#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
El Toro around town, RIP
(Photo by @twistedphilly)
A $10 million grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission came to the (partial) rescue of the long-awaited project, which had been up in the air after the Trump admin’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill rescinded an already approved $159 million federal grant.
Together with a $2.5 million contribution from the city, it will allow engineering design to continue for the next two years while officials in Philadelphia and other states lobby for restoration of federal transportation grants for their projects. Continue reading…
The one million square foot space will not only have the games live on big screens, it will have local food trucks, vendors, music and soccer activities. And entry will be free for the up to 20,000 fans per day from June 11 to July 19.
“No financial barriers, just world class soccer right here and open to everyone,” said City Representative Jazelle Jones at Wednesday’s press conference at Lemon Hill. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Aided by Sen. Fetterman’s vote, Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead Homeland Security advances to the U.S. Senate floor. [Capital-Star]
• “Real world consequences”: Gov. Shapiro and AG Sunday joined the school discussion on AI after recent explicit deepfake scandals. [WHYY]
• Construction on Market Street bridges will close lanes near 30th Street Station from March 25 to June 1. [PhillyVoice]
• Thrifty in Philly: Your guide to the city’s thrift, vintage and secondhand stores. [Billy Penn]
• End-of-life expenses can sink families. GiveWillow, a ‘funeral registry’ service, born in Philly, hopes to change that. [Billy Penn]
• WXPN host Kathy O’Connell and her call-in children’s show “Kids Corner” are ending their run at the station after nearly 40 years. [PhillyVoice]
• Harry the K’s, the eatery at Citizens Bank Park named in honor of Phillies broadcast legend Harry Kalas, is outta here after 22 seasons. [Inq$$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Friday.
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
Friday, March 20: “The Problem with Plastic” reading with Judith Enck
WHYY climate reporter Susan Phillips talks with author Judith Enck about her book taking a powerful look at plastic’s impact on human health and the environment, and how we can fight back by putting people and the planet over plastics. At Head House Books. $5 ticket; $28 for the book. (6:30 to 8 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: Meet the Women of the Betsy Ross House
Meet Betsy at two different stages of her life, along with renter Hannah Lithgow and upholsterer Betsy Ashburn who made musket cartridges for the Continental Army. Included with House Tour admission. $12 adults; $10 children/students/seniors. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22: Yours Truly Market
A curated art market for artists by artists. 60+ vendors with collections of pottery, one of a kind clothing, fine art, jewelry, home goods, comics and more. At the Bok building, 821 Dudley Street. $5 suggested donation to support Juntos. (11 a.m. to 5 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. $39.19 advance tickets; $44.52 day-of. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22: “Salt of the Earth” screening
A historic film about a Mexican American miners’ strike that centers labor rights, immigrant workers, and women’s leadership. At Nikki Lopez Philly at 304 South Street. $15.50 ticket includes hot dog. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, March 22: Women, Religion & Revolution
From making flags to hosting secret worship services in their homes during the British occupation and other courageous acts, learn how faithful women of Philadelphia made important contributions to the Revolutionary War effort. Featuring: Mary Andrews, Sarah Franklin, Miriam Simon Gratz, Jarena Lee, Mary Evans Thorne Parker, Betsy Ross, and Phillis Wheatley. At Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church; FREE to RSVP. (2 to 4 p.m.)
Monday, March 23: Women and the American Revolution
Historians Mary Beth Norton and Rosemarie Zagarri will discuss how women influenced the political, social, and intellectual currents of the American Revolution. The conversation at the National Constitution Center will explore how women’s experiences and contributions deepen and expand our understanding of America’s founding. Free registration; In-person and online. (6:30 to 7:30 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)
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