Parker enacts long recommended split for L&I Department
Last month, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced she was splitting the Streets Dept. in two. Then last week, she announced another split, this time of the critical and oft-criticized Dept. of Licenses & Inspections.
L&I now will have two leaders: one to make sure contractors and builders follow safety and construction codes, and the other in charge of business licenses and enforcing various quality of life laws. BP investigative reporter Meir Rinde dives into L&I’s history and what Parker’s plans are. Continue reading…
Pho Skyline brings Vietnamese cuisine to the Italian Market
Despite its name, Pho Skyline is a ground-floor venue, a cozy 34-seat set-up at the former Sabrina’s Café on 910 Christian Street. The restaurant opened last week, with a menu that runs the gamut from banh mi to rice crepes, and with over 20 options for pho.
Business partners Vincent Tran and Kiet Trinh describe the word “skyline” as exuding an optimism that the two have carried through nearly two decades working in Philly restaurants and catering. BP’s Ali Mohsen gives a peek into the new Italian Market spot. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• One in three Republicans and 18% of Americans believe the latest Taylor Swift election conspiracy theory to get Biden re-elected as president, according to a new poll from Monmouth University. [Inquirer$]
• Former Philadelphia police inspector Joseph Bologna was acquitted of assault in the use of a baton during an encounter with a protester in a 2020 racial injustice demonstration. [AP]
• Complaints of abandoned vehicles led the list of issues reported to 311 in 2023. [Axios]
• Kensington residents are using Park Friends groups to advocate for their parks. Here’s how the groups work. [Kensington Voice]
• Philly schools have required an African American history class to graduate since 2005, and education experts say it remains one of the few cities and states that integrates these lessons into its larger curriculum. [The74]
• Pennsylvania’s 2024 PA One Book is a rhyming picture book titled “Slug in Love.” [PA.gov]
• A new restaurant at Suburban Station will bring a Chocolate Speakeasy and modern Italian cuisine the JFK Blvd. [PhillyMag$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker spent part of Valentine’s Day performing her first wedding since becoming mayor. The nuptials helped relaunch Wedding Wednesdays which will run from March through August.
Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🐟 Learn about sturgeon and other amazing fish of the Delaware River Basin at this WHYY-hosted event at the Academy of Natural Sciences. RSVP; donations welcome. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15)
💃🏽 Get schooled in how to slay at the Abbott Elementary Drag & Burlesque Show at Franky Bradley’s. $10 tickets. (8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16)
📜 Learn about U.S. and Philly history from the perspective of African Americans. Tickets start at $20. (2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, Monday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 24)
🍻 Toast to whatever jawn you like at the Philly Beer Fest, which brings beer, live music, food, and more to the 23rd St. Armory. Tickets start at $50. (12 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17)
Catch up on the previous week
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