#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Reflections in glass
(Photo by @fatlucy23)
Your ultimate guide to spring in Philly
It’s warming up in Philly. Although we don’t want to jinx it, we think you deserve some spring stuff to look forward to after this winter.
Here is your guide to spring in Philly – from eating and drinking in one of the city’s outdoor gardens to attending one of the city’s neighborhood festivals. There is no shortage of things to do. Continue reading…
James Ijames latest world premiere focuses on family
The fight to maintain family ties is central to the world premiere of James Ijames’ latest play, hitting the stage at Philadelphia Theatre Co. April 10 through May 3.
People feel isolated today, Ijames said, but there’s a solution – with “Wilderness Generation” providing a heartfelt and comic how-to. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly leisure tourism is up 70% since 1997. Visit Philly leaders hoping for bigger increase thanks to 250th celebrations. [WHYY]
• Pennsylvania and New Jersey have extended their window for infants and toddlers be immunized against RSV through April 30 as the virus spreads at high rates. [PhillyVoice]
• Some members of Congress from the Greater Philadelphia area are calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to have President Donald Trump removed from office. [WHYY]
• Gov. Shapiro’s record-breaking fundraising haul gives him a $35 million advantage over GOP challenger Stacy Garrity. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia could extend its controversial trash incineration contract amid criticism. [WHYY]
• PECO wants to raise electricity rates by $20 a month for the average customer and gas bills by $15. Gov. Shapiro calls it “pure greed. [WHYY]
• People across the Philadelphia region reported seeing a fireball in the sky on Tuesday afternoon. NASA confirms it was a meteor. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker helps celebrate the ribbon cutting for a second Neighborhood Resource Center in North Philadelphia, providing reentry support for people returning from incarceration. (11 a.m.)
Parker then joins hospitality leaders to recognize the impact of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and its role in shaping the U.S. hotel industry, particularly generations of Indian American hoteliers. (3:30 p.m.)
Parker then speaks on combating tax fraud at the Carpenters EAS event. (4:45 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Through creative block-level installations adorned with emotion, Healing Verse Germantown will soon cover the neighborhood with a vast public exhibition of poetry. [Germantown Info Hub]
- As firearm suicides rise, Rutgers fellows work on prevention. [NJ Spotlight News]
- Six people have died from gun violence in March. Here are their names. [Philadelphia Obituary Project]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 14: Shooting victims recorded from Mar. 29 to April 4, with 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 14 shooting victims were recorded, including 1 fatality. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 31: Year-to-date homicides, down 44% vs. last year’s pace; down 77% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
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, April 10: Made in Philadelphia Spring Market
Through Sunday, April 12, check out the market series’ opening weekend of the season, at Dilworth Park. Fan-favorite regional vendors selling one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home décor, skincare and gifts, plus local eats and sweet treats. (12 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, April 11: Tour the Rail Park
Explore Phase One of the Rail Park, the Three Mile Vision for an expanded Rail Park, and the dynamic neighborhoods that encompass that vision. Join an expert guide for a small group tour that traverses through the heart of Philadelphia and connects the city’s industrial past with its green future. $20 tickets. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, April 11: Healing Verse Germantown: The Streets Are Talking, Launch Celebration
The exhibition features 19 public art poems by Germantown community members about healing from the impacts of gun violence. Celebrate these poets with remarks, food, poetry activations, guided tours, and community. At the Friends Free Library (5418 Germantown Ave) and Ubuntu Fine Art (5423 Germantown Ave), directly across the street from each other. Art includes a collage poster series, video installations, augmented reality constellations, interactive floral offerings, a stained glass panel installation on a SEPTA bus shelter, a wrapped SEPTA bus, and more. (2 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, April 11: Strut Your Fluff Dog Fashion Show
Rain or shine, this free event at Attic Brewing is free and open to all dogs, costumes encouraged, prizes for best dressed. Dogs are welcome in the taproom and beer garden. (4 p.m.)
