40 years later, MOVE bombing still resonates
Over the past several weeks, WHYY News has pored over more than 90 hours of recordings from its coverage of the inquiry that followed the infamous bombing. The Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission, more commonly known as the MOVE Commission, officially held its hearings at WHYY.
Here’s a look back at what the MOVE Commission uncovered about the days and weeks that led up to that fateful day — including an interview with the helicopter pilot who warned against dropping the satchel on the home’s roof. Continue reading …
Chinatown continues to grow, innovate with new projects
Philly’s Chinatown has a long history of serving as a hub for small business owners and providing chances to grow.
That’s been the case with the opening of Ting Ting’s Cafe and Lion Sports Bar, both of which opened in the past few months to owners who have years of experience running businesses in the neighborhood and across the city. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Hidden talents of Pa. lawmakers: a New Yorker writer, an MMA fighter, and alligator rescues. [Spotlight PA]
• The Penn State administration is proposing to close seven campuses. None are in the Philly region. [Inquirer$]
• Early career researchers at Penn want to form a union, which the university is challenging. [WHYY]
• A record-breaking 600-foot flag is planned for this year’s Philly Pride festival and parade. [PhillyVoice]
• The Sixers will pick third in this year’s NBA Draft. Who might they take? [PhillyVoice]
• TheArtBlog, Philadelphia’s go-to site for local arts, will shut down after 22 years. [WHYY]
• A look back at Philly’s history as a hub of anarchism with a thriving radical Yiddish press. [The Conversation]
Philly DA Race
Days until Primary Day: 8 days
In The News:
- DA race: What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates
- Voters will see 3 ballot questions. Here’s what they are and what they mean. Topics include spending on affordable housing, increasing prison oversight, and creating an advocate for unhoused people.
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
Mayor Parker will join the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) in partnership with the MICHELIN Guide for a press conference on MICHELIN’s decision to explore Philadelphia’s culinary landscape, at the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will join the School District of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday Jr.’s Office of Public Engagement to host the sixth annual Dare to Dream at Career Week, at City Hall. (11 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, May 13: Bridging Blocks | Transforming Public Transportation in the City
SEPTA serves more than 705,000 riders daily in the Philadelphia region, but lags in capital investments and commuter’s sense of safety and reliability. Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for “Bridging Blocks,” a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 13: We Walk, Picariello Playground
Grab your sneakers, invite a friend, and hit the trail. Walk-ups welcomed. Pre-registration encouraged. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 14: Lifelong Learning Award presentation to James Patterson
WHYY’s own Terry Gross will conduct a Q&A with prolific author James Patterson, the winner of the 2025 Lifelong Learning Award. The event includes a strolling dinner and dessert, and starts at 5:30 p.m. at WHYY’s Studios.
Wednesday, May 14: Philly Goats Walk
Walk with the goats at Laurel Hill West. (6 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: Opening Reception | William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations
Join the artist, curators, and PAFA community at the opening of this landmark exhibition presenting 20+ years of work by William Villalongo in the collection’s only East Coast stop. Free RSVP required. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: Fishtown Neighbors Meetup, Ages 55+
Fishtowners age 55 and up are invited to Interstate Drafthouse for this fun social, complete with good company, a complimentary drink and “epic” snack spread. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: AAU Game Night
RSVP for this event at FACTS Charter School in Callowhill. They’ll have a variety of board games and snacks to share. Free with donations welcome. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: Third Thursday jam session + open mic
Bring your instrument, words and ears to enjoy a time of sharing ancestral space in Germantown. Vendors, food and live entertainment. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: Mayfair Third Thursday Night Markets
The return of the night markets kicks off with Luke Jardel & the Apostles at Frankford and Cottman avenues. Live music, food, drinks and community. (6 to 9:30 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: Democracy in France and America with SCOTUS Justice Stephen Breyer and Christiane Taubira
Free virtual tickets are still available for this conversation at the National Constitution Center on democracy, the rule of law and constitutional traditions from French and American perspectives. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, May 15: PhilaVision3
The East Kensington Arts Committee presents this return of the popular hotspot underground film fest. Vote for your favorite film; the winner gets a cash prize! At Philadelphia Brewing Co. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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