Former UArts adjuncts, librarians and other staff reflect on its closure
As the sale of UArts buildings continues following the school’s abrupt and traumatic closure last year, former staff members – including adjunct staff, librarians and union members – spoke with Billy Penn’s Violet Comber-Wilen about their experience transitioning into life after UArts.
This is the second in a series about how the UArts community is coping, and where some of them are now. Continue reading…
East Passyunk Restaurant Week is here … with an eye on ‘value’
Against a background of inflation and food shortages, East Passyunk is getting passionate about affordable and uniquely creative meals with its 13th annual East Passyunk Restaurant Week, which runs through March 7.
“Dining out does not have to break the bank,” Sarah Cowell, of the East Passyunk Avenue BID, told BP’s Julia Binswanger. “Money is tight for everyone, and this gives us a nice opportunity to showcase these menus that are critically acclaimed.” View the map and continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Gov. Shapiro announced that more than $2 billion of federal funding for Pa. that had been cut off by the Trump Administration has been unfrozen and will be made available to the commonwealth. [Capital-Star]
• Pa.’s governing body for high school sports has removed its policy that allowed transgender athletes to compete in prep athletics, in order to follow President Trump’s executive order. [AP]
• UArts’ iconic Hamilton Hall on South Broad Street is being purchased by the same company that repurposed the Bok Building. Plans are to preserve it for artist workspaces and the attached Furness building for subsidized apartments for artists. [Inquirer$]
• Philadelphia Quakers are among the religious groups whose houses of worship should not be breached by immigration agents, a federal judge ruled on Monday. [6ABC]
• More bicycle lanes could come to Philly, connecting riders to the Schuylkill River Trail and Temple. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Who’s projecting Samsung ads on a Fitler Square high rise? [Fitler Focus]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor will attend a ribbon cutting for a new training center for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 98, at 4960 S 12th St. This center will house 300 to 500 apprentices who will receive daily training to excel in the electrical industry. (1:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Lunar New Year events and activities
🫶🏾 Black History Month events
❤️ Wednesday, Feb. 26: Labor of Love: A Black History Month Celebration
Philadelphia Youth Basketball‘s event on Wissahickon Avenue will highlight the contributions of Black workers across industries, from skilled trades and activism to mental health and entrepreneurship. Included are a keynote speech, panel discussions, Black Wall Street Market and food tastings. FREE. (5 to 9 p.m.)
🎶 Wednesday, Feb. 26: Night Side Songs Community Night
Enjoy light bites, a music performance, poetry reading and conversation with a member of the production’s creative team during this community-focused night of Philadelphia Theatre Company’s production. $30 to $65 tickets. (7 p.m.)
📖 Thursday, Feb. 27: Intro to Zine-making and Bookbinding
Do you have a story to tell, information to share or art/poems to display? Zines are a great way of sharing your ideas with your community. Learn 3 styles of zines and 2 styles of bookbinding, then make your own with guidance from artists at The Soapbox in Kingsessing! $55-60 tickets; Masks required. (6 to 9 p.m.)
🍺 Saturday, March 1: Philly Beer Fest: Winter
Try the best beer in town — all under the same roof at the 23rd Street Armory! $39 to $55 tickets. (12 to 9 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
