Spring freeze crop impact; Rittenhouse protests and rally; Arden Theatre kids program

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Watching that doggie in the window
(Photo by @billlent)

A spring freeze, a fall squeeze for Philly restaurants

A late April freeze is still squeezing Philly restaurants with its lasting effects on produce into the fall. The spring freeze hit Pennsylvania’s orchard and fruit farmers particularly hard.

“The farmer is the first person to feel the impacts of climate change,” said Christa Barfield, founder and CEO of FarmerJawn. “It trickles down to the consumer later on.” Continue reading…

Savoie Organic Farm. (Danya Henninger/Billy Penn) Credit: Danya Henninger / Billy Penn

Dragons, fairies and a play in a day: What kids learn at Philly’s Arden Theatre

With just eight hours to write and perform a play, students practice teamwork, creativity and compromise at Arden Theatre’s Play-in-a-Day program, which gives children a day of theater activities while schools are closed.

The Arden hosts roughly 10 to 15 sessions annually, and sessions generally cost $90, though prices can vary during certain school breaks. Each session has a different theme. Continue reading…

Francine Odri leads a group of students through the planning phase of their play on Nov. 3, 2026. (Davis Cuffe/Billy Penn)

BP Quizzo Question of the Day

On what Philly street did Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon begin the land survey that would become the basis for the Mason-Dixon line?

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pennsylvania wants ads to disclose AI use, but what exactly does that mean? [WHYY]

• Pa. regulators will invoke consumer protection law if IBX and Highmark don’t have new Jefferson contracts by Dec. 31. [Inq$]

• New Pa. law requires child care centers to stock epinephrine, learn to use for serious allergic reactions. [WHYY]

• The controversial ‘Boycott Ride’ drew a large rally in support of Philadelphia’s Jewish-owned eateries. [Inq$]

• Fatal vehicle crashes in Philly decreased by 26% in 2025, but severe injuries reported as the result of a crash increased by 4% in the same time frame, according to the city’s annual Vision Zero report released Monday. [PhillyVoice]

• An “expression of love” or a public nuisance? Why Philly activists embrace disruptive protest to fight economic inequality. [WHYY]

• Smash it, don’t trash it: Fishtown Neighbors Association hosts pumpkin composting “smackdown.” [WHYY]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Monday.

Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide

Philly record stores keep on spinning
Record stores have seen a resurgence over the past decade – and these spots in Philly are no exceptions. Here’s where you can go to get your groove on.
Escape Philly’s busy streets at a 2,000 acre taste of nature near Roxborough
Get to know Wissahickon Valley Park, with its 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and anyone looking to enjoy a nearby trip to the great outdoors.