#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Lion dancing on shadow hands
(Photo by @rinaspix)
Plant native blooms in time for spring with Philly’s favorite squid scientist
Posters, pint glasses and seed bombs are three tactics in a guerrilla marketing effort to get people out and gardening, and in turn helping native species thrive.
It is the brainchild of Philly’s favorite squid scientist, Sarah McAnulty, executive director of Skype a Scientist, who also works with the Squid Facts Hotline. Continue reading…
Everything you need to know about RCOs and civic associations
An RCO is a registered community organization, and there are over 200 of them in Philadelphia. The RCO designation includes neighborhood associations, business improvement districts and ward committees. But while neighborhood and civic associations can be RCOs, they aren’t always. And some RCOs are political or advocacy groups. So, how can you differentiate? And how can you get involved?
Here’s a guide to understand their various flavors and what they do. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• From talking up the 250th anniversary to shaking John Fetterman’s hand, here are the Pa. moments in Trump’s State of the Union address. [Inq$]
• Another round of snow — up to one inch — is on the way Wednesday morning for Philly, NJ, Pa., Del. [NBC10]
• Officials warn ICE detention centers in Pa. could overwhelm sewer, other critical services. [Spotlight PA]
• Pennsylvania ramps up bird flu response as officials report over 7 million infections in last month. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia wants to entice students back to neighborhood high schools. Already, many families say they will not go. [Chalkbeat]
• The City of Philadelphia has refused to disclose what hazardous materials move daily along the CSX rail corridor beside Fitler Square, citing public safety concerns. [Fitler Focus]
• “We can be anyone we want”: Meet the team making a new name for Kensington high school basketball. [Kensington Voice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will announce the launch of a Homicide Victim Funeral Assistance Program, providing up to $2,000 after the loss of a loved one for families seeking support for funeral and burial expenses. (12:30 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Philadelphia school safety officers will get bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and new uniforms next fall. [Chalkbeat]
- This Thursday, Feb. 26 is the next event in a citywide series hosted by Every Voice Every Vote focuses on public safety and aims to ID challenges and potential ways of working together across across neighborhoods, government, and media. Free with registration.
- For years, ghost guns have been seen as a criminal justice issue, but scholars are now arguing they’re also a public health concern, linked to an increase in suicide rates nationwide. In Philly, ghost guns made up 8% of guns used in crimes as of 2024. [The Trace/CBS3]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 7: Shooting victims recorded from Feb. 15 to 21, with 0 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 15 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 15: Year-to-date homicides, down 52% vs. last year’s pace; down 80% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Lunar New Year events guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: Sex with Shakespeare
A look at how the Bard thought about gender and sexuality and how it influenced his works. Before “gender” became a culture-war keyword, London audiences watched his plays with an open secret: Because women were barred from the public stage, every Juliet, Desdemona, and Rosalind was played by a boy actor. What did that theatrical reality do to ideas of masculinity, femininity, desire—and to the plays themselves? At the Black Squirrel Club. $14.77 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut
The 2nd public program in the series, inspired by Gaffield and Daut’s recent biographies on Haitian Revolutionaries and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Following the presentation, Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will host an interview conversation and facilitate a live Q&A. $25 tickets; $12 virtual ticket. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: Community Conversations: Public Safety, Public Voice
A citywide series hosted by Every Voice Every Vote. These gatherings bring residents, leaders, and partners together to build connections, share lived experiences, and turn community research into solution focused dialogue. Dinner will be served promptly at 5:30 PM. At ECS St Barnabas Mission. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: University City MIX: Music Bingo
Meet at Gather Food Hall for an evening of networking, connection, food and fun! If you’re feeling competitive, join in for Music Bingo, hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. Food is pay-as-you-go. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: Land, Occupation, and Family Separation: A Free Screening Discussion Series
Korea Peace Committee Philadelphia will be hosting a series of free film screenings and discussions on U.S aggression and people’s resistance to the wars being waged against Koreans, Palestinians, and immigrants. Tonight’s film is “Memory of Forgotten War Screening & Discussion.” At Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Feb 27: The Declaration at 250: Examining the Historical and Contemporary Relevance of the Grievance Section
Hosted by Penn Law School and the National Constitution Center. Explore the historical and contemporary relevance of the grievance section of Declaration of Independence. In-person or virtual options. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 27: Philly Reincarnated: Poetry Slam Finals
Top poets from the season compete for a spot on Philly Reincarnated’s slam team. At the Rotunda. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28: 4th annual printPHILLY! 2026
40+ vendors featuring artists, print shops, schools, nonprofits and more at Parkway Central. Plus workshops and guest speakers on letterpress printmaking and upcoming exhibits. Free. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28: Seeding Joy
An art-making workshop at the Art Museum, lled by Andrea Walls, founder and creative director of the Museum of Black Joy. RSVP required for free museum admission and parking. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28: Chinatown Chinese New Year Market
40+ local vendors, arts and crafts, snacks and more at the Crane Community Center. Pay-as-you-go. Free to attend. (2 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28: Phin-Ista Nights
Food, mocktails, music and BYOB social at this Vietnamese coffee cafe in Francisville. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 28: Indigo Ball: 50th Anniversary
The William Way LGBTQ Community Center’s fundraising gala comes to Arts Ballroom (1324 Locust St) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. with funds raised helping to keep their doors open with support and health services, lending library, meals, activities, archives and more. Black-tie optional. $268.61 tickets include cocktail hour, open bar, dinner, live entertainment. $28.52 tickets for after-party at Voyeur from 9:30 to midnight.
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers, and diverse cuisines.
