Embiid wins MVP trophy

🏳️‍🌈 PA House Passes LGBTQ Protection Bill

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in housing, workplaces, and public services. Gov. Shapiro supports it, but the bill’s future is uncertain as it heads to the state Senate, where Republicans hold the majority. [6ABC]

⚖️ Former Philly SWAT Officer on Trial

The case against Richard Paul Nicoletti, a former Philadelphia SWAT officer accused of unlawfully pepper spraying protesters during racial justice demonstrations in summer 2020, went to trial this week. On Tuesday, Nicoletti pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, including simple assault and reckless endangerment. A jury will decide if Nicoletti’s actions were criminal. [Inquirer 🔒]

🏆 Embiid Wins NBA’S Top Honor

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star and 2023 scoring champion Joel Embiid just won his first NBA MVP trophy, beating two-time winner Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets. Embiid is the first 76er to win league MVP since Allen Iverson in 2001. [WHYY]

🗳️ More Endorsements for Cherelle Parker

Former mayoral candidate Maria Quiñones Sánchez has endorsed Cherelle Parker for mayor, making her the second former opponent to do so. This support could make a big impact if Latinx voters decided to follow her lead. Before resigning from City Council, Quiñones Sánchez represented the 7th District, which is home to a large number of Philly’s Latinx voters. Parker also received an endorsement this week from the Black Leadership PAC. [Philadelphia Tribune 🔒]

• Helen Gym just received an endorsement from Bernie Sanders. But will this support matter in the long run? 🎧

💰 School Funding Woes

During this week’s annual City Council budget hearing, Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington said that teachers should receive extra pay to encourage retention. But where will that money come from? Philadelphia schools have been underfunded for decades, something affirmed in a recent ruling by a Commonwealth Court judge. Hear from Chalkbeat Philadelphia education reporter Dale Mezzacappa about what this decision means for Philly schools 🎧

🪅 Art Exhibition | Friday | 6 p.m.

Stop by Paradigm Gallery + Studio for the opening night of Katherine Fraser’s solo exhibition of new oil paintings that draw inspiration from discarded party supplies. [free, Old City]

🤣 T. Murph | Friday | 9:45 p.m.

Laugh along with acclaimed actor and comedian T. Murph at Punch Line Philly. [free, Northern Liberties]

🛍️ Flea Market | Saturday | 4 p.m.

Enjoy music, food, interactive experiences, and shop for a diverse range of products from local vendors. [pay-as-you-go, Logan Square]

States across the country have introduced bills restricting or criminalizing drag shows. While that’s not happening in Philly, local performers say they do feel the effects of a national backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.

Host Trenae Nuri checks in with Ian Morrison, aka Brittany Lynn, creator of Philly Drag Mafia and Drag Queen Story Time, about how drag story time helps kids accept themselves, and how he deals with anti-drag protesters.