#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Old and new in Powelton Village
(Photo by @city_of_architectural_love)
As warming weather threatens to lead to a spike in street violence, Philadelphia law enforcement officials are warning residents they will vigorously pursue anyone who engages in retaliatory gunfire or other crimes.
There have been 18 homicides so far in 2026, less than half of the 37 recorded by this time last year. Continue reading…
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner on July 8, 2024. (Tom MacDonald/WHYY)
A parade of pint-sized Jackie Robinsons, Michelle Obamas, Martin Luther King Jr.’s and other Black historical figures walked down the runway at the “Everyday Freedom Heroes” costume contest at the African American Museum of Philadelphia.
Zakiyyah Harrell’s son Caleb, dressed as Martin Luther King Jr. She said it’s important for younger children to know their own history and be comfortable with the past. Continue reading…
Caleb Hammonds dressed as Martin Luther King Jr. His mom, Zakiyyah Harrell said it is important for children like her son to know their own history. (Ben Bennett/WHYY)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Despite partial government shutdown affecting TSA workers, PHL airport operations continue to run smoothly. [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker says new facility in old Hahnemann building is not a homeless shelter but a “solution center.” [WHYY]
• For a second day, a massive scrap metal fire on unmanned barge in Delaware Bay spews smoke throughout Philadelphia region. [NBC10/WHYY]
• Philadelphia launches Kensington data tool tracking quality of life issues, meant to help residents ‘take back’ the neighborhood. [Inq$$]
• Uber Eats robots are being rolled out this week in Center City for food delivery orders from dozens of restaurants within 2 miles. [PhillyVoice]
• Late WMMR DJ Pierre Robert will be memorialized this spring in Rittenhouse Square with a bench in his favorite park. [Billy Penn/WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled Wednesday.
Yesterday, the mayor announced that Sinceré Harris, chief deputy mayor, will be leaving the Parker admin to a new opportunity in private practice.
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
7: Shooting victims recorded from Mar. 1 to 7, with 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 7 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
19: Year-to-date homicides, down 49% vs. last year’s pace; down 79% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
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
Wednesday, March 11: Remember the Ladies Trivia Night
“Remember the ladies” and show off your trivia skills! Grab a bite, explore exhibits, and join for special Women’s History Month programming. The night includes free food, games, exhibit tours, and a trivia contest with prizes. Cash bar available. At the National Constitution Center. Free with registration. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 11: Meet & Geek: Medical Illustration
A brief overview of the history of medical illustration, from early Western examples to contemporary works. You get to see medical illustration projects, hear about high-profile medical moments that led to medical breakthroughs, and learn about the limits of AI and image search tools. $20 tickets. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 11: Opera on Tap Philly Presents: The Ides of March
Head to Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen in Old City for songs of betrayal, jealousy, and death at Opera on Tap Philly’s first show of 2026. $15 for one person; $25 for two. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, March 12: Vision Zero PHL 2026
In 2026, Philadelphia marks ten years as a Vision Zero city, grounded in the belief that traffic deaths are preventable and that safe streets are a shared responsibility. This day-long conference at Temple features local and nationally-recognized speakers & panelists. Waitlist available. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Thursday, March 12: National History Day competition: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
Stop by the National Constitution Center for project viewing (10 a.m.) and an Awards Ceremony (1 p.m.) to help celebrate the achievements of our Philadelphia history students.
Thursday, March 12: Iftar and Artist Lecture with Meryem Osmanlioglu
A showcase of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic illumination, creating a unified visual language. At Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. $10-20 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, March 13: Philadelphia: Workshop of the World
Philadelphia was once known as the “workshop of the world” due to the abundance of factories, products, and infrastructure located within the city. This Science History Institute display features works originally published by some of the pioneering companies that made Philadelphia an industrial powerhouse. Free tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, March 13: Philly Fur Ball
Celebrate with Morris Animal Rescue at 2300 Arena, with food, puppy and kitten cuddles, a magic show, desserts, cocktails and more. $225 tickets. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: Black Girls Love Math Pi Day 5K
Combine fitness, fun, and a celebration of mathematics at this family-friendly walk/run at 1 Boathouse Row in honor of Pi (π), the mathematical constant that never ends. Whether you walk, run, volunteer or cheer, all are welcome. $31.40 registration. (9 a.m.)
Saturday, March 14: 3rd annual Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Crawl
Cast your vote as you sip and stroll your way to the top bars, restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood. Each participating location will shake up one or more specially priced coffee-infused libations for $8, $10 and $12. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: PhilaBowl
This Empty Bowls fundraiser supports The Clay Studio’s scholarship program and The Sunday Love Project offering a meaningful way to come together and share a meal. Your participation helps fuel programs rooted in creativity, care, and community. $35 tickets. (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 15: JUNTOS + VIETLEAD Fundraiser and Market
Vendors, Raffles, and DJs for a good cause! At Fleisher Art Memorial. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Through March 20: March for Art Benefit and Art Auction
An online auction of contemporary works of art by more than 200 local artists who work across all media. Also at InLiquid Gallery & The Icebox Project Space at the Crane Arts Building.