Red sky at night in Northern Liberties (Photo by @thetinybun)

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Red sky at night in Northern Liberties
(Photo by @thetinybun)

Philadelphia budget: A look at Mayor Parker’s proposals

Parker called for installing a “Philly GPS” — short for growth, prosperity and security — in what she described as a “roadmap to self-sufficiency. 

Her plan includes spending more money — from $10 million to support a modular home factory to $25 million for community-based anti-violence services to keep the city safer. She proposes delivery, ride-hailing and hotel taxes to pay for housing, public safety initiatives. Continue reading…

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker delivers her budget address Thursday at City Council. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Double dose of Irish brogue on Philly stages for St. Patrick’s Day

Irish Heritage Theatre is one of two Philadelphia theater companies that produce work from Ireland, and both always stage shows in March, the season of St. Patrick’s Day.

 “The Weir” runs from March 13-29 at the Plays and Players Theatre, while Inis Nua Theatre Co., which draws more broadly from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, will present “Can’t Forget About You” by Belfast playwright David Ireland from March 18 through April 5 at the Proscenium Theatre at the Drake. Continue reading…

Geneviève Perrier and Adam Howard in “Can’t Forget About You” at Inis Nua Theatre. (photo by Inis Nua Theatre)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pennsylvania is among 29 states and DC that now reject federal vaccine guidance, creating formal alliances instead to share health information. [Capital-Star]

• From mapping to air bubbles: How local researchers are tackling PFAS in Philly’s water. [Green Philly]

• ‘More than a school to us. It’s our home’: Philly students and advocates spoke out against school closures at the latest town hall. [WHYY]

• Rita’s latest owner hopes year-round sales will finally make the Philly-centric chain a national name. [Inq$$]

• The World Cafe Live concert venue filed for bankruptcy, owing millions of dollars in debt and facing a possible shutdown and eviction. [WHYY]

• Philadelphia students participated in a manga-inspired mock trial and learned the inner workings of the legal process at Parkway Central Library. [WHYY]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker plans to join educators and education leaders at the CASA ONE Education Conference highlighting critical challenges and efforts at collaboration to support students and communities. (5 p.m.)

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

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-Sunday, March 14-15: Liberty Flea at BOK 
The Spring BOK Market features antiques, home décor, furniture, vintage clothing, and hand made artisan goods. Two days at 821 Dudley Street. $10 admission for both days; Free for kids 12 and under with an adult. One leashed dog per guest. (10 a.m. to 4 p.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: Tax Prep Party for Artists
A stress-free tax prep session for artists and cultural workers that guides you through the basics, including separating personal and artistic finances, Schedule C filing, self-employment versus employment, and tracking deductions. Plus, info on the recent changes to the City’s Business Income and Receipts Tax and Net Profits Tax. Free. (2 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: Workshop: Collective Clowning, Social Satire
Learn about the tradition of political satire in the Comic Division of the Mummers Parade using costuming, prop-making, skit choreography, and narrative to communicate a powerful message in 2 minutes. At the Mummers Museum. (10 a.m. to 12 p.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.)

Sunday, March 15: Plays & Players Hosts a Hooley
Head to Quig’s Pub for an afternoon of Irish traditions and fun at the 6th annual Hooley with homemade corned beef and cabbage, Guinness stew, coddle and soda bread. Live Irish folk music, a DIY Mr. Potato contest, step dancing dmos and more. Cash bar. Kids under 12 attend for free. 3rd floor is not wheelchair accessible. $23.18 tickets. (3 to 8 p.m.)

Sunday, March 15: 13th Annual Oscars Party
The Philadelphia Film Center hosts this celebration watch party for the annual awards show. $225 VIP tickets include early admission, cocktails and socializing, while $125 general admission tickets get an open bar. (5:30 p.m. VIPs; 7 p.m.) general tkts)

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.