#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Art is all around us
(Photo by @thetinybun)
As grumbling peaked last month over Philly’s bumper crop of seasonal potholes, Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed creating six new “pothole squads” to proactively patch damaged roads — along with a new tax to pay for them.
But the new tax on retail deliveries is already facing opposition. Continue reading…
For the second time this month, city lawmakers have advanced contested legislation aimed at enhancing and expanding protections for city renters.
City Council’s housing committee approved two bills Monday following a public hearing prompted by a recent court settlement between the city and two landlords. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• With a little over two weeks to go before tax filings are due, Pennsylvania officials are ramping up efforts to raise awareness about a new tax credit aimed at delivering direct financial relief to working families. [WHYY]
• With $4.5B on the line, Pennsylvania business owners are among a coalition of 1,100 small businesses seeking tariff refunds. [Capital-Star]
• TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport start getting paid, but plenty of questions remain. [CBS3]
• An Uber program that gives free rides to seniors expands to Northeast Philly. [WHYY]
• A new year-round program called Weeknight Live aims to bring live music from local artists to several hospitality businesses across the city on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. [NBC10]
• Stage and screen star Max von Essen goes ‘Old Fashioned’ for Philly debut. [PGN]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker speaks at the 47th annual Pennsylvania AFL-CIO State Convention at 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Downtown.
At 11 a.m., Parker speaks at the Visit PA Playmakers Pep Rally kicking off Pennsylvania’s “historic year ahead.” At 121 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Then at 2 p.m., Parker commemorates Transgender Day of Visibility with a City Hall flag raising on the North Apron at 1400 JFK Blvd. to recognize the contributions of transgender people in Philadelphia and across the nation.
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🌸 Cherry blossoms around town
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
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: In-Person Taxes for Artists Workshop
Whether you’re getting grants, selling or performing art, self-employed, or have an LLC, filing your taxes can be a confusing process. Join this free in-person tax workshop facilitated by Logan Cryer from Philly Tax Prep for Artists. (6 to 7 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: The Beating Heart of the Community: Cecil B. Moore Library
Join Design Advocacy, the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition and local advocates as they share the history and value of Cecil B. Moore Library, a vital neighborhood resource. Zoom/Online. Free to register. (9 to 10:30 a.m.)
Thursday, April 2: A “Living Archive” exhibition at the Colored Girls Museum
An exhibition featuring teams from CAPA, SLA Beeber, and Bodine high schools. Includes live jazz performances. Free RSVP. At 4613 Newhall Street. (1 to 6 p.m.)
Thursday, April 2: Confluence Film Festival opening
A month-long environmental film series held each April in celebration of Earth Month, with screenings every Thursday evening. Presented in partnership with BlackStar Projects, cinéSPEAK, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival. This year’s theme is “Seeding the Future.” $10 tickets. (5:30 to 8 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 to Saturday, April 3-4: Trust, Truth and the Future of Local News
WHYY News and Bridging Blocks host their third civic news conference to explore best practices for newsrooms to engage their communities in the practice of civic journalism. Prioritizing IRL initiatives that build connections for local communities has emerged as an audience strategy for WHYY and other local newsrooms. Free with registration. (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day)
Friday, April 3: BLK TEA: Sip & Shoot Philly- Tea & Portrait Experience
A curated afternoon of premium tea, Philly-made snacks, and a professional portrait session. “No filters needed. No occasion required. Just you, celebrated.” $30 tickets. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, April 3: Illuminate Kensington
An immersive night of projection mapping and light installations stretching across East Kensington. Presented by East Kensington Arts. Head to Philadelphia Brewing’s parking lot to grab a map at the WKAC booth, then wander the route. (7 to 11 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.)
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