#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Above the fray
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
PECO withdraws its rate hike case after backlash
Under pressure from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, PECO has withdrawn its recent rate hike proposal filed with the state Public Utility Commission.
PECO pointed to affordability issues for its ratepayers as the reason for the unprecedented withdrawal. Continue reading…
Celebrating Philly firsts: The legacy of Bartram’s Garden
Forget celebrating a measly 250 years. America’s first botanical garden is celebrating nearly 300 years of inspiring national interest in nature and flora long before the nation was officially founded.
When not much was known about American flora and fauna, Bartram’s helped shape the understanding of the soon-to-be new nation’s natural history. Continue reading…
Philly ‘hair tie’ artist could ride reality TV scandal to biz success
Meija Moreno is not on Bravo TV’s “Summer House.” She’s not an influencer. She is an artist living in Philly, who works a day job as a remote receptionist.
Yet, she’s found herself embroiled in tabloid gossip related to the show that could draw attention to her Snarl.Studios designs including her unique ties made from horse hair. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Mayor Parker now says her proposed Uber tax could save all school-based jobs on the chopping block, but without a guarantee of more funding, schools are telling some teachers their positions are likely to be eliminated. [Chalkbeat]
• Retirement among Philadelphians is not a “one-size-fits-all” experience, a new Pew report shows. [WHYY]
• A proposed crackdown on corporate landlords could threaten Philly-area homes for people with intellectual disabilities. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• In Philly, artists are using ‘Radical Americana’ to challenge patriotic nostalgia in a citywide project featuring new works rooted in craft heritage for America’s 250th anniversary. [WHYY]
• Stateside Live! announces grand reopening date with concert series featuring Taking Back Sunday. [WHYY]
• The late hockey star and South Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau will be among the athletes inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame later this year. [NBC10]
• Tipsy Scoop is a new boozy ice cream shop that’s coming to Rittenhouse May 9 with a spiked water ice sundae. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker did not list any public events on her schedule for Friday.
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🌎 Guide to Earth Week
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
ON THE CALENDAR
For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!
Friday, April 17: Salsa & Bachata Night at Cherry Street Pier
Join a pro instructor for a high-energy salsa lesson, then keep the vibes going with a live DJ set from DJ Valentin of Dance Philly, spinning bachata, salsa, and more Latin hits. All ages and experience levels welcome. Free. (8-10 p.m.)
Sunday, April 19: Together in Resistance: Black & Asian Futures Film Screening
Featuring three short films: “Uncle Sam’s Legacy” by Wei Chen Lou, “Hands Off Our Communities: Resistance Against Gentrification” by POPPYN, and “The Townhomes Story” with Scribe, followed by a conversation with the filmmakers. + Grab a drink at AfroAsia bar, highlighting original drinks with ingredients from the Black and Asian diasporas. Free at Asian Arts Initiative. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, April 19: A New Pour: Craft Beverage Festival
A New Pour is a fermented beverage festival showcasing Pink Boots Society Pennsylvania members and their offerings. Hand-selected vendors pour beverages made specifically for this festival + local food trucks and live music, educational seminars and panels all supporting women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education. Tickets range from $28.52 to $55.20. (3 to 7 p.m.)
