#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Public-private partnership
(Photo by @leslie.sllvn)
What’s the best way to revitalize Market East? A 20-year tax abatement? Narrowing the roadway? Maybe a Las Vegas-style Sphere covered with screens?
Those were some of the options city leaders are considering as part of a long term strategy. In the meantime, short-term improvements are already in the works for the struggling shopping district over the next few weeks and months. Continue reading…
A rendering shows a planned mural on the former Strawbridge & Clothier building on Market Street in Center City. (Center City District)
Billed as “a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience,” the Ministry of Awe sits inside a historic 19th-century bank designed by Frank Furness in Old City.
It’s described as a “surreal world where the only currency is the human spirit” and “each act of wonder yields infinite returns.” Instead of a traditional art museum, it’s billed as an “experience” — a word that increasingly seems to permeate the art world. Continue reading…
Meg Saligman’s mural on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Awe represents the heavens. The mural is animated by Spatial Pixel, an AI research and design studio, which has created interfaces that allow visitors to interact with the mural. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A lawsuit filed by Philly DA Larry Krasner against Glock alleges that the gunmaker’s firearms are contributing to mass shootings by their design. [WHYY]
• Here are the budget cuts Philadelphia school leaders are proposing for next year. [Chalkbeat]
• PennDOT warns of traffic delays this week for pothole repairs in Philly and its suburbs, including Cottman Avenue and state highways. [PhillyVoice]
• Friends of the Wissahickon imagine more accessible woods this summer, making the Harvey St. intersection into a safer, more beautiful park entryway. [Germantown Info Hub]
• For the third year in a row, Jayden Jiang, now in sixth grade, won the Philadelphia regional spelling bee and will compete at the Scripps national competition. [BPx2025/WHYY]
• After a momentous season, Katie’s Komets ballers are looking to “do something big” at the wheelchair basketball national championships. [Inq$$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins other elected officials from around the country at the America 250 Panel at the Congressional Cities Conference in Washington, DC. (8:30 a.m.) and will speak at the conference’s NLC Strategic Partnerships Luncheon (12 p.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 16: Philly Podcast Club
March meeting focuses on famous feuds. For extra credit bring a feud of your own! At Benna’s Cafe, 1236 S. 8th Street. (6:30 p.m.)
Monday, March 16: Bling-Along
The Bearded Ladies lead another round of coordinated group screaming, aka sing-along, show. “Whether you come for community, the singing, or just to let out a primal scream, it’s gonna take all of us to make good harmony in this mess.” At Broad Street Love. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Monday, March 16: D2: The Mighty Ducks – A Live Reading
Theatre Contra is taking the script and doing it live. Get ready for knuckle-puck madness, outrageous ’90s patriotism, and the triumphant return of Coach Bombay as he leads Team USA against Iceland. At Tattooed Mom. (7 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Party
Green beer and green cheer at the oldest continually operating tavern in Philly. (10 a.m. start)
Tuesday, March 17: Sorting It Out: Philly Recycling in 2026
Green Philly hosts this candid State of Recycling conversation that goes beyond the blue bin to examine policy, equity, infrastructure, and the future of circular systems in our city. $16.30 ticket. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: Tax Prep for Philadelphia Businesses (BIRT Update)
An overview of recent updates to the City’s Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) and walk through what to expect. Online event. Free to RSVP. (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: PA Provincial Conference: Virtual Lecture with Professor Christopher Pearl
A public online lecture titled, “The Pennsylvania Provincial Conference: Its Context in Colonial Pennsylvania Politics and Its Impact on the Continental Congress.” Free to RSVP. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18: WHYY & Philly NAACP Present: “The Inquisitor” free film screening
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of. Opening remarks from Councilwoman Rue Landau, followed by a panel discussion with Melissa Robbins and Keir Bradford-Grey. Light refreshments will be provided. At WHYY’s offices. RSVP here. (5:30 to 8 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.