🕳️ Sinkhole swallows another city street

🏫 New Report Paints Alarming Picture of Student Struggles

A comprehensive ten-year study by the advocacy group Children First describes the grim state of Philadelphia’s children — with nearly half of families struggling financially and 48% of students feeling sad or depressed. The number who enter school without the required vaccinations has increased fourfold. And nearly two-thirds did not pass the third grade reading assessments. [Chalkbeat]

🏍️ How Is the Police ATV Crackdown Going?

Following Mayor Parker’s campaign promise to crack down on illegal offroading, the Philadelphia Police Department seized more than 600 dirtbikes and ATVs last year – the most in five years. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the department is conducting enforcement operations three times a week. [Axios]

🕳️ Sinkhole Swallows SUV in Port Richmond

Port Richmond residents may be relieved to see water restored to their homes after a huge sinkhole disrupted service, but it’ll be a while until normalcy returns to the block. Crews recovered cars that were swallowed up by the gaping hole that has yet to be filled. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s geology and infrastructure, potholes and sinkholes are just a part of Philly life. [6ABC, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Spring is finally in the air as the weather warms up and the clocks jump forward. That makes March the perfect time to get out of the house and experience your city.

👟 Explore

Whether you have the magic touch when it comes to plants or simply enjoy looking at the florals, there’s something for everyone at the Philadelphia Flower Show. The largest and longest-running horticulture event in the country, this year’s show runs March 1-9. The theme for 2025 is Gardens of Tomorrow.

Ready to ride? As the Flower Show winds down, the Philly Bike Expo will take over the Convention Center on March 8 and 9. Attend seminars on how to make your life one big bike adventure, participate in a bike maintenance demo, and peruse tables from over 100 exhibitors.

Who has the best espresso martini in Philly? Choose your favorite at the Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Crawl on March 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste test drinks for $12 or less at 15 participating locations.

Celebrate and support our furry friends at Morris Animal Refuge’s 2025 Fur Ball Gala. The night of dancing, dinner, and silent auctions will raise funds so the refuge can continue its animal welfare mission. The gala will be at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum on March 28.

🎭 Performances

Esperanza Art Center is bringing three live performances to its Teatro in March. On March 1, fans of dance can watch Philadanco’s one-night-only performance based on African American traditions. On March 15, Keila Cordova will debut the world premiere of Di Buenos Días Si es de Noche, combining Panamanian culture and resistance with performances and live music. And Grammy-nominated artists Edmar Castaneña and Curtis Stewart will host Harlem Samba/Philly Salsa on March 22 to celebrate the legacy of the genres in the United States.

Dentro, which makes its U.S. premiere at Penn’s Harold Prince Theater, unravels the trauma stemming from a culture of silence in an abusive home. The play is performed in Italian with English supertitles. It will run March 13-15.

The Walnut Street Theater is closing out March with a production of the hit Broadway musical Dreamgirls. The story follows the Supremes-esque group through their rise to stardom as their friendships and creative direction are put to the test. The show will be on stage until May 4.