SEPTA is again warning of potential deep service cuts and big fare hikes, and the new doomsday scenario is worse than before.
Unless the state helps the transit authority plug its annual budget deficit, in August it will eliminate 32 bus routes, reduce service on the Metro (El), Regional Rail and other bus lines, and end special services for ballgames and other events, interim general manager Scott Sauer said. And it would get worse in 2026. Continue reading …
The Wilma Theater’s upcoming production of “Archduke” will be the first play directed by Wilma’s co-founder Blanka Zizka since she retired four years ago.
While it looks back at the 1914 assassination that sparked World War I, the play provides insights into our present moment as well. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Critics fear Trump admin’s logging order will harm mature trees, endangered species at Pa.’s only national forest. [Spotlight PA]
• Pennsylvania is recruiting bilingual workers with a pay incentive pilot program. [WHYY]
• No reason was given as board ousts the president of Community College of Philadelphia. [Billy Penn]
• Tariff talk dominated former commerce secretary Wilbur Ross’s Temple appearance. [Temple News]
• The Philly metro loses hundreds of federal government jobs as more IRS layoffs loom. [WHYY]
• Great news for Southwest Philly residents: the Kingsessing Library has reopened after $7 million in renovations that added a teen and child reading area, elevator, window and roof upgrades, new lighting and HVAC improvements. [West Philly Local]
• Paul Dry reflects on more than two decades as an essential piece of Philly’s publishing scene. [Billy Penn]
• The Lombard Circle ramp to I-95 in Philly is closing for 2 years. Here’s what you need to know. [NBC10]
• Looking for a unique print? printPhilly! fair returns for its third year this weekend. [Billy Penn]
Philly DA Race
Candidate appearances:
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public appearances scheduled for Friday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 College theater productions this spring
🎞️ WHYY/Indie Lens Pop-Up Community Screenings – April 6-12
Saturday, April 12: Now + Then Market: Ready, Set, Bloom
The market blooms under the El and inside & outside Star|Bolt restaurant & bar located at 1936 Front Street and across the street from Five Sisters, which launches their seasonal flavors. 50+ local small business vendors. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, April 12: Block Pawty
Bring your furry friends out to the brewery for a day all about them, featuring dog-themed vendors, music, food trucks, beer tents, face-painting, and more. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, April 12: Death & Taxes Tour
Join the team at Christ Church Burial Ground for a tour exploring Ben Franklin’s legacy through the graves of his family, friends, and fellow revolutionaries. Along the way, they’ll share fascinating stories, little-known facts, and his most memorable sayings, offering a deeper look at the man behind the legend. $10 per person. (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 12: Not One Sparrow Is Forgotten concert
Philly’s own vocal collective, Convoco (@convocoensemble), presents a program focused on healing and reconciliation for groups of individuals living in fear, exile or isolation at this specific moment in time. Featuring works of Barber, DiOrio, Gesualdo, Pärt, Purcell, Tavener, and others. In the First Presbyterian Church of Germantown. (7 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday, April 12-13: 2nd annual MusiCoLab’s Spotlight Series 3×30
Part of Philadelphia Theatre Week, Spotlight 3×30 will feature thirty-minute excerpts from three new musicals being developed by Philly creators. $20 tickets.
Sunday, April 13: Latino Market opening day
Celebrate the start of the market’s season across from the skate park in FDR Park. 12 vendors will be on hand every Sunday with tacos, pupusas, fresh cut fruit, agua fresca and more. (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Sunday, April 13: People’s Budget 101: South Philly
Through May, the People’s Budget hosts a series of free community workshops across Philly discussing the City Budget process and what residents want to see funded. Contribute to a collective artwork about your neighborhood’s funding priorities. This edition is at the Bok Building. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, April 13: 1984 Cakes Family Friendly Cookie Decorating
6 Easter-shaped cookies with all the tools and icing needed to decorate. Adults enjoy a glass of wine and finger foods. Each $70 ticket includes one parent and one child working on the same 6 cookies. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, April 13: The Yards Quizzo Cup
Quizzo, a live show, live music, and the winning team wins an actual cup that will then be held above the bar at Yards with their team name. Teams of up to 8 players can compete and winners can drink out of the cup. Doors open at 2; show begins at 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 13: ‘Takes a Village Storyhour
Bring the whole family to Germantown to enjoy tales representing black and brown peoples, play, and foster community. (3 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Hefty fines for dumping; Women’s sports fans seek a home; Carnaval de Puebla is canceled | Morning roundup
Bradley Cooper’s NYC cheesesteak reviewed; Artists race clock; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup
Public health workers at risk; Latino Restaurant Week; Intensifying rain | Morning roundup
‘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
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