OK, so what made Wanamaker’s great?
Over more than a century, Wanamaker’s became an icon of Philadelphia architecture and culture. It was more than shopping, with an annual light shows, monorail rides, concerts from the world’s largest organ, and a statue that launched a Philly catchphrase, “Meet me at the Eagle.”
As the building that housed the iconic department store’s future enters an uncertain era with the closing of Macy’s this weekend, BP’s Jon Caroulis invites you to meet the employees and visitors who held it close. Continue reading…
CPR training device bridges language gaps, offers accessibility
A new CPR training kiosk offers life-saving information – with bilingual instructions. The Spanish- and English-speaking device is now available at the Maria de los Santos Health Center in North Philadelphia.
The kiosk offers a 10-minute course during which people can learn to do CPR, in either Spanish or English. It includes a screen with lessons and prompts, and a dummy for practicing chest compressions. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump Administration freezes $175 million in funding to Penn over transgender policies. [WHYY]
• The PGA Championship will be among the big sports events of 2026 near Philly — but there are other golf events nearby and sooner. [Billy Penn]
• Philly is on track to get more worker protections while federal policies are rolled back under Trump. [WHYY]
• Jefferson, Penn and Temple join antitrust lawsuits against IBX and other Blue Cross insurers. [Inquirer$]
• Unlike other big cities, Philly rental properties are not inspected proactively. Amid an affordable housing crisis, advocates say that’s putting low-income tenants at risk. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The Mann Center will partner with Mural Arts Philadelphia on three projects, including a celebration of Black artists, a summer camp for students, and one to mark the venue’s 50th anniversary. [PhillyVoice]
• PGW could explore clean energy with a geothermal pilot project at Philly’s McCloskey Elementary School. [WHYY]
• ‘& Juliet’ reimagines the Shakespeare classic — with a 2nd chance. [Billy Penn]
Philly DA Race
- Philadelphia DA election:
What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates - Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Thursday, March 20 at 6:45 p.m.: Candidate Forum
Hosted by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition, and the SUN. At String Theory School, located at 1600 Vine Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The forum will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor will join PIDC leadership, city officials and development partners for the kickoff of the Navy Yard’s 25th anniversary, at Ensemble/Mosaic Marketing Center, 150 Rouse Blvd. [3 p.m.]
ON THE CALENDAR
👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
👩🏼⚕️ Thursday, March 20: Healing Women: Women’s Care Work and Caring for Women’s Bodies during the 18th Century
Available both in-person and online, this after-hours event features a colonial-era midwife and lecture from Penn professor Kathleen Brown about women’s medicine and reproductive health in the 18th century. Tour and Q&A to follow. (5:30 p.m.)
💸 Thursday, March 20: People’s Budget: North Chinatown
One of a series of free community workshops through May. Vox Populi hosts this opportunity for residents to learn more about the City Budget process and speak about what they want to see funded —and help create collective artwork about local priorities. Free food provided. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
🎫 Saturday, March 22: ASL Guide-Led Tour and Discussion
Once a month, Eastern State Penitentiary hosts this 45-minute, in-depth, guide-led tour of the prison’s history, its ongoing relevance to contemporary social issues, and a conversation about justice and the role of prisons in society. $17 to $21 tickets. (11 a.m.)
🖼️ Saturday, March 22: Hands-On Screenprinting and Studio Tour
The Fabric Workshop’s most popular event returns with a guided tour and chance to make your own print to take home. $10 reservations. (1 or 2 p.m. tour times)
🍳 Saturday, March 22: Honoring Ancestral Foodways Cooking Demo
This cooking demo, cultural meal, and interactive presentation is facilitated by Veggie Mijas’ Education Director, Rebeca Cintrón Olivencia-Loáisiga. Included recipes Asopao de Gandules (Pigeon Pea Rice Stew) and Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) are based on Caribbean, African and American Indigenous cultural foodways. $10-20 tickets; free for virtual ticket. (2 p.m.)
🎶 Saturday, March 22: Music Behind the Bars
Enjoy an Iftar Dinner with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, followed by former Syrian political prisoners reuniting to perform music live in an act of resilience. $50 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
🛍️ Sunday, March 22: Sister Sunday 2025
The Logan hotel hosts this 4th annual market, featuring all women-owned small businesses in Philly. Browse the outdoor courtyard full of food, Urban Farmer drinks, clothing, jewelry and more. Shop local! See participating vendors here. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
🥘 Sunday, March 23: Community Potluck
Join the Friends of Schuylkill River Park, Friends of Fitler Square Park, Center City Residents Association, and Fitler Square Neighbors for a potluck and open mic night. Bring a dish to share. (5:30 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
