{"id":694810,"date":"2026-03-31T12:37:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/694810\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T12:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:37:16","slug":"pothole-squads-rental-protection-worker-tax-credit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/694810\/","title":{"rendered":"Pothole squads; Rental protection; Worker tax credit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Art is all around us<br \/>(Photo by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DWJRQu3kfDD\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">@thetinybun<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>As grumbling peaked last month over Philly\u2019s bumper crop of seasonal potholes, Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed creating six new \u201cpothole squads\u201d to proactively patch damaged roads \u2014 along with a new tax to pay for them.<\/p>\n<p>But the new tax on\u00a0retail deliveries is already facing opposition.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/?p=222306\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Continue reading\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_4679-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-222310\"  \/>A deep pothole sits in the crosswalk at the intersection of 5th and Brown streets in Northern Liberties. (Mark Eichmann\/WHYY)<\/p>\n<p>For the second time this month, city\u00a0lawmakers have advanced contested legislation aimed at enhancing and expanding protections for city renters.<\/p>\n<p>City Council\u2019s housing committee approved two bills Monday following a public hearing prompted by a recent court settlement between the city and two landlords.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/whyy.org\/articles\/philadelphia-renter-protection-bills-city-council\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Continue reading\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"441\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-31-at-7.58.39-AM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-222332\"  \/>Philadelphia City Councilmember Nicolas O\u2019Rourke with Councilmember Jim Harriity. (Emma Lee\/WHYY)<\/p>\n<p>RECAP: What else happened?<\/p>\n<p>$ = paywalled<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 With a little over two weeks to go before tax filings are due, Pennsylvania officials\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/whyy.org\/articles\/pennsylvania-gov-josh-shapiro-working-pennsylvanians-tax-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">are ramping up efforts to raise awareness about a new tax credit<\/a>\u00a0aimed at delivering direct financial relief to working families. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0With $4.5B on the line, Pennsylvania business owners are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/penncapital-star.com\/economy\/with-4-5b-on-the-line-pa-businesses-seek-tariff-refunds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">among a coalition of 1,100 small businesses seeking tariff refunds<\/a>. [Capital-Star]<\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/philadelphia\/news\/tsa-phl-wait-times-government-shutdown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">start getting paid, but plenty of questions remain<\/a>. [CBS3]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 An Uber program that gives free rides to seniors\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phillyvoice.com\/uber-free-rides-seniors-northeast-philly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">expands to Northeast Philly<\/a>. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 A\u00a0new year-round program called Weeknight Live\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcphiladelphia.com\/news\/local\/new-program-to-bring-live-performances-from-local-artists-across-philly\/4376780\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">aims to bring live music from local artists to several hospitality businesses<\/a>\u00a0across the city on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. [NBC10]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0Stage and screen star Max von Essen g<a href=\"https:\/\/epgn.com\/2026\/03\/31\/max-von-essen-philly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">oes \u2018Old Fashioned\u2019 for Philly debut<\/a>. [PGN]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>MAYOR WATCH<\/p>\n<p>Mayor Parker speaks at the 47th annual Pennsylvania AFL-CIO State Convention at 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Downtown.<\/p>\n<p>At 11 a.m., Parker speaks at the Visit PA Playmakers Pep Rally kicking off Pennsylvania\u2019s \u201chistoric year ahead.\u201d At 121 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard.<\/p>\n<p>Then at 2 p.m., Parker commemorates Transgender Day of Visibility with a City Hall flag raising on the North Apron at 1400 JFK Blvd. to recognize the contributions of transgender people in Philadelphia and across the nation.<\/p>\n<p>ON THE CALENDAR<\/p>\n<p>\u26bd\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2026\/03\/02\/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-guide-games-brazil-france-croatia-haiti-usmnt-july-fourth\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Billy Penn\u2019s FIFA World Cup Guide<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf38\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2026\/03\/26\/heres-where-you-can-see-cherry-blossoms-in-philly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cherry blossoms around town\u00a0<\/a><br \/>\ud83d\udecd\ufe0f\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2026\/03\/19\/philly-unique-thrift-stores-secondhand-vintage-shops\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Thrifty in Philly guide<\/a><br \/>\ud83d\udcda\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2026\/02\/09\/book-lovers-guide-readers-philly\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Book lovers\u2019 guide to Philly<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udf79\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2026\/01\/18\/alcohol-free-bars-restaurants-philadelphia-beyond-dry-january\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Non-alcoholic Philly<\/a><br \/>\ud83c\udfc3\ud83c\udffd\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2025\/04\/28\/running-groups-guide-list-philadelphia-area\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Philly Runners Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tuesday, March 31:\u00a0No Arena: Making a Movement | Opening Reception<\/strong><br \/>The \u201cNo Arena\u201d movement was a landmark moment for the power of everyday people organizing against displacement. On the occasion of America\u2019s 250th Anniversary, this exhibit highlights a decentralized grassroots movement that was led by people of color, serving as a model for what our democracy can be.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/no-arena-making-a-movement-opening-reception-tickets-1984635998697?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">At Asian Arts Initiative. Free with RSVP<\/a>. (6 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wednesday, April 1:\u00a0In-Person Taxes for Artists Workshop<\/strong><br \/>\u200bWhether you\u2019re getting grants, selling or performing art, self-employed, or have an LLC, filing your taxes can be a confusing process. Join this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/luma.com\/crdq34ww\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">free in-person tax workshop facilitated by Logan Cryer from Philly Tax Prep for Artists<\/a>. (6 to 7 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wednesday, April 1:\u00a0Opera on Tap Philly Presents: Fool for Love<\/strong><br \/>Hear operatic tales of fantasy and romance and find your next favorite book perusing A Novel Idea\u2019s expansive library on East Passyunk Ave.. Seats are limited.