#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Sidewalk slainte
(Photo by @leonarde5)
As Philly celebrates its many firsts this year ahead of the 250th anniversary, there is another, often overlooked, “first” – right here in the city’s cycling world.
Robin Morton made history in the 1980s as the first woman to own and manage a men’s professional cycling team. She is also director of this year’s Philadelphia Cycling Classic. Continue reading…
A second company has announced plans to locate at The Bellwether District forming on the massive former oil refinery site in South Philadelphia: TerraPower Isotopes.
It is a division of a nuclear science company founded by Bill Gates, with plans for a $450 million, 250,000-square-foot custom facility that will manufacture actinium-225, a rare, radioactive isotope used in developing targeted cancer treatments. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• PHL shuts down two more TSA checkpoints amid partial government shutdown. [NBC10]
• How does AI affect child development? CHOP researchers say safeguards are needed. The Pa. Senate passed a bill regulating AI chatbots used by children and teens. [WHYY/Capital-Star]
• Philly vaccination experts hail a court ruling that halts changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. [Inq$$]
• Reading Terminal Market will welcome its first vendor of Ethiopian cuisine this spring. [Wooder Ice]
• Jay-Z announced as first headliner for Roots Picnic at Fairmount Park’s Belmont Plateau. [WHYY]
• NCAA March Madness is underway. Here’s how to watch the Philadelphia-area teams. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 11: Shooting victims recorded from Mar. 8 to 14, with 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 7 shooting victims were recorded, including 1 fatality. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 20: Year-to-date homicides, down 49% vs. last year’s pace; down 81% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, March 18: Tax Prep for Philadelphia Businesses (BIRT Update)
An overview of recent updates to the City’s Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) and walk through what to expect. Online event. Free to RSVP. (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: WHYY & Philly NAACP Present: “The Inquisitor” free film screening
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of. Opening remarks from Councilwoman Rue Landau, followed by a panel discussion with Melissa Robbins and Keir Bradford-Grey. Light refreshments will be provided. At WHYY’s offices. RSVP here. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, March 20: March for Art: BASH
Close out InLiquid’s two-week celebration of creativity, creators, and collectors with food, drink, art and the countdown to the end of the art auction by 200+ local artists. All proceeds split shared by artists and InLiquid. $125 tickets. (6:30 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: Philly Whiskey Walk 2026
Your ticket includes admission and eight whiskey tastings throughout the Philadelphia Zoo. Adults-only. $68-75 tickets. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: LGBTQ+ Health Fair
In observance of National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, Councilmember Rue Landau will host the fair. At The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: Sprung! A Spring Block Party
Beer, food, local vendors, a live DJ and more at Evil Genius Brewing. Free, family-friendly, dog-friendly. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: Harmony of Korea: A 15th Anniversary Celebration
The Korean Culture Community Foundation invites you for an evening celebrating 15 years of community, culture and connection. Featured: cultural showcases and exhibits, dance and music. At Philadelphia Antioch Church. Free to sign up. (4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: 3rd annual Port— A Sustainable Fashion Show
An independent fashion show presenting emerging designers with environmentally conscious practices from the Greater Philadelphia Area and beyond. At Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 VIne Street. Masks mandatory unless eating/drinking. $23.18 tickets. (5 p.m.)
Saturday, March 21: (Marshmallow) Peep Show
Paper Doll Ensemble throws its most delightfully unhinged fundraiser of the year. This playful, family-friendly evening is packed with food, drinks, blind boxes filled with incredible handmade crafts, a silent auction, raffles, a 50/50, a little magic, a crowd-favorite Peep Decorating Contest, and plenty of delightful chaos. $23 to $52 tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22: Philadelphia Wedding Walk
Explore 10 of the most sought after venues in Philadelphia, all fully styled as though a wedding was in full swing – complete with decor, food, drinks and entertainment. Plus 100+ Philly vendors. $20.52 tickets. (12 to 5 p.m.)
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