Pa. joins lawsuit against HHS cuts to health depts and programs
Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey joined 20 other states and Washington, D.C. in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to stop/prevent the termination of $11 billion in grant funding to public health departments and programs.
If the funding, which was previously appropriated by Congress during the COVID-19 public health emergency, is not restored, they said that certain public health programming and services “will have to be dissolved or disbanded.” Continue reading…
Philly Photo Day photo programs return
Between April 7 and 13, anyone in Philadelphia has the chance to show off their photography chops and submit a unique image to be printed and hung in a gallery. It’s all part of the return of Philly Photo Day, hosted by TILT, the Institute for the Contemporary Image. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump’s 3rd Circuit: POTUS has the power to remake Philly region’s highest federal court. [WHYY]
• Election boards in Pa.’s 67 counties may not invalidate mail-in ballots simply because they lack accurate, handwritten dates on their exterior return envelopes, a federal judge ruled. [AP]
• A new Cleaner & Greener Enforcement Unit was launched by the Philly DA’s office to use high-tech surveillance to tackle “short dumping” and other quality-of-life crimes, under threat of car impound and heavy fines. [WHYY]
• A study finds access to lifesaving medication for opioid addiction in Philadelphia remains uneven. [WHYY]
• The Roxborough Avenue Stairway Project has begun, with the stairs between Terrace and Boone Streets closed to the public starting Wednesday, through October. [6ABC]
• A tush push ban vote was tabled by NFL owners for more discussion. [ESPN]
• Another portal is coming to Philly, and this one will be at the Art Museum May 16-18 to promote Universal’s new theme park in Florida. [PhillyVoice]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- “Even with a city budget proposal that pays for community-driven intervention work,” organizers in Philly’s gun violence prevention sector are prepared to pivot as President Trump slashes federal grants. [The Trace]
- A nonviolence assembly was held at William Longstreth Elementary in Kingsessing, filled with inspiring speakers and performances, to the theme of “Do you REALLY need that” — a reference to the phrase used by youth to start fighting. [Fox29]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 15: Shooting victims recorded from March 23 through March 29, including 3 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 18 shooting victims were recorded, including 3 fatalities. Visit the Philadelphia Shooting Victims Dashboard for more. [data.phila.gov] Source: nickhand.dev.
- 50: Year-to-date homicides, down 28% vs. last year’s pace; down 48% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
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.
- Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
- Dugan was interviewed in a mock “job interview.”
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker speaks about summer programming and job opportunities available to Philadelphia youth and young adults this year. (11 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
🎭 College theater productions this spring
Thursday, April 3: Modern Juries, Modern Courts Speaker Series
Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) presents the first session of Modern Juries, Modern Courts. Join the Free Library and Professor Nancy Marder to learn about the crucial role of jury service in promoting fairness, democracy, and justice within the legal system. FREE. (12 p.m.)
Thursday, April 3: Understanding the City Budget webinar
The 2nd online webinar in a city budget learning series from the Committee of Seventy. This session will explore Mayor Parker’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, breaking down investments aimed at her priorities of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city. Free with registration. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, April 3: 9th District ‘One Philly 2.0’ Budget Town Hall Meeting
West Oak Lane’s St. Athanaius Parish (7105 Limekiln Pike) hosts the first in this series of Budget Town Halls by city officials. (6 p.m.)
Friday, April 4: First Friday Mini Market
The debut of this market series comes to Old City featuring local brands, handmade clothing, and a build-a-bouquet workshop with Dessert Before Dinner. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, April 4: First Friday: Poetry on the Alley
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the historic Elfreth’s Alley, listening to poetry performances from local poets and a chance to write your own poem on a vintage typewriter. Plus free wine and snacks. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, April 4: The Late(ish) Poetry Show
It’s as if the Tonight Show & Def Poetry had a baby that grew up to be your favorite Friday night in Philly. Poetry, interviews, games & music, all at PhillyMOCA. $20-25 tickets. (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 5: Slow Art Day
The Glen Foerd art gallery participates in this global event aimed at helping more people discover the joy of art. A curated selection of paintings will be on display. Spend 10 or more minutes with each, followed by a group discussion at 11 a.m. Note: the 2nd floor event is not wheelchair accessible. Register in advance. (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, April 6: Franklin Mills Outdoor Flea Market
The market’s grand re-opening is here! Open through November from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Catch up on the previous week
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