Thousands of demonstrators chanting slogans and waving signs against President Donald Trump and his policies, marched from City Hall to Independence Mall on Saturday for the “Hands Off!” protest. Messages written on signs voiced concerns about cuts to social services, immigration policies, science, health care, civil rights, voting rights, and human rights.
The action was part of a nationwide movement organized by the 50501 Movement in collaboration with various advocacy groups. It was also the first major opposition to Trump’s policies and his administration. View more photos here.
The Philadelphia Surge, the city’s women and gender-expansive pro ultimate frisbee team, kicked off its third season in the Premier Ultimate League (PUL) this past weekend in Indianapolis, before returning to Philly for its home opener against the defending-champion New York Gridlock on April 12.
Year Three will see a venue switch, some new opposition, and the biggest roster rebuild the Surge has ever had. Catch up on the Surge’s strong chances of securing a national title and their role in showcasing women’s sports in a city that otherwise lacks a professional women’s team. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Measles cases are up in Pa. and some counties lag behind school vaccination targets. [Capital-Star]
• Philly’s biggest refugee-resettlement agency fights for its future as federal funds are slashed under Trump. [Inquirer$]
• Philly will use AI tech on SEPTA buses to issue tickets to drivers who park in bus lanes, beginning in May along 150 buses and 30 trolleys in Center City. Routes include 17, 21, 33, and 42. Tickets will be $76 in Center City and $51 in other areas. [6ABC]
• With funding for Philly’s Built to Last program not in mayor’s budget proposal, supporters go to City Council for help. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Here’s how East Kensington’s Arcadia Commons came together to protect vacant lots that were being stewarded by the community. [Kensington Voice]
• Philly group remembers gun violence victims through music to help with healing. [WHYY]
• Demand for viral ‘torpedo’ baseball bats has sent a King of Prussia factory into overdrive. [AP]
Philly DA Race
Candidate appearances:
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker speaks at at the opening of the Main Street Now Conference, a national gathering of economic development professionals, who are meeting at Marian Anderson Hall. (10:30 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 College theater productions this spring
🎞️ WHYY/Indie Lens Pop-Up Community Screenings – April 6-12
Monday, April 7: Public Media: What You Need to Know
Kelly Writers House hosts this talk about the role of public media in civic life and education, and what a career in or support of the industry looks like in a changing country. Free with registration. (12 p.m.)
Monday-Tuesday, April 7-8: Federal Employee Transition Workshops at the Free Library
Update your resume, leverage LinkedIn and other job search tools, and network to help transition to your next role. Various locations. Monday workshop is at South Philadelphia Library; Tuesday workshop is at Northeast Regional Library; (5 p.m.)
Monday, April 7: People’s Budget 201
Taxes is the topic at the latest community workshop on the city’s budget. Free; virtual. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 9: Public Health Day 2025
The Public Health Day Symposium offers a way for academics, health workers, and residents to discuss the projects and impact across the greater Philly region. Topics include climate change, substance use disorders, homelessness, and new approaches to addressing violence. Free with registration. (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Thursday, April 10: Pitch-A-Friend
Elder millennials are the focus of the latest in this series where people do 3- to 5-minute presentations on what makes their friend dateable. At the Pyramid Club in Center City. Submit a pitch request or Attend for free. (7:30 p.m.)
Thursday-Sunday, April 10-13: Botanicals in Bloom – A Secret Garden Speakeasy
Philadelphia Distilling hosts this immersive pop-up bar from 4 to 10 p.m. over four nights. Elaborate floral installations, a two-course cocktail prix fixe, paired with light bites. Plus, create your own bitters blend. Sunday also offers a Cocktails 101 class. Reservation-only for $45 per person.
Catch up on the previous week
‘Hands Off’ protest; SEPTA bus lane ticketing; Measles in Pa. | Morning roundup
PATCO Franklin Square reactions; NTSB I-95 collapse report; Summer youth jobs open | Morning roundup
Free Library job resources; PATCO Franklin Square reopens; East Mt. Airy safety concerns | Morning roundup
Pa. joins HHS lawsuit; Philly Photo Day; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup
Vision Zero talks; Philly Theatre Week; ‘Historic’ Aramark contract | Morning roundup
DIY public art tour; Ballpark menu and merch preview; Philly school budget strain | Morning roundup
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
