#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Willows on Pier 68
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
SEPTA pilot will bring real-time data to bus and trolley stops
Real-time SEPTA arrival data will arrive at 10 bus and trolley stops beginning in May via digital “e-paper” display screens. Which stops and neighborhoods will get one? You can weigh in.
The transit agency’s new pilot program will feature digital screens “small enough to be mounted on a bus or a trolley stop pole, and they don’t use a lot of power, so you can use solar power for them,” said Lex Powers, SEPTA’s Chief Officer of Customer Experience. Continue reading…
Rocky statue heading into the PMA for the first time
The Rocky statue has finally been invited into the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Don’t worry, though: its stay is only temporary. The sculpture will be part of the museum’s monuments exhibition, before it returns outside to a permanent spot at the top of the steps.
The space at the bottom of the steps will soon be filled by the statue of Philly’s real-life heavyweight champion “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, which currently stands outside Stateside Live! at the sports complex. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• ‘ICE, play nice’: Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner warns ICE agents deployed to airport amid government shutdown. [WHYY]
• Nearly 40 “No Kings” protests are slated to take place across the Philadelphia region this weekend in response to President Donald Trump’s administration. Here’s everything you need to know. [WHYY]
• The Philadelphia Court system has banned all smart/AI eyeglasses with audio and/or video recording capabilities from courtrooms, with violators facing possible arrest. [NBC10]
• The Ben Franklin Bridge will close on July 11 for the city’s 100th anniversary celebration this summer. [Billy Penn]
• Mural Arts plans to remove Cesar Chavez’s image from a North Fifth Street mural, replacing his image with that of his most prominent female ally, Dolores Huerta. [Inq$$]
• Bill Cosby has been ordered to pay $59 million in a civil trial for a 1972 sexual assault. [PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphia supported a pioneering Indian American woman doctor. Now, Anandibai Joshee’s story is getting memorialized in songs. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker heads to the 1300 block of South 15th Street to announce the launch of the Block Party Bonanza initiative for America250, open applications for neighborhood events, and unveil “Life, Liberty and Happiness” kits. (10 a.m.)
Parker then attends the Women in Public Safety Conference at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. (2 p.m.)
Parker will also attend the Villanova University Praxis Award Ceremony honoring Della Clark. (5 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Fewer Philly children are being shot. Here’s how the city’s top cop wants to keep that trend going. [Chalkbeat]
- The multidisciplinary research collaborative led by PCGVR Director of Research and Temple trauma surgeon Dr. Jessica Beard published a new study last month, “Examining disparities in harmful reporting on community firearm violence in Philadelphia television news reports,” in Injury Epidemiology. [TempleNow]
- Parents of school shooters are being prosecuted. Should they be? [NYT$]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 4: Shooting victims recorded from Mar. 15 to 21, with 0 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 11 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalityies [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 21: Year-to-date homicides, down 56% vs. last year’s pace; down 81% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, March 25: PA Provincial Conference: Virtual Lecture with Joel Fishman
A virtual lecture on the topic of “Exploring Pennsylvania’s Governing Documents from 1682 Until Now.” A look at the state’s five constitutions: 1776, 1790, 1838, 1874, and 1968. Free to RSVP. (4 to 5 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 25: Find Your Philly: Cocktail Hour
A casual social series that combines networking and community building. Attendees receive cards with lighthearted ice-breaker prompts. At Rhythm & Spirits, 1617 JFK Blvd. $6.64 tickets. (5 to 10 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 25: Made by Immigrants dinner and a movie night
Food, film and immigrant stories. Screening of “Red Light Teachers,” following a Filipino immigrant narrative that explores identity, survival, and the quiet strength it takes to build a life far from home. It’s a reminder that behind every dish, every family, and every dream, there is a journey. At Baby’s Kusina + Market. $15 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 25: Adult Art Club – March Meet-Up
A growing community of like-minded adults who love to create, connect, and sip great drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike). Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, these meetups are all about expression, relaxation, and community. At Love City Brewing. $12.51 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Thursday, March 26: Launch Your Future: Philly College Fair
Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable and the Salvation Army Kroc Center invite students and families to explore college opportunities from 2- and 4-year colleges. (3:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, March 26: Philadelphia After Dark: Designing a City That Works 24/7
Drawing from Philadelphia’s Nighttime Economy strategy, the talk will highlight how intentional planning, cross-sector collaboration, and thoughtful design can support businesses, residents, and visitors after dark. The discussion will also touch on how architects, planners, and creatives play a critical role. At the Philadelphia Ethical Society. FREE. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday and Saturday, March 26 & 28: Voyage of Vignettes
Five shows in one! Multiple short theatrical worlds unfold through a series of imaginative vignettes—each with its own theme, visual style, and surprises. Expect thrilling stunts, whimsical characters, an interactive game show, and unexpected sensory delights. At Fringe Arts. $32.79 tickets. (7:15 to 8:50 p.m.)
Friday, March 27: a little bit dramatic market
A free indoor and outdoor market featuring 30+ vendors selling “vintage, Y2K and handmade” items, plus $5 and $10 bins, jewelry and more. At Thrive Career Cafe at 504 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Free RSVP. (2 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, March 27: Germantown Art & Sound
Join the 4th Friday for Germantown Art & Sound, a kickback for local creatives with an art show highlighting local artists. Complete with complimentary wine, live DJ, food truck and a playlist that is uniquely curated by guests. $10 suggested donation. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: The Inquisitor: A WHYY Women’s History Month Screening
A free WHYY screening of “The Inquisitor,” a special documentary on Barbara Jordan, a revolutionary Texas congresswoman who shook up the political landscape with her work on civil rights and social reform. This is an examination of both her professional work and the very private life she led. At Philadelphia City Institute at 19th and Locust. (1 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, March 28-29: Japanese Tea Ceremony at Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Held at the Horticulture Center Greenhouse, this 20-minute experience offers a peaceful pause within the festival to celebrate the spirit of spring and the beauty of cherry blossoms. Watch a tea-making demo, taste freshly whisked matcha and relax. $12.51 tickets. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Through March 29: The Creative Alliance Show
Step into a world of color, connection, and creativity at this group exhibition at Cherry Street Pier featuring works by 40+ artists from one of Philadelphia’s most supportive artist communities.
Select Saturdays through April: A Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour
Harriett’s Bookshop brings back their popular three hour, hop on-hop off tour that celebrates local culture, history, music, and deeply rooted tradition by visiting new and seasoned spaces throughout Philadelphia. $73.34 tickets. (11 a.m. and 3 p.m. tour times)
