#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Renovation in-progress at City Hall
(Photo by @billlent)
‘ICE is already here’: Councilmembers offer package to counter federal anti-immigrant surge
As rumors swirl of a potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Philadelphia, two councilmembers are proposing new restrictions on the activities of federal agents in the city.
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau announced the proposed legislation at a raucous rally with immigrant advocacy groups and other elected officials outside City Hall on Tuesday morning. Continue reading …
Which Philly neighborhoods are being left in the cold?
Following heavy snow last weekend, there are still many roads, sidewalks and bike lanes left unplowed throughout the city. The city’s “StreetSmartPHL” dashboard gives a look into which streets the city has plowed or salted. Who’s getting plowed? Who isn’t? And what about the rest of the week? Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• John Fetterman said he won’t vote against DHS funding. Every House Democrat from Pa. is urging him to change his mind. [Inq$$]
• Gov. Shapiro joined the city of Philadelphia in a lawsuit challenging the Trump admin’s removal of the President’s House exhibit about enslaved people owned by President George Washington’s. [Capital-Star/Billy Penn]
• In Philly schools news, the district will have another remote learning day today as the city continues snow and ice removal work + What to know about the city’s plans to close 20 schools next year. [Chalkbeat/WHYY]
• All Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores will close, including three in Philly and three in Bucks County, in order to focus more on Whole Foods stores. [WPST]
• Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter joins those calling for boycott of the World Cup in the U.S. [AP]
• Philly’s Chinatown arena debate echoes through James Ijames’ ‘Good Bones.’ [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Cherelle Parker will attend a beam signing ceremony at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, marking a major construction milestone for the hospital’s new Roberts Children’s Health building. (1:30 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Tips about violent threats to schools are up in Philly. Experts say that might be a good thing. [Chalkbeat]
- Checkmate Violence tournament aims to prevent Philadelphia gun violence through school chess. [Chalkbeat]
- Philadelphia’s city beautification efforts could reduce violent crime, Penn researchers say. [TheDP.com]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 5: Shooting victims recorded from Jan. 18 to 25, with 0 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 9 shooting victims were recorded, including 1 fatality. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 9: Year-to-date homicides, down 36% vs. last year’s pace; down 78% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Jan 28: Public Hearing: Equitable Public Budgeting
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke and the People’s Budget Office invite you to a hearing of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy. At City Hall. Free to register and attend. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan 28: 52nd Street Commercial Corridor Design Open House
Give input and suggestions on block-by-block initial design concepts to help shape the 52nd Street Corridor, from Arch Street to Pine Street. At Global Leadership Academy Southwest at 5200 Pine St. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Booked N Bossy Adult Book Fair
An adult book fair and swap at Strangelove’s at 216 S. 11th Street. Enjoy happy hour cocktails and themed drinks, plus games. Bring new or gently used books. Feel free to wrap it as a surprise read for Blind Date with a Book. $18 tickets. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Tavern Revolution 250: The French Influence on America’s Founding
Join WHYY in Lafayette Hill for a discussion of how France’s support for the colonists proved vital to the American fight for freedom from British imperialism. Featuring revolutionary trivia and live comedic improv. At Brittingham’s Restaurant, in use as a tavern, inn, dance hall, pub and restaurant for more than 272 years. Free with RSVP. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Bridging Blocks | Aging in the City
35% of older Philadelphians live below or near the poverty line, and in the U.S, the number senior households spending more than half of their income on housing has more than doubled — from 5.2 million to nearly 11.7 million, according to federal data. Is Philadelphia doing everything possible to ensure our oldest residents can live comfortably and safely? What is it like for older residents in the city and what can be improved? At Parkway Central Library. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: People Talking: On Art and Gardens
This two-part program at Calder Gardens is composed of a screening of Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf, followed by a conversation between Thomas Piper, the film’s director, and Taylor Zakarin, the associate curator of High Line Art, New York. $35 tickets ($25 for members) include gallery access before the event. (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Folk & Community Arts Meet-Up
An informal gathering for local folk, traditional, and community-based artists, hosted by the Philadelphia Folklore Project and Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School (FACTS). Connect, learn about one another’s work, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Free with RSVP. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Philly is UNRIVALED presented by Tonya Pendleton & Stacey Pearl
A welcome party celebrating women’s pro basketball and Philly culture – featuring tequila tasting and Quizzo. At Two Locals Brewing. Free to attend, but $12.51 tickets include tequila and merch. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: East Passyunk After Hours
East Passyunk comes alive at night with this takeover of a business storefront for a DIY show. Groove and explore while supporting late-night business. At Capri Dessecker REMAX at 1842 Passyunk Avenue. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 30: A World in the Making: The Shakers: Opening Celebration
Join the opening of “A World in the Making: The Shakers” exhibit, exploring the design legacy of the Shakers, a religious group whose values of community, labor, and equality shaped their furniture, architecture, and everyday objects. Includes live music and light refreshments. Free with RSVP. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Winter Wellness Market
Head to Kirkbride Arts & Apartments in Bridesburg for a day of socializing and shopping for jewelry, woodworking, candles, soap, clothing, textiles, artwork, home decor, food and more. Free. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners
Join Sip & Script at Love City Brewing, whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual. $65 tickets include a drink ticket, a lesson in the basics, a beginner’s calligraphy kit to keep and practice materials. (2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Pea Soup Dinner
Warm up on a chilly winter’s night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Dinner is served with sharp Swedish cheese, mustard, and bread, with Swedish pancakes and coffee for dessert. There will also be a cash bar. $35 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 1: Drunk Black History
The critically acclaimed show has finally made it to “the city of brotherly love”! This show is 21 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. 18+ with parent or legal guardian over 30. $34.05 tickets. (Bar opens at 6 p.m.; Show at 7 p.m.)
The post Anti-ICE rally; Slow snow cleanup; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
