Free Library wants to help federal workers hit by DOGE cuts
Federal workers hit by DOGE cuts can now tap the Free Library of Philadelphia for help. A series of free workshops this month are open to those who have already been laid off, along with those facing potential job loss.
Workshops held in South Philly received “resounding” positive feedback. The next four events will feature resume help, LinkedIn navigation resources and photographers will be on site to take headshots at two of the locations – Parkway Central and Coleman. Continue reading…
PATCO Franklin Square ghost station reopens after 46 years
For 46 years, the PATCO train station underneath Franklin Square park in Philadelphia has been known as the “ghost station,” an eerily dark and dirty platform lit only by dim orange track lights that passengers coming to and from New Jersey watch as it zooms past the train window.
Now, the newly renovated station costing $29.3 million reopens for regular service this afternoon, with the first train stopping heading westbound at 1:38 p.m., followed a few minutes later by the first eastbound train. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa.’s home care industry is in crisis, with low pay and unfilled shifts driving it toward collapse. Supporters of a state senate bill suggest lowering education requirements for those who care for older adults. [Inquirer$/Spotlight PA]
• The U.S. EPA said it plans to finalize new water quality standards that aim to protect fish in a portion of the Delaware River. [WHYY]
• Some Philly-area schools are sticking with DEI, with some “fighting back” while others quietly try to defy Trump’s orders. [Inquirer$]
• How are Philly schools experimenting with AI? Cautiously. [Chalkbeat]
• East Mount Airy residents are raising safety concerns after Charles M. Finley Recreation Center triple shooting. [WHYY]
• Tiger Woods’ foundation opened a learning lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, offering classes in math, science and high tech skills. [WHYY]
• The Mann Center and Mural Arts are teaming up for a three-year public art project focused on West Philadelphia, and celebrating both the Mann’s 50th anniversary and the country’s semiquincentennial. [South Philly Review]
Philly DA Race
- Philadelphia DA election:
What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates - Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
- Dugan was interviewed in a mock “job interview.”
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join officials at the PATCO Franklin Square Station reopening ceremony. (12:15 pm.)
She later kicks off a ‘One Philly 2.0’ Budget Town Hall series with a stop in West Oak Lane to promote her Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget and five-year plan. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
🎭 College theater productions this spring
Thursday, April 3: Understanding the City Budget webinar
The 2nd online webinar in a city budget learning series from the Committee of Seventy. This session will explore Mayor Parker’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal. Free with registration. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Friday, April 4: Poetry at the Pier
An evening of poetry, community, and creative expression at Cherry Street Pier. After the reading, the mic is yours—step up and share your words, whether raw or refined. The open mic portion is first come, first serve. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, April 4: First Friday: Poetry on the Alley
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the historic Elfreth’s Alley, listening to poetry performances from local poets and a chance to write your own poem on a vintage typewriter. Plus free wine and snacks. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Friday-Sunday, April 4-6: Punk Rock Flea Market
A Friday night market kicks off the weekend activities at the 23rd Street Armory (4 to 10 p.m.). Then the shopping continues all weekend with a daily rotating cast of vendors Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). $10 entry all weekend + $5 entry after 1 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday, April 5: Furry Friends of Frankford Ave
This pet festival at Philadelphia Brewing Co. features pet-themed games, a pet costume contest, pet musical show, and 15+ local pet vendors with hand made products for your furry buddy. Plus, consider adopting from PSPCA, Morris Animal Refuge, or Fishtails Animal Rescue! New adopters receive a gift basket featuring items from participating vendors. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Adoption between 12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, April 5: Science & Activism Tour
The Science History Institute in Old City hosts a guided “drop-in” tour that explores the vital impacts made by engaged communities on scientific discovery, environmental justice, and public health. Who is a scientist? Who is an activist? How does each bring about change? Free. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, April 5: Settlement Music School concert
The school’s annual free concert comes to Germantown and showcases students and ensembles of all levels from across school locations. (7 p.m.)
Sunday, April 6: Secret Sounds of Ponds
FDR Park (9 to 11 a.m.) and West Fairmount Park (5 to 7 p.m.) participate in this unique out-of-doors performance by musician-naturalist-philosopher David Rothenberg. Join an afternoon of aquatic vibrations, bug solos, and inter-species jamming via hydrophones (underwater microphones) and improvisational duet featuring a clarinet. All ages welcome. The morning concert will be more oriented towards kids and will have hands-on activities.
Sunday, April 6: North Philly Peace Park Volunteer Day
Get some fresh air while beautifying North Philly Peace Park at this Volunteer Work Party. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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