As city looks to ‘cap’ Vine Street Expressway, it seeks Chinatown community feedback
As the city plans the next chapter in development — the $160 million “capping” of I-676 between 10th and 13th streets — one goal is to restore and reunite the long-divided Chinatown neighborhood, and officials are kicking off several weeks of soliciting community feedback on their needs, challenges and desires.
On Sunday, that included a pop-up feedback session that included three possible concepts for the project. Continue reading …
‘Thank you to everyone in Philadelphia. Enjoy your cheesesteaks’
Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo, who own Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Philly restaurant, have landed in Philadelphia and are ready to serve up some cheesesteaks at two pop-up events, one happening today.
They spoke to Billy Penn’s Julia Binswanger and shared what to expect at the pop-ups, Kosuke’s latest tattoos, their affection for the Philadelphia International Airport, and why they connect to this city so much. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly-area postal workers fear a private takeover. Could it happen? [WHYY]
• Sanctuary cities like Philly could face federal cuts following a Trump executive order. [Inquirer$]
• City business worry about congestion and lack of parking if SEPTA has to reduce service. [WHYY]
• A joint venture of Jefferson Health, the city school district and Esperanza College aims to address the shortage of health care workers by providing fast-track training for high school students. [WHYY]
• The UK’s Prince Edward is visiting Philly today to dedicate a historic bell and honor local students. [WHYY]
• After a public vote, the Philadelphia Zoo has named its endangered tortoise hatchlings after the ‘Golden Girls.’ [NBC10]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- The Cure Violence basketball league in Kensington has provided a safe place for adult men ages 18 to 40 to socialize, get exercise and learn social and teamwork skills. [Billy Penn]
- A new study shows how new LED streetlights helped reduce crime in Philadelphia at night. [NBC10]
- DA Larry Krasner announced $1.1 million in grants to dozens of community-based nonprofits that assist people transitioning from incarceration. [DA’s Office]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 14: Shooting victims recorded from April 20 through April 26, including 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 16 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 62: Year-to-date homicides, down 29% vs. last year’s pace; down 50% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
Philly DA Race
- Primary Day 101
- How to request, fill out and return your mail ballot
- DA race: What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates
- Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
- Billy Penn’s recap of WHYY’s DA forum on April 22.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (HRH), and local education organizations for a dedication service for the Bicentennial Bell, at Benjamin Rush Garden, 316 Market St. (11:20 a.m.)
The mayor will attend the 57th annual Police Athletic League Awards Gala, at Switch House Hotel, 1325 Beach St. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
💒 Old City Wedding Stroll: Wednesday, April 30
🧀🥩 Nihonbashi Philly cheesesteak pop-up: April 30 + May 5
🎶 Sing Us Home Festival: Friday-Sunday, May 2-4
Wednesday, April 30: Sweat in Heels
Under the guidance of dancer & instructor Stephany Lynn, you’ll tap into your feminine energy, refine your movement, and embrace your most fearless self. $22 tickets. (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 30: Indego’s 10th Anniversary night ride
Meet at 7 p.m. at the Rocky Steps to kick off Bike Month with the Wednesday Night Rides crew. Free, but read the ‘How We Ride’ safety guide.
Friday, May 2: 2025 Philadelphia Marketplace Kickoff
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area return to Dilworth Park through Saturday, June 28, 2025 and September 5 through October 4, 2025. 20+ vendors every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. Special events: Vintage Marketplace takeover on May 30-31 and June 27-28.
Friday, May 2: First Friday: Sketch The Athenæum
Bring your own art supplies (pens, pencils, sketchbooks, cameras – no paint, please!) and take inspiration from The Athenæum’s spaces and items from the collections. The exhibition Laurie Olin, Drawing to See: The Italian Sketchbooks will also be open. Free with required RSVP. (5 p.m.)
Friday, May 2: Bok Open Studios
All 9 floors of the Bok building opens to the public to the workspaces of fine artists, glass blowers, ceramicists, bakers, jewelers, guitar makers, designers, photographers, and more. Also: food vendors, community tables in the hallways, and pop-up art and music throughout the building. Have a beverage on the roof at Bok Bar or grab dinner at Irwin’s. (5 to 9 p.m.)
May 1 through May 18: CATO (Remixed)
The Philadelphia Artists Collective returns to site-specific work as they present the world premiere, meta-theatrical adaptation in the historically significant site of Carpenters’ Hall. Explore the similarities between the tumultuous political landscape of Ancient Rome, Revolutionary-era America, and our current divided nation. $19.36 students; $36.70 general admission. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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