#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Burst of light
(Photo by @amtlphilly)
Krasner joins lawsuit against Trump’s $500M cut to public safety programs
DA Larry Krasner is one of over a dozen prosecutors and state and local officials from around the U.S. to sign onto a federal lawsuit that aims to reverse the Trump administration’s $500 million in cuts to public safety programs nationwide, including several in Philadelphia.
Krasner said rates of violent crime are at historic lows in Philadelphia, due in part to federally funded anti-violence programs, and argued that President Donald Trump wants to see those gains reversed. Continue reading…
New vegan Puerto Rican restaurant arrives in East Kensington
There’s officially a new restaurant on Philly’s lineup of vegan spots: Casa Borinqueña, billed as California’s first vegan Puerto Rican restaurant, soft-launched its second location in East Kensington on Saturday.
The new cafe on Amber Street has a warm, low-key vibe and is brightly painted with tropical blue, yellow, orange and green walls. Puerto Rican flags hang from the windows and ceilings — with black and white and rainbow versions to celebrate the country’s political independence and LGBTQ+ pride. The menu is stocked with traditional Puerto Rican fare like pasteles and alcapurrias, dishes usually filled with meat, but made vegan. Continue reading…
RECAP
$ = paywalled
• The Trump Administration has moved to drop a racial discrimination lawsuit against the Sheetz convenience store chain. [AP]
• Pa. Gov. Shapiro announced a $20 billion investment in the state by Amazon to build AI data centers. [WHYY]
• Teens who fled war in Ukraine about to graduate from Philly high schools. “This is home now,” says one. [WHYY]
• SEPTA will close the Chestnut Hill East Line until September, for repairs. [PhillyVoice]
• Climate activists claim PGW is retaliating against them for pushing against rate hike. Utility says it’s seeking facts. [WHYY]
• Herr’s unveils a battle of the previous years’ champions in its “Flavored by Philly” summer campaign. [Billy Penn]
• A Pride Month sculpture celebrates LGBTQ+ community at Cherry Street Pier. [WHYY]
• Thousands gathered to celebrate African heritage at the Odunde Festival’s 50th anniversary (photos). [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join the family and friends of graduates, School District of Philadelphia staff, and community members for the 2025 graduation ceremony of the Philadelphia Virtual Academy, at Benjamin Franklin High School, 550 N. Broad St., 11 a.m.
The mayor will join Jumpstart Germantown and Governor Shapiro at this event to celebrate a decade of Jumpstart’s achievements in fostering local developers and revitalizing communities, at Jumpstart Germantown Co-Working Community, 4701 Germantown Ave., 6:15 p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🌈 Pride Month celebrations
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, June 10: Anthology 11 Reading + Release Party
Each season at Drexel’s Writers Room culminates with the publication of an annual collection of writing and photography. This latest release is filled with community work from 2024-25. Reception at 4:30 p.m., reading at 5 p.m. Free.. Refreshments will be served. Dornsife community dinner to follow.
Tuesday, June 10: Black Crossword: 100 Midi Puzzles Connecting the African Diaspora
The founder of BlackCrossword.com and author of the groundbreaking Black Crossword returns with a second collection. The Free Library Foundation presents a community conversation at Parkway Central, followed by some live puzzling. Free with RSVP. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 10: Community Book Launch for Sarah Aziza’s ‘The Hollow Half’
A community celebration of Sarah Aziza’s debut memoir, followed by a post-reading conversation moderated by Camonghne Felix. Guest readers Candice Iloh and Angbeen Saleem. Hosted by: Denice Frohman and Jess X. Snow. Book sale proceeds will be donated to support Aziza’s family in Gaza. Food by Renata’s Kitchen. $45+ tickets includes signed book. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11: Go Mt. Airy Supper Sessions
Mt Airy CDC’s signature outdoor event returns with four events this summer. Kickoff the season supporting community and small businesses across the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Germantown Ave.. Monthly every 2nd Wednesday through Sept. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11: Publishing Salon: Local Author Speed Dating
Refreshments, networking, and local authors who will each have a few short minutes to share and sign their exciting work with the audience. Books will be sold on site at the American Philosophical Society. Participating local authors: Darrow Farr, Judith Giesberg, Tre Johnson, Ken Kalfus, Beth Kephart, Sophie Lewis, Kristen Martin, Jim Murphy, M. L. Rio, and C.J. Spataro. (5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11: Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Tonight’s theme is Escape & Resistance. Experience an evening of immersive storytelling and uncover real accounts of daring escape attempts, test your problem-solving skills in a hands-on challenge, and step back in time to the era of Prohibition. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11: Love Me Long Time Reading Group
Co-facilitated by Dorcas Tang and Alina Wang at the Asian Arts Initiative, this reading group explores desire, intimacy and love. Over 3 themed Wednesdays, collectively read and discuss excerpts from texts by Asian/Asian diasporic writers – come when you can, leave when you must. Snacks provided. June 11’s reading discusses “Stone Fruit” by Lee Lai. Free Registration recommended. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11: 3rd District: Budget Town Hall Meeting
The final town hall in the mayor’s event series comes to West Philly High School from 6 to 8 p.m.
Through Wednesday, June 11: ‘Lost In Animation’ Film Series
This month’s movies at the Philadelphia Film Society showcase the genre’s range and innovation with screenings of “Love & Pop,” “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence” and “Redline.” Various showtimes and dates. $14 tickets/$9 for PFS members.
Thursday, June 12: Second Thursdays at Franklin Institute
This adults-only evening event is your chance to experience The Franklin Institute. “Think rooftop sunsets, explosive experiments, and cocktails that hit just right. No kids. Just you and the Giant Heart.” $29 tickets; free for members. (5:30 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, June 12: Memory Media Library: A Watch Party with Lois Cheaye
The Memory Workers Guild hosts this collective viewing of queer people of color in art, film, poetry and other archived testimonials, held in the Asian Arts Initiative’s Callowhill space. (6 to 8 p.m.)
