#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Flocking together
(Photo by @denisewalksphilly)

The Department of Planning and Development has narrowed its top choices down to three properties: near Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, at 15th and Vine streets, and at 8th and Arch streets. At a Feb. 25 open house, residents discussed using the old Greyhound station, objected to 8th and Arch option and asked what Amtrak thinks of building a station over active train tracks. Continue reading… 

Brewerytown resident Miles Owen attended an open house on the future of the city’s intercity bus station. Feb. 25, 2026. (Meir Rinde/Billy Penn)

Local grocery stores already have their Easter displays up, but Zitner’s candies are nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, this year, Philadelphians will have to go without their beloved Butter Krak Egg, at least until Christmas, according to the company’s CEO and president, Evan Prochniak. Continue reading…

Zitner’s started making Easter candy in Philadelphia in 1922. (Billy Penn file photo)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Several state agencies will work together to create “wildlife corridors” — underpass tunnels, fish ladders and fences — that connect fragmented habitats in order to help protect migrating animals. [PhillyVoice]

• The plan to keep the Chinatown Stitch project alive after federal funding loss hits a hurdle over design funding questions. [WHYY] 

• Philadelphia courts issued a fraud alert Saturday about fictitious text messages that appear to come from the city’s traffic division. [CBS3]

• Supporters of two SEPTA programs that offer free rides rallied at Philadelphia City Hall on Friday. [WHYY] 

• People with prior convictions can work as unarmed private security guards, a Philly court says. [Inq$]

• Help design additional Little Nature Playgrounds that will be installed at Cobbs Creek Park. [West Philly Local]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker will start the day at the opening session of the National Public Leadership Conference’s FORUM 2026: Grounded in Greatness, hosted by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). (9:30 a.m.)

She then will announce investment in the city’s Cobbs Creek Restoration and Flood Mitigation project. (11 a.m.)

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

Monday, March 9: Shape the Future of Pleasant Hill Park
Join the kickoff of a multi-phase project to study the six ponds at Pleasant Hill Park – improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and supporting great fishing and recreation for years to come. Meet the project team, and hear what’s coming next in the restoration process. At All Saints Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Avenue. (7 p.m.) 

Tuesday, March 10: Mental Health First Aid Training – Youth
This virtual skills-based course, held in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adolescents ages 12 to 18. Useful for any adult who works with youth. $60 registration. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Tuesday, March 10: Champions of Peace: Celebrating Philadelphia’s Gun Violence Prevention Programs
Hear directly from the organizations working on the front lines. They’ll share personal stories, hard-won successes, and firsthand insight into the strategies that are making Philly neighborhoods safer. At CORA Services in Fox Chase. (6 to 8 p.m.)

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: 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.)

Saturday, March 14: PhilaBowl: Share a Meal with Us
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.)

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.