#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Eagle on Walnut
(Photo by @therowhousecity)
Philly literary translators aim to increase awareness in the field
Philly has a cozy community of translators who open up texts from other countries and cultures for English speakers, while trying to preserve the original voice and tone of the text across languages.
Their informal collective of translators is called Transversal, which holds in-person meetups and co-working sessions, helping to foster connection and morale for members in otherwise solitary work. Continue reading…
Philly celebrates 100 days till the FIFA World Cup kicks off
The FIFA World Cup is 100 days out and Philadelphia’s host committee brought special guest Brandon Graham to join the global celebrations counting down to the first game on June 11.
The Eagles defensive end hyped up the crowd with “E-A-G-L-E-S.” chant to start things off. He then helped to teach some of the soccer chants that will be heard echoing around Lincoln Financial Field this summer. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia has made the short list of cities to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. The city hosted the RNC in 2000 and the DNC in 2016. [WHYY]
• AI’s growing appetite for power is putting Pennsylvania’s aging electricity grid to the test. [The Conversation]
• Philadelphia Planned Parenthood centers say services are at risk following Medicaid cuts. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia has universal free school meals, but many students who could benefit still don’t participate. [Chalkbeat]
• Philadelphians can visit the city’s museums for reduced rates this year after $7.6 million in grants. [WHYY]
• The ‘Clothespin building’ is slated to become a hotel and up to 500 apartments after office vacancy crisis tanked the price. [WHYY/Inq$$]
• An underdog Philly cheer squad was spotlighted in a new docuseries: Inside the making of ‘Spirit’. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
On Tuesday, Parker announced the appointment of Tito Valdes as Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for the city of Philadelphia. “In this role, Valdes will lead the city’s work to strengthen protections, expand opportunity, and improve service delivery for LGBTQ+ residents across Philadelphia.”
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.
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 launched a fund to offer $2,000 to help pay for homicide victims’ funerals. [Philadelphia Tribune]
- Philadelphia logged the “fewest murders through February since 1962 in Philadelphia, second fewest on record (14 in 1962).” [Via Jeff Asher]
- Thursday’s next round in PCOM’s webinar series will address: The Role of Schools in Gun Violence Prevention and Support. [Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine]
- Temple researchers published a study about credible messenger perspectives on what skills and traits help with community violence intervention. [ResearchGate]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 4: Shooting victims recorded from Feb. 22 to 27, with 2 fatalities, according to city data.
- 16: Year-to-date homicides, down 55% vs. last year’s pace; down 81% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🌷 Philly Flower Show guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, March 4: Community Meeting: What Should Happen to Market East?
Share your ideas on how to create a Market East that better serves the local community. A discussion about collectively advocating for community interests in its proposed redevelopment. At Winkel. Free RSVP. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Vegan Seafood Pop-up
Philadelphia Brewing brings nostalgic New England-style seafood dishes, all vegan, back courtesy Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. Enjoy beer-battered banana blossom fish and chips, buffalo shrymp, crabby cakes, lobsta mac and more. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: 52nd Street Commercial Corridor Design Open House
Learn about block-by-block initial design concepts and give your input and suggestions to help shape the 52nd Street Corridor, from Arch Street to Pine Street. At Global Leadership Academy Southwest, 5200 Pine Street. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Happiness Workshop
A look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives. What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from travelling the world? Learn how the study of happiness is a growing, evidence-based field known as positive psychology. $14.77 tickets in advance; $17 at the door. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Erotic Reading Night
Share your writing, 10 minutes per reading. At P.E.G. & Museum at 706 South Street. Doors open at 6 p.m., readings at 7 p.m. Sliding scale $5-$15 pay at door. Limited seating. Standing room after seats are full. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, March 6: Philly Startup Expo
The Pennovation Center in Grays Ferry transforms into a high-energy, science fair-style demo floor — where founders host tables and attendees circulate freely, engaging directly with builders and investors. This is interactive. No long pitches. No hiding behind slides. Just real products, real traction, and real conversations. Register for free. (3 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, March 6: Opening Cocktail Reception: A Closer Look: Yassi Deylami
FRIEDAcommunity’s latest exhibition explores how spaces of safety and unity can still be found amid a world of constant change, where identity is often defined through otherness in the pursuit of uniqueness. Free tickets available. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers and diverse cuisines.
Saturday, March 7: Brine & Brews
A one of a kind pairing featuring four house made pickled goods with four of Evil Genius’ beers. $30.75 tickets. (1 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, March 7: It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia
Billy Penn’s own Nick Kariuki and WHYY & Studio 2’s Avi Wolfman-Arent help referee the latest pun-slinging competition at Helium Comedy Club! $13.99+ tickets. (4 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8: Participatory Design and Playable Theatre, 101
Participation is anti-authoritarian and your art can be too! In this workshop you’ll learn what playable theatre is and how to make it. At Pig Iron Studio A, 1417 N. 2nd Street. $40 tickets. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day)
Saturday, March 7: Comics for Juntos
Each of us has a part to play in reshaping our world. With that in mind, we at LOOK OVER HERE feel we can best serve our community by using our shows to support organizations that are already doing great work locally. All sales will go to Juntos. $10-30 suggested donation. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
