#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Spring in the city
(Photo by @kslouf)
You cannot walk around Philly without seeing El Toro’s work and legacy — a friendly yet mischievous cartoon buffalo on the back of a street sign, lamp post or brick wall. The artist, born Justin Nagtalon, who helped elevate sticker art in Philadelphia into a popular and respected medium, died earlier this month on March 7. He was 43 years old.
“He’s Philly’s street mascot,” said street artist Sean 9 Lugo. “The city lost a legend, and I can only speak for myself, but I’m pretty sure a lot of people could agree that this one hurts.”
Nagtalon’s family and friends describe the man behind the art in this tribute on Billy Penn.
Amid a real-life legal battle over the fate of the President’s House historic site over its exhibits recognizing George Washington’s ownership of enslaved people, Philly’s Wilma Theater presents “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington” — a Dickensian satire that pits the former first lady against the people she and her husband once held in slavery.
Like Ebenezer Scrooge before her in “A Christmas Carol,” Martha hallucinates, tormented by ghosts haunting her with the sorrow and grievous injustices she has caused. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• President Trump deployed ICE agents to Philadelphia International Airport amid a shortage of TSA workers due to the government shutdown, after rejecting a bipartisan deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security without ICE funding. [NBC10/PBS]
• Mayor Parker wants to add a $1-per-ride tax to all rideshares in Philly to help fund the city’s financially struggling school district. [WHYY]
• Students and advocates call for expansion, not elimination, of five West Philly schools. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia museums are pooling resources — and telling bigger stories together. Institutional collaborations have existed before, but the number of them occurring simultaneously and at the same place is unprecedented. [WHYY]
• Dr. Kermit Gosnell, convicted of killing babies at Philadelphia abortion clinic, died at 85. [WHYY/AP]
• What to know about the 2026 PGA Championship in Delco that’s coming in just under 50 days. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Tuesday.
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
Tuesday, March 24: Community Conversations: At a Crossroads — School Closures, Community Priorities, and the Future of Philly Students
A citywide series hosted by Every Voice Every Vote. This event focuses on Philly’s education system. From school funding and teacher retention to facilities modernization and student supports, this is an opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of Philadelphia’s students and schools. Free to register. In Germantown. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 24: Empathy in Problem Solving
Whether you’re hosting an event or working on a tactile or strategic project, design begins before arriving and shaking hands. Find out how empathy is significant to the design thinking process. At Design Gym at Colorspace Labs. $25 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
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.)
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 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.)
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.)
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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