In Kensington, basketball league offers hope
Tyreek Counts had an idea — to use basketball as a way to combat violence in Kensington and throughout the city. So last year, he pulled together a group to hold a tournament, hosted by the New Kensington Community Development Corporation.
Eventually that led to a successful winter league, and optimism. “There’s a lot of great things going around amongst the chaos that’s going around,” said Counts, who heads up outreach for NKCDC. There are plans for a summer league, too. Continue reading …
Germantown aims to hit a high note with brand-new jazz festival this weekend
Germantown has long played a meaningful role in Philly’s jazz scene, nurturing homegrown talent at local clubs, churches and community centers. However, over the last few decades, the neighborhood has seen the closure of many of its iconic jazz venues.
A new event this weekend, Germantown Jazz Festival, is hoping to rectify that. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa.’s independent voters are growing in number. Here’s why they still can’t vote in primaries. [Spotlight PA]
• The University of Pennsylvania settled a lawsuit over the handling of the remains of a MOVE bombing victim that were kept at Penn Museum for decades. [Inquirer$]
• Two years after traffic-calming measures were added along Washington Avenue in South Philly, city officials touted an increase in walking and biking along the route. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The life of the Penn physician-researcher Dr. David Fajgenbaum will be the subject of an upcoming movie after the rights to his memoir “Chasing My Cure” were optioned by City Hill Arts. [BizJournal$]
• Philly researchers are using AI robots to better support aging adults with autism. [WHYY]
• With warmer weather, here’s a list of 27 ways to get outdoors and enjoy it — from nature walks to rooftop bars. [Billy Penn]
• Jason Kelce talked fashion and his Underdog clothing line with the New York Times. [PhillyVoice]
• Upcoming production ‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’ gives big props to one of history’s Little People [Billy Penn]
• Help name newly born Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings at the Philly Zoo! [NBC10]
Philly DA Race
- Primary Day 101
- How to request, fill out and return your mail ballot
- DA race: 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.
- Billy Penn’s recap of WHYY’s DA forum on April 22.
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
☀️ 27 ways to get outdoors and enjoy spring weather
🎷 Germantown Jazz Festival, April 25-27
Through Sunday, April 27: Philly Black Pride
The 26th annual event’s theme is “Love is Love” and includes a variety of activities, including a day-long wellness retreat, game night and artist showcase.
Friday, April 25: MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy – Podcast Launch Event
Listen to a preview of a six-part series examining the 1985 MOVE bombing—the only time in U.S. history that police dropped a bomb on their own citizens. At Temple Performing Arts Center. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27: Chinatown Stitch Pop-Up
Residents and community stakeholders can provide feedback on and get updates about the proposed highway cap park over the Vine Street Expressway at the first of several weekend sessions and open houses over the next several weeks. (Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26: Bartram’s Garden Little Sit: Accessible for All Birdwatching
A morning of intentionally accessible stationary birding, with Philly Queer Birders, In Color Birding Club, Feminist Bird Club, Philadelphia Center for Adaptive Sports, and Disability PA. FREE with liability waiver. Snacks and refreshments will be available. BYO chairs, picnic blankets and other support items. (8:30 to 11:30 a.m.)
Saturday, April 26: BioBlitz at The Woodlands
Cxplore the biodiversity of The Woodlands in West Philadelphia all while participating in community science! Community science data collected through iNaturalist app observations is key to help monitor urban biodiversity health. Free, but bring your smartphone. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26: Fairhill Reading Festival
Special guests include Imagine More Story Adventures, Papermaking, Philly Goat Project, Tree House Books, Reach Out & Read, and more. Free. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27: Flavors on the Avenue
East Passyunk’s favorite street festival is back for its 19th year, with 5 blocks of food, drink, crafts and fun for folks of all ages. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27: Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
60+ food trucks and gourmet food vendors, with everything from savory BBQ to umami sushi. Plus 6 live performances on 2 stages. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27: Crescendo Symposium: On Afro-Asian Solidarity
Part of Asian Arts Initiative’s latest exhibit, explore the evolution of Afro-Asian solidarity from historical movements like the Black Panther Party to contemporary grassroots efforts. Through panel discussions, art presentations, and live music and more, artists and activists will reflect on how solidarity has been built through the arts, and how these communities continue to support and fight with each other. Food provided. Pay-what-you-wish. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27: Yards’ Real Ale Invitational
Celebrate cask-conditioned beers with over 40 breweries and beer makers, plus live music, good food and great company. $50 tickets include admission, pours of each beer, live music, food, and a commemorative glass. $20 designated driver tickets for guests not drinking. (12 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27: Mexican Week Film Screening
“A Million Miles Away” is featured in the annual community screening as part of the Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) and the Philadelphia Film Society’s Mexican Week 2025. Free with RSVP ticket. (1 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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