Philly-to-Clearwater-to-Philly, in a day
Nascent journalist Santiago Ortiz loves a challenge. His latest: Could he turn a Phillies spring training game into a day trip? Yes, from waking up in his bed here to Florida to sleeping in his bed that night. Spoiler alert: He did it. His story will have you yearning for some Florida sun — or a nap. Continue reading …
“Trying to publish underrepresented voices” at Frayed Edge Press
In the fourth of our series on Philadelphia’s small independent publishers, BP spoke with Alison M. Lewis, publisher of Frayed Edge Press, a generalist press that focuses on work that’s “a little different, experimental, and also we do translations.”
This is their 10th anniversary year (happy birthday!), and in September, will release a historical novel that is set at … Eastern State Penitentiary. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• $1 billion in cuts to two federal programs that allowed schools and food banks to buy food from local farmers and producers will have a “devastating” impact in Bucks County, officials say. [WHYY]
• Spring is here and snakes are out. Pa. has three venomous species to be aware of. [PennLive]
• What to know about former Penn swimmer Lia Thomas, whose presence on the school’s team in 2021-2022 is cited by the Trump administration as a reason for freezing $175 million in federal funding to the university. [TheDP.com]
• Jefferson and the Health Federation of Philadelphia are providing one-on-one coaching to get patients up to speed on tech to improve quality of care. [Technical.ly]
• West Oak Lane tenants say their landlord illegally collected rent for months. Now they’re suing. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• A man suffered burns all over his body after police say he was reportedly shocked by a transformer box while trying to steal copper wire in Bustleton. [NBC10]
• Dual enrollment students’ classes could be disrupted by a looming strike at Community College of Philadelphia. [Chalkbeat]
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:
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will appoint new city officials to lead key operating departments and offices of the Parker Administration, at City Hall. (11 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
🎤 Friday, March 21: How Do You Flow? Open Mic
An open mic experience at REC Philly, hosted by CSW, a.k.a Heroic Poet. Showcase your talent, whether it’s poetry, spoken word or music, and let your creativity shine while connecting with fellow artists. $5 tickets. (5 to 9 p.m.)
✏️ Friday, March 21: Drink (Or Not) & Draw
If you’re an artist looking for an event to make friends, find collaborators, discover a community to be a part of, or just somewhere to share your work, this event at Indy Hall Clubhouse might be for you. $10 tickets. (7:30 to 10 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: Love Notes : A Poetry Show
A multimedia poetry show featuring Mateo Souada, with an art display by Llorona Studios, music curated by Lorboo and DJ Destroyuh, and conversation with Philadelphia Poet Laureate Kai Davis. Celebrate past and present selves and inspirations — “love notes” — throughout life, including ancestors, family, friends and themselves. Free with RSVP. (12 to 4 p.m.)
🎉 Saturday, March 22: Spring Block Party
Evil Genius Beer Company welcomes spring at this community block party, with food trucks, beer, local vendors, music and more. (12 to 6 p.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. 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: Love Burn Reunion 2025 | Decompression | Minimal Chaos Collective
Love City Brewing hosts this chance to foster connection beyond sound systems, includes a swag show and tell, and encourages costumes. Donations welcome. (3 to 5:30 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.)
Catch up on the previous week
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