#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Step by step
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
SEPTA aims to increase reliability with new Canadian coach cars
Using $200 million in emergency state funding to address aging trains, the transit agency purchased 24 cars from Exo, which currently runs the public transportation system in the Montreal area.
SEPTA’s Andrew Busch explained that adding in the Canadian cars will help SEPTA to provide uninterrupted service. Continue reading…
How Join Philly offers a “participation on-ramp” to fun activities
“There are so many clubs and groups in Philadelphia,” said Join Philly founder Brian Adoff. “We probably have more than any other city in the country of every affinity and every strike.”
But the issue was that it wasn’t always clear how to find out about them.
Enter Join Philly, which started ten months ago as a kind of directory of everything from acapella groups and civic organizations to writing groups, craft clubs and sports teams. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Sen. Dave McCormick and NIH director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya toured Penn Med laboratories amid an NIH funding crisis. They spoke with researchers, clinicians, families and patients about the real-world impact of funding for innovations. [WHYY]
• TSA reopens Terminal C checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport. [6ABC]
• Two people were hurt in a small plane crash at Friends of Fluehr Park in Northeast Philadelphia yesterday. [WHYY]
• Two local researchers explain why a decades-old website testing biases matters to their work after funding was cut by Trump’s anti-DEI push. [WHYY]
• Philly is slowly rebuilding its city workforce after the pandemic exodus — but key jobs remain hard to staff. [Inq$$]
• Philadelphia needs lifeguards. Apply today to qualify for a $1,000 end-of-season bonus. [WHYY]
• The African American Museum of Bucks County will open this spring. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🌸 Cherry blossoms around town
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!
Friday to Saturday, April 3-4: Trust, Truth and the Future of Local News
WHYY News and Bridging Blocks host their third civic news conference to explore best practices for newsrooms to engage their communities in the practice of civic journalism. Prioritizing IRL initiatives that build connections for local communities has emerged as an audience strategy for WHYY and other local newsrooms. Free with registration. (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day)
Friday, April 3: Illuminate Kensington
An immersive night of projection mapping and light installations stretching across East Kensington. Presented by East Kensington Arts. Head to Philadelphia Brewing’s parking lot to grab a map at the WKAC booth, then wander the route. (7 to 11 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Easter Egg Hunt
Free games, face painting, photos & snacks for the whole family at Penn Treaty Park. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Shop Queer Art Market
A day full of queer art, community, and vibes at Wissahickon Brewing. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Furry Friends of Frankford Avenue
A day dedicated to good beer, great music, and finding forever homes for some very good animals. This pet adoption beer festival brings together local rescues, adoptable pets, live music, and cold beer at Philadelphia Brewing. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: West Philadelphia Spring Festival
Enjoy music, an egg hunt for the kids (BYO baskets!), food, and activities for everyone. Celebrate spring with friends and family in the heart of West Philly. At School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue. FREE. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Sneaker Con Philly
300+ vendors, streetwear & designer alley, Cash Out Crew, TikTok Live, and exclusive merch. At the Pennsylvania Convention Center. $32.64 tickets. (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Queer Country Western Dancing
Join Val’s Lesbian Bar for their inaugural Tush Push. Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer, or stepping out for the first time, all are welcome in a community in the city that never stops pushin’. $8 tickets. Ages 21+. (8 p.m. to midnight)
Sunday, April 5: 93rd Annual Easter Promenade
Hop on over to South Street for this popular, free Philadelphia tradition full of family-friendly fun and fashion. Free bunny ears, candy and a costume contest! The promenade kicks off at 12:30PM at 5th & South Street, and ends at Headhouse Plaza on 2nd & Lombard Street. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, April 5: Liberty Lands Easter Egg Hunt
At Liberty Lands Park. (2 to 3 p.m.)
April 5 through April 11: Dine Latino Restaurant Week
This twice-a-year dining promo from the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce showcases Philly’s impressive collection of Mexican, South and Central American, and Caribbean eateries — plus a few that don’t neatly fit into any one cuisine — and the restaurateurs behind them.
Through April: Confluence Film Festival opening
A month-long environmental film series held each April in celebration of Earth Month, with screenings every Thursday evening. This year’s theme is “Seeding the Future.” $10 tickets. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)
