RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
Key takeaways from Mayor Parker’s first budget proposal
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget would pump new dollars into her priority areas of law enforcement and trash cleanup, and increase funding for the school district, emergency housing, SEPTA, and future labor contracts, among other areas.
Advocates hope Parker moves the needle on Parks & Rec funding
Although the Department of Parks & Recreation’s budget has grown in recent years, Philly still spends less per resident on parks than the average big U.S. city, and more of that investment comes from private organizations.
Hundreds march to demand cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war
Organizers with the Philly Palestine Coalition said the rally aimed to bring attention to the Palestinian cause and “politically educate” passers-by who saw the marchers and heard speakers calling for a cease-fire.
Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day at a historic Philadelphia landmark
While most taverns gear up for St. Patrick’s Day, McGillin’s has an extra burden when it comes to traditions: Not only is it the city’s oldest drinking and eating establishment — but it’s also one of the city’s oldest continuously operating businesses.
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
City budget 101
Now that Mayor Parker has introduced her first budget, you can learn more about how the whole process works and how budget decisions are made as part of an the city’s online Civic Engagement Academy. (Register online, March 20, 6 p.m.)
World Cup preview? Argentina vs. El Salvador
Lincoln Financial Field plays host to Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates for an international soccer match versus El Salvador. Arguably the most popular soccer play on the planet, Messi’s appearance in Philly will offer a glimpse of the fervor expected in 2026 when the city hosts a handful of World Cup contests. (March 22, 8 p.m.)
Organ fest draws top musicians on the “world’s grandest instrument”
The Philadelphia Organ Festival features concerts of works from Ravel, Bach, Rachmaninoff and more through next Saturday. The event wraps up with Ensemble Arts’ special Organ Day event on March 23, featuring the massive Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ — the largest mechanical-action concert hall organ in America. (Various locations and times, details at sacredplaces.org)
Catch up on the previous week
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