#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
To cone or not to cone
(Photo by @_marcphilly_)
Drexel students and older adults pair up as unconventional roommates
This unlikely living arrangement is part of a growing intergenerational housing program called Second Story Collective.
The program, which stems from a Drexel University group called Writers Room, matches a student in the area with an older adult living around the school’s campus. The program is targeting the Mantua neighborhood, which has been threatened by “studentification.” Continue reading…
World Cup toenail trophy aims to reflect on value of human labor
Philly-based artist and mental health advocate Clancy Philbrick wants to make a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy … using fingernails and toenails.
The project isn’t just about making people retch involuntarily. Philbrick’s goal is to “invite reflection on what binds us: labor, play, struggle and what might be built from what we leave behind.” Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
•Thousands rallied in Philadelphia’s ‘No Kings’ protest against Trump, ICE and war with Iran. [WHYY]
• The Delaware River Bridge will be replaced with funds from a $600 million federal grant. [WHYY]
• The city’s plan to slash the Philadelphia school budget by $225 million took a step forward. [Chalkbeat]
• The city’s ban on all smart/AI eyeglasses at Philly courts starts Monday. [NBC10]
• For Philly’s Eastwick neighborhood, flood buyouts could be an option as feds scale back levee proposal. [WHYY]
• Tuesday, March 31 marks the end of Pennsylvania’s winter moratorium on utility shutoffs, meaning companies could cut off power for anyone behind on bills starting April 1. Here’s some ways to save a few bucks. [WHYY]
• Harry Kalas’ widow says Phillies ‘betrayed him’ and won’t let them play his song unless they pay. [Inq$$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Monday.
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
Monday, March 30: “For the Security & Protection of the Community:” A Pennsylvania Constitution Town Hall
This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth’s first state constitution, which was authorized in June 1776. This Town Hall, moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott, will feature a panel discussion with experienced lawyers and legal scholars exploring the early history of our state constitution as well as issues such as public education, voting rights, the environment, reproductive rights and others that are within the jurisdiction of our current state constitution. At WHYY. Free to RSVP. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Monday, March 30: March Cats & Crafts
This month’s cat-related craft is no-sew blankets! Organized by Project Meow, at Two Locals Brewery in University City. Each $45 ticket will include a non-alcoholic beverage and snacks. Other snacks and drinks available for purchase. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Monday, March 30: Monday Night Social
1812 Productions presents the 2nd in a series of staged readings and discussions of classic comedies. Free pizza included. Tonight’s play is about “Isn’t It Romantic” by Wendy Wasserstein. At Plays & Players Theatre. $30 tickets. (6:30 p.m.)
Monday, March 30: Celebrating Women’s History in Beer: Author Talk w/ Tara Nurin
Come learn about the forgotten history of women in the brewhouse, and the current world of female brewers for this special author’s event with Tara Nurin at Cartesian Brewing. $15 tickets. Books available for purchase at the event. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 31: Kick-off Celebration: Philly Jazz Month 2026
Join Creative Philadelphia and Mid Atlantic Arts for an opening celebration of Philly Jazz Month, a month-long celebration of the past, present, and future of jazz throughout April. At City Hall’s Mayor’s Reception Room. Free with RSVP. (5 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 31: No Arena: Making a Movement | Opening Reception
The “No Arena” movement was a landmark moment for the power of everyday people organizing against displacement. On the occasion of America’s 250th Anniversary, this exhibit highlights a decentralized grassroots movement that was led by people of color, serving as a model for what our democracy can be. At Asian Arts Initiative. Free with RSVP. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 1: Opera on Tap Philly Presents: Fool for Love
Hear operatic tales of fantasy and romance and find your next favorite book perusing A Novel Idea’s expansive library on East Passyunk Ave.. Seats are limited. $35 tickets; $17.85 standing room. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, April 2: Break My Game Playtesting
Come playtest board games designed by local independent game designers! Help designers make their games better by providing Constructive Feedback during their design process. Your voice helps a good game become great. Free with RSVP. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, April 3: WICKED PHILADELPHIA – Dirty, Scary, and Buried in Philly Tour (SocietyHill)
Explore Philly’s sinful past – scandals, fatal romances, serial killers, buried secrets and haunted buildings. Come ready for ghost stories, forbidden affairs, and the beautifully messed-up past beneath the cobblestones. Ages 18+ walking tour; BYO water and walking shoes. $44.52 per person; group deals available. (8 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: West Philadelphia Spring Festival
Enjoy music, an egg hunt for the kids (BYO baskets!), food, and activities for everyone. Celebrate spring with friends and family in the heart of West Philly. At School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue. FREE. (12 to 4 p.m.)
