#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Carrying memories
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
Open Streets returns to Rittenhouse, with hopes for expansion
Open Streets, the popular program that temporarily closes Center City streets to cars, is growing to 20 dates this year — and organizers are renewing their call for the city to expand it citywide.
Roads will be blocked off so people can stroll, shop, and participate in outdoor activities such as yoga classes, ping-pong games and on-street dining. Continue reading…
Cyclists launch ‘seed bombs’ on nighttime ride
Neon vests and flashing lights cut through the night as a group of cyclists rolled through North Philly. Every few blocks, one of the riders reached into a pocket and tossed a small brown ball into a vacant lot.
From the sidewalk, it might have looked like littering. Come summer, however, those same empty lots could be covered in purple coneflowers, bee balm and black-eyed Susans. The riders are vigilantes for biodiversity. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A TSA staffing shortage due to a weeks-long partial government shutdown has led the PHL to close the security checkpoint in Terminal C. [NBC10]
• Federal prosecutors filed charges against two Bucks County men for an alleged ISIS-inspired bomb plot at NYC Gracie Mansion protest. [WHYY]
• The Philadelphia area should prepare for a temperature shock as temps drop 55 degrees in just over 24 hours. [CBS3]
• SEPTA revamps its delayed Bus Revolution, plans to cut more than a dozen routes starting this summer to streamline service. [WHYY]
• Families turn to states, including in Pennsylvania, for civil rights support as the Trump administration dismantles the Education Department. [AP]
• A group of Philly high schoolers are waging war on misinformation and disinformation via AI slop and internet lies — and they say it’s working. [Chalkbeat]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will outline her new budget plan today, and it will include things like 1,000 homeless shelter beds and fees on Uber and Amazon.
On Wednesday, the Mayor’s Office of Philly Stat 360 announced the launch of the Kensington Dashboard, a new public tool that brings city data together about services available in the neighborhood.
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, March 12: National History Day competition: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
Stop by the National Constitution Center for project viewing (10 a.m.) and an Awards Ceremony (1 p.m.) to help celebrate the achievements of our Philadelphia history students.
Thursday, March 12: Iftar and Artist Lecture with Meryem Osmanlioglu
A showcase of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic illumination, creating a unified visual language. At Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. $10-20 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday through Sunday, March 12-15: Greater Philly Yarn Crawl
Celebrate the growing popularity of fiber crafts! Participants pick up a “passport” to 17 participating stores in the city and county, collecting stamps and enjoying special giveaways, free patterns and exclusive yarns. Checking in at multiple stores gives you a chance for various prizes worth up to $1,000.
Friday, March 13: Philadelphia: Workshop of the World
This Science History Institute display features works originally published by some of the pioneering companies that made Philadelphia an industrial powerhouse. Free tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, March 13: Philly Fur Ball
Celebrate with Morris Animal Rescue at 2300 Arena, with food, puppy and kitten cuddles, a magic show, desserts, cocktails and more. $225 tickets. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: Black Girls Love Math Pi Day 5K
Combine fitness, fun, and a celebration of mathematics at this family-friendly walk/run at 1 Boathouse Row in honor of Pi (π), the mathematical constant that never ends. Whether you walk, run, volunteer or cheer, all are welcome. $31.40 registration. (9 a.m.)
Saturday, March 14: 3rd annual Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Crawl
Cast your vote as you sip and stroll your way to the top bars, restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood. Each participating location will shake up one or more specially priced coffee-infused libations for $8, $10 and $12. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: PhilaBowl
This Empty Bowls fundraiser supports The Clay Studio’s scholarship program and The Sunday Love Project offering a meaningful way to come together and share a meal. Your participation helps fuel programs rooted in creativity, care, and community. $35 tickets. (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day
A Leprechaun craft station, St. Paddy’s themed coloring, an appearance by Bluey, and family friendly hits spun by DJ Ready Rob, all at Evil Genius Beer Co. Plus, enjoy fresh tappings of “Magically Delicious” Lucky Charms IPA. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: Physical Media Swap
BYO VHS, cassettes, CDs, video games, records, DVDs, etc to swap! Take what you want and leave what you don’t. No money exchanged. At the Philadelphia Film Society Center. (8 to 10 p.m.)
Sunday, March 15: Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
First held in 1771, the parade is one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. and features 200+ groups. The route goes from 15th Street and JFK to Fifth and Market streets. See the full route and schedule at PhillyParade.com. (11 a.m.)
Sunday, March 15: JUNTOS + VIETLEAD Fundraiser and Market
Vendors, Raffles, and DJs for a good cause! At Fleisher Art Memorial. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Through March 20: March for Art Benefit and Art Auction
An online auction of contemporary works of art by more than 200 local artists who work across all media. Also at InLiquid Gallery & The Icebox Project Space at the Crane Arts Building.
