Wake up, it’s Friday.

We made it to spring. Tony Wood shares a handful of equinox meditations on solar energy, moon shows, and birds making a comeback.

Nearly two years after UArts abruptly closed, hear from faculty and staff on what has happened since, and how they transformed loss into their craft.

And Japanese convenience store culture is taking over menus across Philadelphia. Get a taste of its influence.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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After teaching at University of the Arts for more than 35 years, Diane Pepe is finding her footing through art and community.

She is one of just under 700 former UArts faculty and staff who had to rebuild their careers after losing their jobs when the school suddenly closed in 2024.

For Pepe, the losses compounded. Her husband passed away just weeks later.

In time, Pepe found a way to express her grief in her art series Shattered.

In her own words: “As I adhered the pieces, the process resulted in a compositional that represents the strength and support of community and family who help me through devastating times and enable me to continue on,” Pepe said.

Other faculty and staff have also discovered avenues to channel their “roller coaster” experiences post-UArts. The tight higher education job market made it difficult for them to find new roles doing what they love.

Higher education reporter Susan Snyder has the story.

How does an egg salad-sandwich inspired cocktail sound?

Starting Friday, you’ll be able to try it at Almanac in Old City, but they’re already serving up the likes of katsukare (katsu curry) and “7-11 French toast” cocktails.

Along with the rest of the country, the city has embraced Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and ramen. Almanac is just one example of Japanese convenience stores (known as konbini) making a culinary mark on menus across Philadelphia right now.

Food writer Kiki Aranita dishes on other area restaurants taking cues from konbini.

What you should know today

Welcome back to Curious Philly Friday. We’ll feature both new and timeless stories from our forum for readers to ask about the city’s quirks.

This week, we’re resurfacing an explainer from Grace Dickinson on the lack of a Philadelphia mention on northbound I-95 signs in Maryland.

Notably, New York gets a nod. So what gives? “Very irking to me and several million Philadelphia-area residents,” wrote reader James Udell. Here’s the full story.

Have your own burning question about Philadelphia, its local oddities, or how the region works? Submit it here and you might find the answer featured in this space.

🧠 Trivia time

There were special giveaways, celebrity appearances, and the Flyers’ The Office theme night based on the NBC show. Gritty was in attendance, of course, and dressed up as this character from the show:

A) Michael

B) Pam

C) Dwight

D) Kevin

Think you got it? Test your local news know-how and check your answer in our weekly quiz.

What (and whom) we’re …

🎹 Remembering: The West Philly man who made musical instruments out of everything.

🍨 Excited for: The Schwarbomb Sundae and other promising treats among the Bank’s revamped food lineup.

😕 But bummed about: Harry the K’s getting the boot after 22 seasons (name-wise).

💰 Calculating: How Burlington Stores’ tariff response led to a jump in sales, according to its CEO.

🖼️ Considering: A case for retaining the President’s House slavery exhibits.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Chester County township

GOWN SHEETS

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Thalia Martin, who solved Thursday’s anagram: Bryn Athyn College. After receiving a warning last year, the accreditation of this small, private higher-ed institution in Montgomery County was reaffirmed this month, according to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Photo of the day

👋🏽 Thanks for stopping by this morning. I’m taking some time off, so look out for my brilliant colleagues as they emcee a couple of weekend editions of this newsletter. Take care, and have a smooth slide into your weekend.

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