Yesterday in Philly: Flower Show, Fixes, and Fare Fights
Welcome to Friday’s news—spring energy is in the air, there’s (still) potholes under our tires, and Philly’s sports gods just rewrote the record books. Here’s what locals were actually talking about yesterday.
🌱 Weekend Vibe: Flower Show Blooms
The Philadelphia Flower Show is back at the Convention Center, officially open and fully ‘Rooted’ (that’s this year’s theme). There’s five must-see exhibits for maximum plant envy, and if you need a break from the displays, a bunch of Philly bars & restaurants are running show-inspired specials. Pro tip: great people-watching this weekend, but it’ll be packed. Full preview here.
🚇 SEPTA Shuffle
Changes are coming above and underground. SEPTA’s Cecil B. Moore Station has new full-height fare gates installed to keep fare evaders in check (see the gates here), while up in the burbs, the agency approved a deal to turn Ambler Station's parking lot into new apartments (read more). And if you’re a trolley regular: beware, traffic cameras are about to start ticketing anyone blocking trolley lanes. Let’s see if drivers catch on (or catch a fine).
🏀🍀 Sports—Records, Roster Moves & Legends
All eyes were on Tyrese Maxey as he broke Allen Iverson’s franchise record for made three-pointers and led the Sixers to a much-needed win—plus, Joel Embiid played through pain. (full game breakdown) Fun timing: Philly Mag just crowned Iverson the single most “Philly” athlete ever. Also: Flyers’ rookie Matvei Michkov nabbed an OT winner (details), and Phillies injury updates are rolling in as Wheeler, Marsh, and more try to get healthy before Opening Day.
🛠️ Repairs & Revivals
Tired of slaloming around potholes? So are road crews, who finally got the OK to start patching up the city after a rough winter. Meanwhile, Franklin Mall is reopening today after last weekend’s fire.
🏛️ History, Weird Finds & Local Wins
Congressman Brendan Boyle introduced a bill to protect historic displays in Philly from censorship, right after the President’s House slavery and freedom exhibit was reinstalled. And Philly CBP agents just snagged a lost shipment of Bronze Age swords and arrowheads—no idea who was expecting those, but they’re now part of the city’s weird collection of “stuff we found at the port.” Also: Philadelphia Magazine scored two big national award noms.
☀️ The Forecast
It’s about to feel like spring—sunny skies and temps pushing 60° this weekend (weather update), but don’t ditch the coat. A colder snap (maybe even some snow) isn’t far behind (more here).
That’s it for now. Watch the trolley lanes (and your step in those potholes), and maybe go get inspired by some flowers. Back in your inbox tomorrow.
