SEPTA trims budget, selects Key 2.0 vendor — with $230M pricetag
The SEPTA Key system is on its way out, to be replaced — about four years from now — by Key 2.0, which will be built by a different company.
The transit authority’s decision to order up a new payment system is the latest of a few significant developments in Philly transit and transport, including an expansion of the Indego bike-sharing network and a proposed mini-train along Columbus Boulevard. Continue reading …
‘Humans of Judaism’ exhibit runs through this weekend at Weitzman
The art installation talks to the state of Jewish people in the U.S. and around the world at a precarious, vulnerable time. The exhibit ends this weekend. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Turnpike toll upgrades could shrink Pennsylvania’s broadband deserts, as the state agency aims to be the middleman for high-speed internet. [Technical.ly]
• Philly Whole Foods workers at the 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue location are on track to become the first in the U.S. to vote to unionize. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Lawsuits mount against Philadelphia Register of Wills John Sabatina, including allegations that he fired employees who didn’t support him in the 2024 election. [Axios]
• Philly libraries are vital community hubs. However, many struggle to keep their heat on, with 29 branches closing at least once in 2024 due to heating issues. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• More speed cameras are coming to Philly, adding 42 cameras — an average of one in each direction per mile — over Route 13, which includes sections of Baltimore Avenue, 38th Street, Patton Avenue, 33rd and 34th streets, Girard Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Levick and Robin streets, and Frankford Avenue. [WHYY]
• Three years after a fire closed Sonny’s Cocktail Joint, the South Street bar is back open, with an added pool table and pizza. [PhillyVoice]
Neighborhood Notes
- Billy Penn is now available on Nextdoor and BlueSky!
- Vote in the 2025 Philly News Awards! Several Billy Penn and WHYY reporters and editors are nominated in various categories. Support BP staff whose work you’re a fan of! Voting open through Sunday, Feb. 3.
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public meetings scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 28-29: Chinatown Lunar New Year Midnight Parade
Welcome the Year of the Snake with fellow Philadelphians, complete with lion dancing, firecrackers, and music! Begins at 10 p.m. and continues through midnight. Another parade will be held during the day on Sunday, Feb. 2.
🌲 Friday, Jan. 31: Winter Nature Walk
Walk around the grounds of Glen Foerd and learn about plant and tree identification, birds, wildlife wintering strategies, and whatever else the group happens to stumble upon. Feel free to ask questions and make observations. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet by the public parking lot. Free with registration. (3 to 4:30 p.m.)
🍽️ Thursday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Feb. 8: Northern Liberties Restaurant Week
This 5th annual event features restaurants offering prix fixe dinner menus for three or more courses at $25, $35 and $45.
🦖 Friday, Jan. 31: Dinos After Dark
Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission and the Dino Drafts Beer Garden of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Explore the newest exhibit, Ice Dinosaurs and dream of warmer weather among Heirloom Plants, before learning about the Ecology of Fashion exhibit. (5 to 8 p.m.)
🎨 Friday, Jan. 31: Art Battle Philadelphia
12 artists, 3 rounds, 1 champion in Center City. Artists battle it out with every stroke of the paintbrush. Cast your vote and crown the live art champion in three rounds. Then bid on the one-of-a-kind masterpieces. $20-30 tickets. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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