#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Trainspotting.
(Photo by @kslouf)
“A long bridge”: Programs help foster care youth attend — and succeed at — college
Jennifer Stanley grew up in the foster care system. Now a student at Kutztown University, she says a program that offered support was a life-changer.
“Kids like me who grew up in foster care, sometimes it’s hard for us to wrap our mindset around it, but we are human, just like everyone else,” she said. “And we deserve a chance to shine and be who we are and use our intellectual abilities.” Continue reading …
Altercation on SEPTA bus involving former WHYY intern and pepper spray goes viral
Video of a confrontation between a conservative influencer and a former Billy Penn intern on a SEPTA bus has gone viral, generating online debate, partisan accusations and a comment from Elon Musk. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly businesses are working to maximize 2026’s long-term impact [Technical.ly]
• The Art Museum might be re-considering its recent, controversial re-brand. [Inq$$]
• Drexel scientists made a unique discovery: Mosquitoes can be useful! [PhillyVoice]
• The Philadelphia Housing Authority and trade unions strike a deal to rebuild Brith Sholom houses in Wynnefield Heights. [WHYY]
• Bella Village Restaurant Week will return next month to highlight eateries in Bella Vista and Queen Village. [Wooderice]
• “Things got a little hairy there at the end,” J.T. Realmuto says on his return to Phillies. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker signed legislation establishing the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Program, known as Philly Saves — a new initiative designed to help workers without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans to build long-term financial security.
Mayor Parker will hold a press conference to unveil a new vision and outline a proposal focused on producing more affordable housing, in the Logan neighborhood. (2 p.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Pennsylvania came in 18th, same as last year, in 2026 Everytown Gun Law Rankings. [Everytown Research]
- Remembering the 222 Philadelphia homicide victims who were named inn 2025. [Philadelphia Obituary Project]
- Philly area football coaches, players honored for their fight against violence. [The Philadelphia Tribune]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 9: Shooting victims recorded from Jan. 11 to 17, with 1 fatality, according to city data. During the previous week, 16 shooting victims were recorded, including 6 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 7: Year-to-date homicides, down 42% vs. last year’s pace; down 74% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Connect for Change: Volunteer Matchmaking Mixer
Want to stop doomscrolling and get more involved in your local community for good in the new year? Community is the key to finding purpose and feeling better. Join Green Philly’s third annual Volunteer Matchmaking Mixer — a fun, low-pressure way to connect with local organizations making a real impact. At Temple’s Science and Education Research Center. $16.30 tickets/Students pay-what-you-wish. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 22: Zero-Proof Quizzo!
Support The Bridge Way School’s work as the state’s first and only recovery high school at this fun event. Each team should have between 4 and 6 people. At FaceClock. $5 to play. (6:45 to 11 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 23: 2026 Philadelphia Tour Guide & Docent Job Fair
Whether you are a seasoned docent or just beginning your journey, the APT Job Fair is the year’s must-attend event for Philly’s tourism community. At Parkway Central Library. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 23: The 2026 Mx Tattooed Mom Pageant: Electric Boogaloo
Find out who can carry the torch of such an incredible space on their shoulders. Watch 5 Tattooed Mom fans “duke it out in a pageant of queer punk proportions to win a $300 cash prize, crown and temporary tattoo, prizes and more. $10-20 suggested donation. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Ice Princess Night & Brunch
First, one-on-one family brunch, games and photos with Elsa, Anna, Tiana, and Jasmine inside Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent in Franklin Square Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brunch tickets at $25/$30 per person. Then, at 5 p.m., the princesses return for a FREE hangout with giant bubbles, live ice carving, music, fitness fun and kid games. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 5 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Grown-Up Book Fair and Swap-Love City
Books and Brews Philly is back at Love City Brewing, along with best-selling author Jo Piazza and her pop-up shop Bookcase Books. Bring a gently used book to swap, grab a brew and shop new books and merch. Also: support the nonprofit Books Through Bars by bringing a book from their list. Ages 21+. $10 tickets. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: The Last Word: Blue Stoop’s 2025 Winter Fundraiser
You’re invited to Blue Stoop’s end-of-semester student showcase and celebration, held at Fleisher Art Memorial. Includes appetizers and drinks, interactive games and performances by students and faculty, all in support of their financial aid program and free public programs. Ages 18+. $15 tickets. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Thrive! A dance party fundraiser
Support Philly Thrive’s environmental justice work by dancing, snacking and having a drink in West Philly. Also: a raffle and merch! Live DJs start at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 25: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Happiness Workshop
A look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives, with Eric Zillmer, professor of psychology and the director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University. Can happiness be measured? What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from traveling the world? $14.77 in advance; $17 at the door. (4 to 6:30 p.m.)
