Sixers, Comcast reach deal to build new arena in South Philly
The Sixers, Comcast Spectacor and city officials held a marathon news conference Monday to explain how they — along with several pro sports commissioners, apparently — reached a deal to keep the Sixers in the stadium complex. One of the things that brought everyone together was the desire to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia.
Soon after, at the Friendship Arch in Chinatown, arena opponents gathered for a day-after celebration and shared who they fought for, what they learned, and how they’d like to see Market East resuscitated.
Feds grant nearly $40 million to make city safer and friendlier for its residents
Philly will receive federal Transportation Dept. funds to the tune of $23.3 million for the Eakins Oval and Parkway work, as well as $13.7 million for a plan to close a critical gap in the Schuylkill River Trail.
The funding means that years of on-again, off-again planning to calm the chaotic mix of pedestrian and auto traffic between Eakins Oval and the Rocky steps can finally move ahead. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Citing Pa. students’ low reading scores, advocates have formed a coalition to improve literacy. [Chalkbeat]
• A 125-year-old golden crown was stolen from St. John the Evangelist church in Center City. [PhillyVoice]
• Dr. Larry Kaiser, former head of Temple Health Services, will become CEO of the historic Mütter Museum and College of Physicians amid a turbulent transition. [WHYY]
• Five quilts from Cut & Sew PHL in Mt. Airy were chosen for the QuiltCon national convention this year. [WHYY]
• SEPTA’s first female train engineer celebrates retirement after 40 years of service. [CBS3]
• Group therapy meets Dungeons & Dragons in this Philadelphia therapist’s mental health practice. [WHY}}
• The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run will kick off a little earlier, at 7 a.m., this year. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events on her schedule today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏠 Tuesday, Jan. 14: “The Invisible Unhoused” Bridging Blocks event
WHYY and the Free Library hosts conversations to discuss issues affecting Philadelphians every day. This one focuses on the challenges faced by those who are housing insecure, and what barriers prevent Philly from solving its housing crisis. Register at whyy.org/events.
👂🏼 Tuesday, Jan. 14: The Phillypino Oral History Project: Exhibition
Closing night at the Free Library for this intergenerational, community-based oral history and photography project capturing the rich narratives of Filipino immigrants who arrived in Philadelphia, particularly in the 1980s, after the collapse of martial law imposed by dictator Ferdinand Marcos, or earlier. (8 p.m.)
🏠 Tuesday, Jan. 14: Climate Storytelling Festival
Join WHYY News Climate Desk to meet and learn about the Climate Fixers in our region who are working hard to heal the planet. Dinner served. Register at whyy.org/events. (4 p.m.)
📖 Wednesday, Jan. 15: An Evening with Josh Gad
Listen to the man behind the voice of Olaf in “Frozen” and Elder Cunningham in Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon” talk about existential dread and his debut memoir. $66-96 tickets include a signed copy of “In Gad We Trust.” (7 p.m.)
🎞️ Thursday, Jan. 16: THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN – Philly Premiere
Inspired by a real-life series of events in 2019, a troubled young man launches a bizarre crime spree against the citizens of Toronto in this thriller-comedy, premiering at PhilaMOCA. $14.93 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
🎭 Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 16-18: Plays & Players Presents “In the Continuum”
This production puts a human face on the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa and America through the lives of two unforgettably courageous women, one in South Central LA and the other in Zimbabwe. $10 tickets. Suitable for ages 13+. (7:30 p.m.)
🕵🏼 Daily: Self-guided Outdoor Escape Game: Ben Franklin’s Murder Mystery Tour!
Join Ben Franklin to chat with 18th Century leaders, investigate clues, learn secrets about the city, and ultimately uncover who the true killer is. $7 for individuals, $13.29 for couples, $28 for 3-6 people. (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
