Could Philly’s soda tax actually go away?
It’s an old argument that some on Philadelphia City Council thought was settled years ago. Now, Councilmember Jim Harrity is resurrecting the idea that the city’s tax on sugary drinks actually costs the city revenue instead of raising funds. Continue reading …
City preps for NFC title game; closings start Saturday
The city is getting ready for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, and the closures will start Saturday. We share what will be closed this weekend. Short version: If Eagles win Sunday, avoid South Philly. Plus injury updates on Jalen Hurts and Quinyon Mitchell. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Newly elected Sen. Dave McCormick gave Republicans the needed 51st vote to push former Fox News host Pete Hegseth toward confirmation to lead the Defense Department. [Inquirer$]
• Philly officials say they’re ready for the prospect of immigration arrests at schools. Some disagree. [Chalkbeat]
• Purdue Pharma’s new $7.4B opioid settlement deal could net Pennsylvania and Delaware as much as $212 million and $27 million, respectively, in payouts. [WHYY]
• Nearly a dozen people testified at a City Council hearing about how changes in the Trump White House will be felt in Philadelphia. [WHYY]
• Ultimo Coffee’s Rittenhouse closed permanently amid prolonged union contract negotiations. [@phillyworkersunited/IG]
• At FringeArts, ‘Fallawayinto’ cherishes a forgotten champion of the transgender community. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor will join City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, elected officials, and community members in celebrating the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation’s 60 years of service in Philadelphia., at City Hall. (11:30 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
💭 Friday, Jan. 24: Opening Reception for “Fantasy’s Spell: The Art of Enchantment”
The Galleries at Moore College of Art & Design hosts this exhibition that “celebrates the fantastic through paintings, drawings, maps, weapons, and other works that sweep us away to imaginary realms.” Running through March 15. (5 to 7 p.m. opening reception)
👸🏽 Saturday, Jan. 25: Ice Princess Weekend & Brunch
Before their traditional free evening visit at 5pm, Princesses Elsa, Anna, Tiana, & Moana will host an exclusive brunch at 11 a.m. with food, music, singing, and more. The Princesses will be available for pictures. Brunch is $20 per child, $25 per adult. (11 a.m. brunch; 5 p.m. activities)
🎶 Saturday, Jan. 25: ALT 104.5 Winter Jawn
Download a free ticket to this outdoor concert at Xfinity Live!, featuring Judah and the Lion, Badflower, Dexter and the Moonrocks, and Gigi Perez. 1 p.m. doors open; 2 p.m. show.
🛍️ Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 25-26: Art Star Crap Bazaar
Stop by the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day for this art/craft rummage sale, with 25% of profits donated to the World Central Kitchen and The Sunday Love Project! Over 20 crafters are selling off “seconds”/overstock/samples/discontinued items at huge discounts. Donations welcome for No More Secrets, the nation’s first menstrual hub and uterine wellness center.)
🧧 Sunday, Jan. 26: Calligraphy Workshop
Learn how to write Chinese calligraphy on red paper, a tradition for Lunar New Year. Visit Ginger Arts Center and take home some decorations afterwards! RSVP here. (12 p.m.)
🍲 Monday, Jan. 27: Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) Dinner
Celebrate Têt with six of your favorite Philly Vietnamese Chefs from Le Viet, Gabriella’s, Cafe Nhan, Banh Mi & Bottles, Ba Le Bakery, and Jacob Trinh. $108+tax for a 6-course menu, lion dance, and mini market featuring AAPI entrepreneurs. (5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. seatings)
Catch up on the previous week
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