#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Ripples above and below
(Photo by @gpatomk)
Philadelphia City Council is on track to approve Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $2 billion housing proposal before the body breaks for the summer next month, keeping intact the administration’s timetable for passing the ambitious plan and the city’s next budget.
The proposal’s most critical legislative component was introduced Thursday. Continue reading …
Oysters are tasty eats, and their shells play an important part in protecting the environment. This weekend’s Shuckfest offers the opportunity to enjoy a delicious food AND support environmental sustainability. Continue reading …
RECAP
$ = paywalled
• Elections for local poll workers leave thousands of spots unfilled, Pa. officials say. [SpotlightPA]
• Menstrual health products are now available for free at Pa. state parks. [NBC10]
• Next week marks the first anniversary of UArts’ abrupt closure. Former students and faculty and local performers will commemorate with a series of events and performances. [Billy Penn]
• Philly advocacy group VietLead laid off 70% of its staff amid a financial crisis affecting their word in support of Southeast Asian Americans. [Inq$]
• A new photo exhibit at City Hall humanizes city workers through window views of those often perceived as faceless bureaucracy. [WHYY]
• The Free Library started a Vinyl Record Listening Club. [PhillyVoice]
• Quinta Brunson gets the key to city as Philly unveils a new mural at her old school. [WHYY]
• How sexy is the Phillie Phanatic compared to other MLB mascots? Second-sexiest, according to baseball fans. [Fox29]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker signed three public safety bills, including a ban on bump stocks. [6ABC]
She will join Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington at Planet Fitness, 510 North Broad St., to announce the City and School District of Philadelphia’s partnership with local Planet Fitness clubs, offering teenagers free access to Planet Fitness gyms this summer, 12:45 p.m.
The mayor will join elected officials and community members to celebrate the completion of the 16th Street courts and the Duckrey schoolyard, at 1501 W. Diamond St., 2 p.m.
The mayor will join the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, members of the Mayor’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, Council members, and various community members to raise the Pride flag, at City Hall, 3p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🌈 Pride Month celebrations
🎶 Roots Picnic, Pride Weekend and W. Philly Porchfest this weekend
❤️ Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander month events
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, May 30: 2nd annual Pride Across the City by Pride 365
A citywide celebration where volunteers help carry a 600-foot Philly Pride flag through neighborhoods across Philadelphia. The South Street Event will be at 4:15 p.m. starting at 4th & Lombard and then turning right on South past 407 and towards 5th Street, the site of the Pride Night Market.
Friday-Saturday, May 30-31: Fresh Squeezed New Works Festival
The Lemonade Stand presents a two-night presentation of work-in-progress plays, with selections and excerpts from three different new works by upcoming local playwrights. Join 90 minutes of brand-new theater in the Skinner Studio at Plays and Players. $11-16 tickets. (7 p.m. Friday, or 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday)
Saturday, May 31: Craft Collective at Jefferson Plaza in East Market
Live entertainment, food trucks, giveaways and more from dozens of local vendors. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, May 31: Pints & Pages at Evil Genius Brewing
This free one day pop-up marketplace turns the brewery’s Fishtown taproom into the book fair you reminisce about when you remember your favorite days of school. Feat. local curators of books, comics, vinyl, and, of course, lots of fresh craft beer. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, May 31: 2nd Annual Kensington’s Got Talent
The show kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be held at Thunderbird Hall (2856 Frankford Ave.) and will feature everything from circus acts to musical performances, all competing for a $300 grand prize. $25 tickets.
Sunday, June 1: Book Fair & Swap
Attic Brewing hosts a book lover’s dream event: a grown-up book fair and swap! Bring a gently used book (or books) to swap, sip on a beverage and shop new books and merch from Multiverse. $5 tickets. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, June 1: East Kensington Spring Festival with Mariposas Galácticas, Hodgepodge & Darling Damselfly
Join us & East Kensington Neighbors Association + East Kensington Arts Committee for an afternoon of sounds designed to get you dancing and thinking. Free. (3 p.m.)
Sunday, June 1: South Street Pride Block Party
Following the Center City Pride Parade, make your way down to the 500 Block of South Street for food, drink, shopping, and more! (5 to 9 p.m.)
Sunday, June 1: Mourning [A] BLKstar & Spektrum
Multi-generational, gender, genre non-conforming amalgam of Black culture, Mourning [A] BLKstar, is dedicated to sharing stories and songs of America’s unfolding apocalypse. Their music melds live instrumentation with hip-hop production creating sonic frequencies that illuminate the African Diaspora. (8 p.m.)
Monday, June 2: 10th Muhibbah Dinner, at Sor Ynez
Aspiring and professional chefs craft dishes that evoke the essence of home, no matter where it may be. Celebrate the rich tapestry of America’s cultural diversity through an intimate, communal-style dining experience that fosters a sense of unity and belonging, in support of the Welcoming Center. $160 tickets. BYOB.
Tuesday, June 3: Fighting Diabetes Together
This event aims to raise awareness and promote proactive care around diabetes and related health conditions in Latino communities. Hosted by WHYY’s Maiken Scott at Esperanza. Free registration.
