#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
The light at the end of the tracks
(Photo by @wmdkenner)
Kensington woman’s quest for a flourless pierogi leads to monthly gluten-free night
Chef Michael Brenfleck made his kitchen gluten-free for one special evening to support a friend with celiac disease. The night was such a hit, it’s now a monthly series.
The next installations take place Tuesday, March 17 and Tuesday, April 14. The entire menu will be celiac-friendly with cornbread, kiełbasa, pickled veggies, gołąbki, pierogi and cheesecake. Continue reading…
Pope Leo XIV to accept National Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal this summer
Pope Leo XIV will accept the Liberty Medal from Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center during a ceremony — he will appear via live video — on July 3. The Villanova grad was selected as the first-ever American Pope almost one year ago. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Trump admin’s secretive, fast-tracked process to pick who will run Pa.’s new detention centers. [Spotlight PA]
• Students are calling for Haverford’s Lutnick Library to be renamed after documents revealed the U.S. commerce secretary maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein years after his conviction. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia prisons report a boost in staffing as Council considers new oversight board. [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker’s budget plan could fund more library heating and air conditioning fixes next year. [WHYY]
• Queen Latifah, Idina Menzel, Eve, Kirk Franklin, Olga Tañón, and DJ Jazzy Jeff will perform at the 2026 Wawa Welcome America events leading up to the July 4th concert. [NBC10]
• Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers is shutting down. Its closure will impact Philadelphia’s dance world. [WHYY]
• Major League Soccer suspends Union exec after investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Tuesday.
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
Tuesday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Party
Green beer and green cheer at the oldest continually operating tavern in Philly. (10 a.m. start)
Tuesday, March 17: Sorting It Out: Philly Recycling in 2026
Green Philly hosts this candid State of Recycling conversation that goes beyond the blue bin to examine policy, equity, infrastructure, and the future of circular systems in our city. $16.30 ticket. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: Tax Prep for Philadelphia Businesses (BIRT Update)
An overview of recent updates to the City’s Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) and walk through what to expect. Online event. Free to RSVP. (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: PA Provincial Conference: Virtual Lecture with Professor Christopher Pearl
A public online lecture titled, “The Pennsylvania Provincial Conference: Its Context in Colonial Pennsylvania Politics and Its Impact on the Continental Congress.” Free to RSVP. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: WHYY & Philly NAACP Present: “The Inquisitor” free film screening
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of. Opening remarks from Councilwoman Rue Landau, followed by a panel discussion with Melissa Robbins and Keir Bradford-Grey. Light refreshments will be provided. At WHYY’s offices. RSVP here. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, March 20: March for Art: BASH
Close out InLiquid’s two-week celebration of creativity, creators, and collectors with food, drink, art and the countdown to the end of the art auction by 200+ local artists. All proceeds split shared by artists and InLiquid. $125 tickets. (6:30 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: Philly Whiskey Walk 2026
Your ticket includes admission and eight whiskey tastings throughout the Philadelphia Zoo. Adults-only. $68-75 tickets. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: 3rd annual Port— A Sustainable Fashion Show
An independent fashion show presenting emerging designers with environmentally conscious practices from the Greater Philadelphia Area and beyond. At Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 VIne Street. Masks mandatory unless eating/drinking. $23.18 tickets. (5 p.m.)
