Vision Zero talks; Philly Theatre Week; ‘Historic’ Aramark contract

Bike lane and traffic safety advocates warmly applauded Council President Kenyatta Johnson at a Vision Zero conference Friday, some three years after he earned their lingering wrath for killing a road-narrowing project on a section of Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia. 

Here are a few notable moments from the conference. Continue reading…

Choose from 40+ performances during Philly Theatre Week

The 10-day festival is a chance to dabble — affordably — in the city’s theater diversity. It starts April 3 and lets audiences pay whatever they can. 

“Philly Theatre Week is a huge spotlight on the Philly theater community and not just the major theater companies, or even the midsize one, but also the smaller collectives,” said Sabriaya Shipley, executive director of Theatre Philadelphia, the theater community’s umbrella marketing organization that runs Philly Theatre Week. Continue reading… 

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Pennsylvania and New Jersey leaders warn that DOGE cuts to health agencies could limit care and services. [WHYY] 

• U.S. Rep. Scanlon and Delco seniors rallied outside the Social Security building amid the Trump administration’s cuts to the agency. [WHYY] 

• Rosemont College will merge with Villanova University starting in 2027, the two Catholic universities in Pa. announced. [CBS3] 

• Hundreds of Philly stadium-food workers won health insurance in “historic” contract agreement with Aramark. [WHYY]

• Philadelphia will skip property reassessments this year, keeping values steady. [Axios]

• Twenty staff were arrested at a Philly-area charter school and charged in connection with allegations of abuse of 26 children. [NBC] 

• April is Philly Jazz Month. Mid Atlantic Arts is celebrating with concerts and education opportunities. [WHYY] 

Philly DA Race 

Candidate appearances: 

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.

ON THE CALENDAR

👭🏽 Women’s History Month events in Philly
🙌🏽 WHYY Civic News Conference – April 4
🎭 College theater productions this spring

Tuesday, April 1: Neighborhood Budget Town Hall: SW Philly
The first in a series of town halls across Philly stops in Councilmember Gauthier’s 3rd District to give constituents another platform to advocate for what they would like to see in Philly’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) budget. At The Common Place, 5736 Chester Avenue. (6 p.m.)

Thursday, April 3: Getting Social
Come to the Disability Pride Center (112 N. 8th Street) and hang out, chat, and just get back to in-person socializing. Accessible room and restroom, with an elevator, air purifier, and enough seating options. Monthly. (12 to 3 p.m.)

Thursday, April 3: Understanding the City Budget: Investing in a Safer, Cleaner, and More Prosperous Philadelphia
The 2nd online webinar in a city budget learning series from the Committee of Seventy. This session will explore Mayor Parker’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, breaking down investments aimed at her priorities of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city, with economic opportunity for all. Free with registration. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

Thursday, April 3: Street Movies! Undercover with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
A curated screening of Middle Eastern shorts that combine politics with sci-fi and the supernatural. This program will feature an opening performance by Palestinian composer and Buzoq player, Jiryis Murkus Ballan. In Olde Kensington. Free with registration. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)

Thursday, April 3: Opening Night: 2nd annual Confluence Film Festival
This Earth Month (April), the Academy of Natural Sciences hosts the month-long festival showcasing films from regional filmmakers whose work addresses this year’s festival theme of Regeneration. Feature-length, short and documentary films; plus, hear from filmmakers, community-based organizations and advocates to learn how you can support the next generation of climate resilience. Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17 and 24. $10 per event.
(5 to 8:30 p.m.) 

Friday, April 4: Arts & Eats: First Fridays in Chestnut Hill
Art galleries and retailers extend their hours until 8pm, plus the local culinary scene serves up drink and food specials. See a map and list of participating businesses at this link.

Saturday, April 5: A Jazzy Affair in the Key of E
This free event at Bartram’s Garden celebrates the spring, equinox, and Jazz and Poetry Appreciation Month. Attendees will have the chance to experience live music, poetry, storytelling, songs, and drumming circles. Also: an open mic session, vendors, a wellness component with chair massage, yoga & meditation, learning to create an altar setting for your home, film screening, and information on mental health services. Rain or shine. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Saturday, April 5: Love City Cabaret Presents: Hope Sings
Join Love City for a night of hopeful show tunes in support of mental health. Singing favs from “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Pippin,” and more! At The Perch in East Kensington/Fishtown. $15 donation recommended with RSVP. Note: this is not a wholly accessible venue, with 3 steps to the front door. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)