensington’s Càphê Roasters is expanding to a former roller rink across the street from its café, with plans to open a brewery and takeout options. [Inquirer$]
Philly DA Race
Candidate appearances:
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public appearances scheduled for Tuesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 College theater productions this spring
🖼️ “In the Soft Light” queer art exhibition
Wednesday, April 16: Sewing with Snack Bags
Transform snack bags into one-of-a-kind zipper pouches for Earth Day and Earth Month. $45 per person. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 16: Cyanotype Floral Workshop
This floral-focused cyanotype workshop will show you how to create sun-printed botanical art using one of the oldest photographic processes. No experience necessary. $40-50 sliding scale covers materials. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 16: 2nd District: Housing Town Hall Meeting
Southwest Leadership Academy hosts this stop in Mayor Parker’s budget town hall tour. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 16: People’s Budget: Tacony
Part of a series of free community workshops to learn about the City Budget process and speak or create art about what you want to see funded. Food is provided. Sign up welcome, but not required. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, April 17: Pitch-A-Friend Queer Fundraiser
Punch Buggy Brewing hosts the latest dating show where friends serve as the best wingman, and this show also serves as a fundraiser with Lav Pan. Free to attend. (8 p.m.)
Saturday, April 19: Northeast Philly Beer Festival
200+ vendors, including 50+ breweries, food trucks, live bands and more from 12 to 6 p.m. at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein. Participants receive a tasting cup/mug. $30 general admission.
Saturday, April 19: Kegs and Eggs Block Party
Celebrate Easter weekend at Evil Genius Beer Co.’s family-friendly event complete with photos with the Easter Bunny, food trucks, local vendors and more, all along Front Street. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Tokyo pop-up coming; Fishtown choir; Philly Portal’s parade | Morning roundup
Shapiro arson update; FIFA president visit; Queer art exhibit on masculinity | Morning roundup
Huge cuts loom for SEPTA; Wilma co-founder’s return; Kingsessing library re-opens | Morning roundup
Hefty fines for dumping; Women’s sports fans seek a home; Carnaval de Puebla is canceled | Morning roundup
Bradley Cooper’s NYC cheesesteak reviewed; Artists race clock; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup
Public health workers at risk; Latino Restaurant Week; Intensifying rain | Morning roundup
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