#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Path through the storm
(Photo by @kslouf)
South Philly’s El Carnaval de Puebla cancelled for second year
El Carnaval de Puebla, the annual celebration of Mexican culture in South Philadelphia, has been cancelled for a second straight year over concerns that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could use the event as an opportunity to detain participants who are suspected to be undocumented.
“The atmosphere is tense,” Edgar Ramirez, the founder of Philatinos Radio and a coordinator for the Carnaval, said through a translator. “If we do it, people will come, but I think it’s also our responsibility not to expose them if it’s not necessary.” Continue reading …
The tick-borne red meat allergy that can really put a damper on dining out
A tick-borne allergy that causes a potentially fatal reaction to red meat sounds like every meat lovers’ worst dream. But it’s all too true.
Alpha-gal syndrome has migrated to the Mid-Atlantic states with climate change. How is it affecting dining? And what can we learn from folks who have experienced allergies to red meat? Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• In Philly, protesters this weekend condemned U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, while some Venezuelans living here expressed “mixed emotions”: “I think this was the only way that Maduro was going to leave Venezuela.” [WHYYx2]
• Pa.’s provisional ballot rejection rate dropped dramatically after an envelope redesign spearheaded by Philadelphia. [PhillyVoice]
• Congressional candidates and business owners react to the end of healthcare subsidies: “It’s a betrayal.” [CBS3/Philadelphia Tribune]
• Local LGBTQ+ artists named 2025 Pew Fellows, expanding queer narratives in a time of cultural pushback. [PGN]
• CBS Philadelphia anchor Jim Donovan set the Guinness record for largest sock collection. [Inq$]
• Eagles will play 4:30 p.m. next Sunday vs. 49ers after regular-season-ending loss to Washington. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will attend the ceremonial inauguration honoring newly elected and re-elected District Attorney, City Controller, and Municipal and Common Pleas Court judges for the city, at Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad Street. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will speak at a press conference addressing twice-weekly trash collection at Somerset Street and E. Ormes Street. The mayor will attend the ceremonial inauguration honoring newly elected and re-elected District Attorney, City Controller, and Municipal and Common Pleas Court judges for the city, at Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad Street. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will speak at a press conference addressing twice-weekly trash collection at Somerset Street and E. Ormes Street. (2 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Jan. 6: “All Creatures Great and Small” Preview Screening
Join WHYY for a preview screening of the first episode of “All Creatures Great and Small” Season 6! A relaxed and welcoming evening complete with movie snacks and festive beverages. Free with registration. (5:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 6: The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution
Join the American Philosophical Society and The Library Company of Philadelphia to hear from Joyce E. Chaplin on Benjamin Franklin’s scientific innovation and consumer invention, the Franklin stove. Free with registration. (6 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 7: Thomas Paine and the 250th Anniversary of Common Sense
Gary Berton, the president of The Thomas Paine Historical Association, joins award-winning historian Jack Kelly to discuss the revolutionary life, ideas and legacy of Thomas Paine in celebration of the 250th anniversary of his famous pamphlet, Common Sense. Free with registration. (12 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 7: Philly All-Pro Comedy Showcase
Get some laughs out in the new year at Punch Line Philly. $21-31 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: Philly in Watercolor
Choose your favorite Philly mascot to paint, and enjoy pretzels and water ice. Relaxed, fun and beginner-friendly. $60 ticket includes a brew from Love City Brewing. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: Collage Meetup at Yards
Join Collage Philadelphia and Sidewalk Collage Library for a night of creativity and conversation. Materials provided. Free. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Through Jan. 9: Nice Things Handmade – 15th annual Ornament Show
Shop local and festive at this annual show/shop featuring crafts by artists in and around East Passyunk.
