#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Spring is in season
(Photo by @heather_noelle82)
The order is ostensibly part of a federal investigation into allegations of antisemitism on campus.
U.S. District Judge Gerald J. Pappert said employees can refuse to take part in the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation, but the agency “needs the opportunity to talk to them directly to learn if they have evidence of discrimination.” Continue reading…
It’s a collab like the state has never seen.
The Phanatic, Gritty and other mascots are joining Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, a breakdance crew and a double dutch group are part of the Visit PA Playmakers who will serve as a welcoming committee for the expected millions of visitors coming to the state this summer. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A federal judge finds that President Trump violated the First Amendment by ordering NPR, PBS defunded. The future for public media funding remains “unresolved,” though. [WHYY]
• More than 1,000 PECO workers will continue working after their contract expired at midnight. Yesterday, the PECO employees union alleged that the company isn’t bargaining in good faith. [CBS3/WHYY]
• Illegal parkers face new fines as warning period ends for SEPTA trolley cameras. [NBC10]
• Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026. [Green Philly]
• Will one of these seven Philly chefs, bars and restaurants win a 2026 James Beard Award? See who made the finalist list. [Billy Penn]
• Iron Hill Brewery is reopening five locations, the first at 11th and Market streets in Center City, which is set to reopen in mid-April. Others in the region target a summer reopening. [KYW]
• Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community turns out for Trans Day of Visibility and City Hall flag raising. [PGN]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will welcome 15 Police Athletic League participants into key city leadership roles, including mayor, police commissioner, and fire commissioner, to gain a firsthand look at how local government operates. (10 a.m.)
Parker also will attend a ribbon cutting and rout of a $10 million renovation and expansion of a drug recovery facility at 2680 Southampton Road. (2 p.m.)
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
- 14: Shooting victims recorded from Mar. 22 to 28, with 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 4 shooting victims were recorded, including 0 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 23: Year-to-date homicides, down 54% vs. last year’s pace; down 81% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
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
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: First Friday: 14 years of Arch Enemy Arts
The whole gallery is going to be filled with new art, and solo artists Maryann Held, Casey Weldon, and Amelia Rozear will be there in person. (5 to 9 p.m.)
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: Furry Friends of Frankford Avenue
A day dedicated to good beer, great music, and finding forever homes for some very good animals. This pet adoption beer festival brings together local rescues, adoptable pets, live music, and cold beer at Philadelphia Brewing. (11 a.m. to 5 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.)
Saturday, April 4: Northern Liberties Newest Action Easter Egg Hunt
Over 2,000 Easter eggs, and one more time slot open at 2:20 p.m. (Ages 5–8). Take a pic with the Easter Bunny, try face painting and more. At Action Karate. (12:45 to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 4: Queer Country Western Dancing
Join Val’s Lesbian Bar for their inaugural Tush Push. Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer, or stepping out for the first time, this one’s all about building love of line and partner dancing, and community in the city that never stops pushin’. $8 tickets. Ages 21+. (8 p.m. to midnight)
Sunday, April 5: 93rd Annual Easter Promenade
Hop on over to South Street for this popular, free Philadelphia tradition full of family-friendly fun and fashion. Free bunny ears, candy and a costume contest! The promenade kicks off at 12:30PM at 5th & South Street, and ends at Headhouse Plaza on 2nd & Lombard Street. (12 to 3 p.m.)
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