⛪ Controversial law paves way for church redevelopment

Federal Judge Blocks ‘ICE Out’ Law

In case you missed this over the holiday break, a Trump-appointed judge ruled that the city cannot decide how ICE conducts its work, saying the Constitution blocks municipalities and states from controlling how federal agencies operate. U.S. District Court Judge Chad Kenney called such regulation “blatantly impermissible.” [🔒Reuters]

• Related: The “ICE Out” laws, which passed with majority approval in City Council, were originally scheduled to go into effect tomorrow. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Missing Equipment and Payments at School District

An audit done by the City Controller found that several taxpayer-funded items — from computers to pianos — are missing from Philly schools. While City Controller Christy Brady suggested that it could be a mistagging issue, the school district responded and says it needs to improve “accountability and accuracy." [NBC10]

• Related: The report also found that more than 700 former district employees are owed $2.8 million in termination pay. [NBC10]

Philly Church To Switch Out Pews for Brews

A 140-year-old church in Point Breeze will find new life as a brewery and community space, saving the building from demolition. The redevelopment is possible thanks to a 2019 law that allows historically protected sites to be reused without following the existing zoning. And it’s leaving some neighbors divided on the project. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Here’s a beginner’s guide to zoning laws in Philly. [📝 City Cast Philly]

HBO Hit Series Returns to Philly

If you live in Manayunk, you might run into Mark Ruffalo. HBO’s crime drama “Task” is filming its second season in that neighborhood this week, blocking some streets off for production. [Philly Voice]

• Related: In recent years, we’ve seen more shows and movies set in Philly, but how accurate is Hollywood’s depiction of us? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

This Hungry Fish Is Changing Philly’s Food Chain

While the presence of the invasive flathead catfish isn’t new to the region, their long-term stay in rivers like the Delaware and Schuylkill is decimating other fish populations and disrupting migrations. [Grid]

• Related: While the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission recommends eating the flathead catfish only once a month, there are other species of fish you are not allowed to eat (you can try to catch them though). [🎧 City Cast Philly]

If you’re looking for new music but you’re tired of letting the algorithm decide for you, step outside and visit a local listening room. Over the years, Philly has welcomed lounges inspired by jazz kissa — Japanese listening bars and cafes centered around high-quality sound systems that play vinyl records. The concept is attracting old and new audiophiles looking for good music and community.

Here’s where to go if you want to listen to vinyl records in Philly.

48 Record Bar

48 S. 2nd St.

Located above the jazzy Sassafras Bar, 48 Record Bar is a cozy listening room and cocktail bar in Old City. The lounge regularly hosts programming ranging from vinyl nights and open mics to author talks. Registration for ticketed events can be found here.

Free Library of Philadelphia

1901 Vine St.

The Free Library has so much to offer beyond books, including music. The library’s music department not only has a vast collection of physical music available for loan but now has a vinyl record listening club. The group meets on the last Wednesday of each month, offering a free third space to listen to music from the library’s catalog or from your own. You can sign up to receive updates about the club here.

Sweet 45

2000 N Front St.

Beat the heat with ice cream while listening to your favorite tunes. This shop doubles as an ice cream parlor and listening lounge. The intimate space right under the L lets you immerse yourself in the music while leaving enough room to dance. You never know who you’ll find at Sweet 45; artists Tierra Whack and Hayley Williams have both made appearances. When you pick a record, be sure to order a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with caramel drizzle and sweet plantain to pair with it. You won’t regret it!

Clubfriends Radio & Records

926 Market St.

What started as Alexa Colas' project to transform her living room into a record store has grown into a business temporarily housed on Market East. Clubfriends is one of several pop-ups activating the business corridor through the end of July. Stop by to participate in special programming that connects Philadelphians and visitors alike through music, art, and storytelling.