#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
All aboard
(Photo by @erin.witman)
Mathematicians plan boycott of Philly convention
More than 2,000 have signed a petition to boycott the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians taking place in Center City in July.
Boycott supporters cite the U.S. government’s “unbridled hatred of immigrants” and recent actions in Iran and Venezuela in urging that the conference be relocated to another country or boycotted. Continue reading…
Philly’s Southeast Asian community takes center stage
“Seng’s Salon” is inspired by a real South Philly spot, telling the story of three generations of Laotians in InterAct’s Drake theater as part of its Philly Cycle series centering underrepresented groups in the city.
Playwright Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay visited temples, community centers and local businesses. until she walked into Seng’s Salon at Seventh and Ritner streets in South Philadelphia. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania’s motor-voter system effectively screens non-citizens from voter registration, reports the auditor general. [Capital-Star]
• What Philly voters need to know about the two ballot questions in the May 19 primary. [WHYY]
• Accessibility and HVAC replacements are among key improvements sought for Cecil B. Moore Library. [NBC10]
• Philadelphians who care for vacant side yards have formed a group to push for easier land-acquisition process. [WHYY]
• Unlike other transit systems in World Cup host cities, SEPTA won’t raise fares for matches. [PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphians rewrite the Declaration of Independence in Mural Arts printmaking project. [WHYY]
• The Atlantic thinks Parc has the best free restaurant bread in America. Is it even the best in Philly? What is your favorite complimentary bread in the city and why? [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins city officials for the grand opening of the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek — a three-story building with entertainment, shopping, restaurant and event space — and the launch of the first full season of golf since restoration efforts began.
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!
Monday, April 20: 2nd Annual Vegan Mac&Cheese Bake-Off
Eating and voting begins at 5:30 p.m., with winners in categories of traditional, innovative and dessert announced at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds go to Food Not Bombs chapters in Philadelphia. At the Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street. (4:20 to 8:20 p.m.)
Monday, April 20: Earth Day Activity & Movie Night
An Earth Day planting activity led by the Land Health Institute at the new Community Garden at Keystone and Longshore in Tacony + A screening of The Lorax! Movie begins shortly after 7 p.m. Pizza provided. BYO chair or blanket. (5:30 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 22: The Librarians Film Screening
Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, this documentary explores the broader implications for education and public life. At Parkway Central Library. Hosted by WHYY’s Bridging Blocks & The Free Library. Free registration. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 22: Heathers – A Live Reading
Theatre Contra is taking this cult-classic script of teen angst, croquet, and casual homicide and performing it live. Get ready for a night of savage one-liners, color-coded tyranny, and a love story so toxic it should come with a hazmat warning. At the Trestle Inn in Callowhill. Pay-what-you-want tickets. (7 to 9 p.m.)