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/opera-on-tap-philly-presents-fool-for-love-tickets-1984595590836?aff=ebdsshother&amp;utm_share_source=home-feed_android&amp;sg=01555a03e169c77c8a630f58e2eb7854a4c29e9b64b385f9eae31d32b4893499d5ed4ef111dae1348d902c62c1e49b382d2dae40fa2d19da052b5b986ec0e6aca450c9616edc5f0ae1254d19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$35 tickets; $17.85 standing room<\/a>. (7 to 9 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thursday, April 2: The Beating Heart of the Community: Cecil B. Moore Library\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>Join Design Advocacy, the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition and local advocates as they share the history and value of Cecil B. Moore Library, a vital neighborhood resource. Zoom\/Online.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/designadvocacy.org\/dag-projects\/the-beating-heart-of-the-community-cecil-b-moore-library?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnW7ZCEpma3QRgf8FVI1zP0W7LGpGcVPZOiIBk5iTEpSGvKj57IGkrLQ_R3hw_aem_Sy11HAWXqQbq7yWnDFFzRQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Free to register.<\/a>\u00a0(9 to 10:30 a.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thursday, April 2:\u00a0A \u201cLiving Archive\u201d exhibition at the Colored Girls Museum\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>An exhibition featuring teams from CAPA, SLA Beeber, and Bodine high schools. Includes live jazz performances.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSfuz0mI4akrvSBwc193tMmwW4j9DPE19maSe4pZeqpBcO3FkA\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Free RSVP<\/a>. At 4613 Newhall Street. (1 to 6 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thursday, April 2:\u00a0Confluence Film Festival opening<\/strong><br \/>A month-long environmental film series held each April in celebration of Earth Month, with screenings every Thursday evening. Presented in partnership with BlackStar Projects, cin\u00e9SPEAK, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and the Philadelphia Latino Arts &amp; Film Festival. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cSeeding the Future.\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ansp.org\/experience\/events\/confluence-film-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$10 tickets<\/a>. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thursday, April 2:\u00a0Break My Game Playtesting<\/strong><br \/>Come playtest board games designed by local independent game designers!\u00a0Help designers make their games better by providing Constructive Feedback during their design process. Your voice helps a good game become great.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/break-my-game-playtesting-philadelphia-pa-the-board-brew-registration-1955684106809?aff=ebdsshother&amp;utm_share_source=home-feed_android&amp;sg=01555a03e169c77c8a630f58e2eb7854a4c29e9b64b385f9eae31d32b4893499d5ed4ef111dae1348d902c62c1e49b382d2dae40fa2d19da052b5b986ec0e6aca450c9616edc5f0ae1254d19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Free with RSVP<\/a>. (6 to 9 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friday to Saturday, April 3-4:\u00a0Trust, Truth and the Future of Local News<\/strong><br \/>WHYY News and Bridging Blocks host their third civic news conference to explore best practices for newsrooms to engage their communities in the practice of civic journalism. Prioritizing IRL initiatives that build connections for local communities has emerged as an audience strategy for WHYY and other local newsrooms.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.whyy.org\/page\/92793\/event\/1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Free with registration<\/a>. (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friday, April 3:\u00a0BLK TEA: Sip &amp; Shoot Philly- Tea &amp; Portrait Experience<\/strong><br \/>A curated afternoon of premium tea, Philly-made snacks, and a professional portrait session. \u201cNo filters needed. No occasion required. Just you, celebrated.\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/blk-tea-sip-shoot-philly-tea-portrait-experience-tickets-1984485799447\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$30 tickets<\/a>.\u00a0(6 to 8:30 p.m.)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friday, April 3: Illuminate Kensington\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>An immersive night of projection mapping and light installations stretching across East Kensington.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatekensington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Presented by East Kensington Arts<\/a>. Head to Philadelphia Brewing\u2019s parking lot to grab a map at the WKAC booth, then wander the route. (7 to 11 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friday, April 3:\u00a0WICKED PHILADELPHIA \u2013 Dirty, Scary, and Buried in Philly Tour (SocietyHill)<\/strong><br \/>Explore Philly\u2019s sinful past \u2013 scandals, fatal romances, serial killers, buried secrets and haunted buildings.\u00a0Come ready for ghost stories, forbidden affairs, and the beautifully messed-up past beneath the cobblestones. Ages 18+ walking tour; BYO water and walking shoes.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/wicked-philadelphia-dirty-scary-and-buried-in-philly-tour-societyhill-tickets-1985336831908?aff=ebdsshother&amp;utm_share_source=home-feed_android&amp;sg=01555a03e169c77c8a630f58e2eb7854a4c29e9b64b385f9eae31d32b4893499d5ed4ef111dae1348d902c62c1e49b382d2dae40fa2d19da052b5b986ec0e6aca450c9616edc5f0ae1254d19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$44.52 per person; group deals available<\/a>. (8 to 10 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saturday, April 4:\u00a0West Philadelphia Spring Festival<\/strong><br \/>Enjoy music, an egg hunt for the kids (BYO baskets!), food, and activities for everyone. Celebrate spring with friends and family in the heart of West Philly. At School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DWCiz9QmuP5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">FREE<\/a>. (12 to 4 p.m.)<\/p>\n<p>\t<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY Art is all around us(Photo by\u00a0@thetinybun) As grumbling peaked last month over Philly\u2019s bumper&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":694811,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5132],"tags":[5229,47528,1448,2830,1311,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-694810","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-philadelphia","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-morning-roundup","10":"tag-pa","11":"tag-pennsylvania","12":"tag-philadelphia","13":"tag-united-states","14":"tag-united-states-of-america","15":"tag-unitedstates","16":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","17":"tag-us","18":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116323827767172030","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=694810"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694810\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/694811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=694810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=694810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=694810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}