
#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Cool tones over the Delaware
(Photo by @photolope)
Lawsuit says ‘carelessness’ and ‘negligence’ were to blame for January plane crash that killed 8 in Northeast Philly
The families of two people who were on a medical jet that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia earlier this year — killing eight people and devastating the neighborhood — have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging “carelessness” and “negligence” by the plane’s owner. Continue reading …

In new play at Arden, a fully realized, fully human MLK Jr.
The Arden Theatre’s production of “The Mountaintop” stars Akeem Davis, playing a bone-weary Martin Luther King Jr. as he spends the last night of his life at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The play, which hit Broadway in 2011, depicts King as imperfectly, wonderfully human.
“I’m uninterested in the notion of a perfect person because I can’t relate to a perfect person,” Davis told Billy Penn. “I love to read about the fallible parts of great people because I want to know what their weaknesses were and what they did to overcome them.” Continue reading …

Jr.) in Arden Theatre Company’s production of
“The Mountaintop.” (Photo courtesy of
Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvanians are scrambling to afford Affordable Care Act health insurance price hikes after no subsidy deal in Congress. [WHYY]
• The White House is launching a foster care scholarship program, especially with faith-based colleges, but Philly child welfare experts see gaps in resources for prevention, housing and relationships. [WHYY]
• Pennsylvania’s new budget creates requirements for how schools teach reading. [Chalkbeat]
• Philadelphia’s Market East corridor is poised for change. Here’s what to know. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• A lawsuit was filed against Med Jets, the company that operated the medical jet that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia in January, killing eight people. [NBC10]
• After 200 years, Philadelphia’s Jefferson University now has a school song. [WHYY]
• The term “6-7” is everywhere, but what exactly does it mean? It’s tricky. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will hold a press conference to sign an executive order that outlines the city’s updated contracting and procurement policies aimed at promoting equitable economic participation, at African American Chamber for Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware, 2005 Market St., Suite 325. (2 p.m.)
The mayor will attend the 23rd annual Jefferson Health Gala, at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
💬 Billy Penn Town Hall on opioid addiction (Weds., 11/19 @ 5:30 p.m.)
🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Bridging Blocks | Invisible Barriers: How Ableism Affects Accessibility
How does Philadelphia show up for its residents living with a disability? What services are currently available and what can be improved? How did we get here and how do we move forward? Join the WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia. At Parkway Central. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Nov. 18: MISSION Story Slam 13: Braver Today
A storytelling competition for the nonprofit and sustainable business communities in the Philadelphia region. Storytellers tell five-minute stories competing for donations to their favorite nonprofit. $10 tickets. (Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Hike & Sit: A Community Hike + Climate Justice Conversation Series
Reconnect with nature while shaping a healthier future for Germantown. This series brings people together for hikes, conversations and planning sessions focused on climate justice and local issues like extreme heat, poor air quality and the lack of tree cover. Free to RSVP. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Spring Garden Connector Open House
An opportunity for the community to preview the Preliminary Engineering design that is being advanced for Spring Garden Street, share your thoughts and feedback, and discuss the designs with the Project Team. At the Department of Education building at 440 N. Broad Street. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Singles Party
Drink specials, a live DJ, icebreaker activities, and a complimentary Matchmaking Membership. Ages 30-45. At Twisted Tail. $25 tickets. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 20: Manayunk Tree Lighting
Annual tree-lighting ceremony at Canal View Park (4418 Main St.), with live performances by SJU City Belles, John Viscardi, Emily Drinker and Santa Claus!. Plus, launch the fifth annual Manayunk Gets Lit decorating competition. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 20: Taste of Fairmount
Enjoy dishes and drinks from the neighborhood’s best restaurants, chefs and culinary experiences. Music by DJ OLUWAFEMI. Vote for your favorites! At Girard College’s Founder’s Hall. $90 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 20: Philly’s Fall Fling
Lunge Run Club Philly & Two Robbers Fishtown invites you to come Pitch-a-Friend OR participate in their live Blindfolded Dating Show. $23.18 tickets. (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 21: Two Locals Comedy Open Mic
Join comedians Nicole Phoenix and Zoe Dixon for Two Locals Brewing’s monthly comedy open mic. Free to attend. (7 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 21: Barnes Foundation Young Professionals Night
An unforgettable evening of art, music, film, and connection amid the “lush, hypnotic world of ‘Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets,’” the Barnes’ newest exhibit. Dress code: jewels and jewel tones. $35 tickets; $18 students. (7 to 11 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Nov. 21-23: Philly Animation Festival
The first annual event at Moore College of Art & Design. Celebrate the artistry of animation from Philadelphia and around the globe. Enjoy film screenings, workshops, and family friendly events. Plus the College’s animation artist panel, Game Changers. $10 per screening; $30 unlimited 3-day pass.
Through Sunday, Nov. 23: Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival
25+ films, documentaries, shorts and digital media focused on Jewish-themed storytelling. Plus, live events, networking parties, digital installations and a “Digital Chutzpah” minifest, focused on innovation. The festival is also available virtually.
The post Plane crash suit; MLK’s last night; ‘6-7’ explained | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.

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