#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Sun and shade
(Photo by @jim50tim)
Moving on up: Rocky Statue to return to top of Art Museum steps
The proposed plan to move the “original” Rocky Statue from the foot of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps to the top of them has been approved by the city’s Art Commission. One of the city’s two Rocky replicas are on the move, too. It’s complicated. Billy Penn’s Nick Kariuki explains — and chronicles how a movie prop became a city icon. Continue reading …
A restaurant scalper tried to sell 11 tables at Mawn. The mayor just signed a bill making the practice illegal.
Mawn, South Philly’s favorite Cambodian noodle house, recently made headlines after cancelling multiple reservations made by a scalper who tried to sell tables online.
It’s a relatively new occurrence in Philly. What’s the harm, and what is the city doing to combat it? Billy Penn’s Julia Binswanger has the details. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Democrats, including Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, say the Trump administration is investigating them over video message to troops. [AP]
• ‘We will arrest you’: District attorney, sheriff double down on warnings to arrest ICE agents in Philly. [WHYY]
• The Avenue of the Arts will break ground this month on a $150 million streetscape to make Broad Street greener. [Inq$$]
• A reuse plan for Wanamaker’s Grand Court — including smaller retail spaces and new entrances — gets the go-ahead from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. [Hidden City]
• A 100-year-old Germantown home will become a new birth center for Philly families. [WHYY]
• Your guide to the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. [WHYY]
• Popular regional treat Peeps released three new flavors: Sunny-D, Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry, and Chili Lime Mango. [6ABC]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor, city officials, and 19 local tax professionals will launch a tax program that will help small businesses, at City Hall. (10 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎁 Happy birthday, Ben Franklin
✊🏾 MLK Jr Weekend at the African American Museum of Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Jan. 15: Urbanist PowerPoint Party
Join 5th Square Advocacy hosts this community discussion group about a range of topics, from Philly’s intercity bus saga, transit funding, the Roosevelt Blvd. subway, bike parking and more. $10 suggested donation towards hoagies, beer and seltzer. At Resurrection Church in Center City. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 15: Jokes for Justice: A Standup Comedy Benefit for Gender Justice
A standup comedy benefit featuring women and queer comedians. Funds benefit Bread and Roses’ Gender Justice Organizing Fund. Age 18+. BYO but no red wine. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available. $25 tickets. (6:30 p.m. doors open)
Friday, Jan. 16: Lunch with Ducks
Join BirdPhilly for the return of Lunch with Ducks at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Meet at 13th and Admiral Peary Way. BYO binoculars and lunch. Do NOT feed the wildlife. (12 to 1 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 16: San Junipero: 80’s Pop & New Wave Party
Riot Nerd Presents a dance party feat. DJ’s George Purkins and Mike Shaffer. Ages 21+. Venue is up a flight of stairs. $9 to $12 tickets. (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Friday through Sunday, Jan. 16, 17 and 18: Philadelphia Pen Show
Explore fountain pens, inks, paper and writing accessories from top dealers and makers, plus nib tuning, repairs and workshops — all open to the public. At the downtown Sheraton. $25 Friday, $20 weekend days. Cash only. (10 a.m. start each day; Until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday)
Saturday, Jan. 17: Shut Up & Write @ Harriett’s Bookshop
Write together, in a shared communal space, but in focused silence — so we finally get to “The End” of our current works in progress. $17.85 tickets. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: MLK Day Community Talent Showcase and Celebration
Local artists, writers and performers are invited to sign up to perform. Three prizes will be awarded by a jury. Red/black/green attire welcome. Refreshments provided. At Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: Textiles for Remembering opening reception
A dual artist exhibition featuring Philly-based artists Richie Wilde Lopez and DeJeonge Reese, whose textile practices use fiber, stitching, and found materials to explore memory, care, and cultural inheritance. The exhibit invites reflection on how personal and collective histories are carried forward. At the Painted Bride. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: Isaac Tin Wei Lin in conversation with Andrew Jeffrey Wright
Mark the closing of “Isaac Tin Wei Lin: Intertwined Infinities” at Fleisher Ollman in Spring Garden. Free. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: SPOON by Out West & Swags Cappuccino
A curated menu of affogatos poured just right, matcha floats, house-made pastries, and small bites, plus music, games, and moments meant to linger. Ice cream by Cuzzy’s. Food by Down North Pizza. $39.19 ticket includes one affogato or matcha float, a pastry, and a slice of Down North Pizza pizza. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: 1790’s British musical concert at Gloria Dei
Hear songs from the first British music invasion — in 18th century Philadelphia. The Publick Pleasure will perform creations by Joseph Haydn, Rayner Taylor, Benjamin Carr, JGC Schetky, Alexander & Hugh Reinagle and Ignace Pleyel. $30 adults; $15 students includes a beverage. Optional donation-based dessert reception to follow. (3 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: Fake News and “War of the Worlds”
An early lesson on mass media’s dangers: It was October 30, 1938 when 6-12 million people listened to a theatrical reading of Orson Welles’ novel about New Jersey being invaded by Martians — but many didn’t realize it was fiction. How does fake news work today and how can we detect lies before they cause irreparable harm? $14.77 advance tickets; $17 at the door. (4:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: Moon Alignment Series: New Moon
At Calder Gardens: An opportunity to contemplate motion and stillness in relationship with our closest celestial neighbors. Each session in the Moon Alignment Series opens with a brief discussion, followed by a walking meditation, a silent meditation and closing reflections. $15 tickets. (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
