#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Bold and beautiful
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Nineteen public art installations are on display across the neighborhood and city as part of Healing Verse Germantown: The Streets Are Talking.
The exhibit is described as an arts-based intervention created to address the mental health wounds of gun violence in Germantown through the transformative power of poetry and public art. Continue reading…
Philly’s culinary wunderkind reflects on the rise of Ocho Supper Club, gaining local fame and what the future holds.
His much-hyped Ocho Supper Club, which began out of the chef’s dorm room, will be at the Rittenhouse Hotel for a limited run residency until June. Continue reading…
The deceased, Matthew Kane and Mark Scott Jr., were found less than 12 hours after the demolition of the garage was completed and the site declared safe for workers to enter. A third worker, Stepan Shevchuk, was rescued from the debris shortly after the collapse and died at an area hospital.
Now investigations and cleanup will begin. Infrastructure work will need to be done before the area can be completely reopened. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania residents have an extra month to apply for heating assistance. [WHYY]
• Scarlet tanagers are proposed as Pennsylvania’s official state “migratory bird.” [WHYY]
• Philadelphia ‘ICE Out’ legislation: Here’s what to know as City Council weighs bills. [WHYY]
• A federal appeals court blocked the National Park Service’s plans to replace the slavery exhibit at President’s House Site with a sanitized version, and ordered the government to preserve both the site and the remaining panels still in storage. [WHYY]
• Historic Welsh Fountain in West Fairmount Park will be restored and reimagined thanks to a $2.3 million state grant. [West Philly Local]
• Young Philadelphians are stepping up as youth diplomats for America 250. [WHYY]
• East Kensington transformed into a glowing outdoor gallery as moving projections from around 30 artists lit up building facades along Frankford Avenue and Hagert Street. [Kensington Voice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker signed an executive order directing the City Solicitor and Law Department to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Grays Ferry building collapse and to recommend reforms in how city agencies inspect, monitor, and license construction projects.
After the investigation report is filed, Parker directed the city to establish a Special Independent Committee on the Grays Ferry Parking Garage Collapse to review the findings.
ON THE CALENDAR
🌱 Billy Penn’s Spring in Philly guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!
Monday, April 13: cinéSPEAK x Two Locals Brewing Company present Speakn’ Trane and Sylvie’s Love
A monthly gathering every 2nd Monday celebrating innovative Black filmmakers. In April, we’re celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month. Following the program, culture writer John Morrison will be in conversation with Anyabwile Love. Happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. BYO dinner. Popcorn provided. Free to register; Donations encouraged. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Monday, April 13: Monday Night Market
Star | Bolt hosts this event featuring local artists and live music. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Monday, April 13: AAAHH!!! Eat-Along at Reading Terminal Market
The Bearded Ladies come to Reading Terminal for another round of solidarity sing-along shows with rousing renditions of songs that have absolutely nothing to do with fascism. “It’s gonna take all of us to make good harmony in this mess.” PG-13 content. Food available for purchase from Tambayan, Flying Monkey Bakery, Fox & Son Fancy Corn Dogs & Molly Malloy’s Bar. $0-52 pay-what-you-wish. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 14: Picnic in the park! with Maisy’s Meeting House
Picnic in a nearby park (weather permitting!) Lawn games and snacks provided. BYO food/drink. Please do not bring any nuts. $4.14 for non members / free for members. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 14: Rebel Reader’s Society Book Club
At Harriett’s Bookshop. A book club for feminists, reproductive justice advocates, and freedom fighters. Explore books that inspire, empower, and challenge, centering the voices of women, especially women of color, while welcoming men committed to justice and equity. Pre-registration is required. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 15: 2026 Philly Theatre Week “Raise Your Voice” Preview Celebration
A sneak peek into some of the performances that will populate Theatre Philadelphia’s annual Philly Theater Week. Plus the annual networking event for theaters and theater practitioners. Free registration. At Temple Performing Arts Center. (6 to 9:30 p.m.)
Thursday to Saturday, April 16 to 18: Spring Designer Pop-Up
The secret designer vault at The Wardrobe is opening with curated second-hand designer pieces for 70–90% off original retail. Thursday shoppers get 25% off from 4-6 p.m. At 413 N.4th Street. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day)
Through Sunday, April 19: I Think We’re Lost
Pier Players Theatre Company presents the world premiere of I Think We’re Lost, a darkly comedic reimagining of Peter Pan, set in Philadelphia. At Theatre Exile. $21.40 tickets.
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