#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Philly goats are the G.O.A.T.
(Photo by @phillygoatproject)
Park Service dismantles President’s House exhibit on slavery
Members of the National Park Service removed signage around the President’s House historic site on Independence Mall on Thursday afternoon, in what appeared to be the fulfillment of an executive order from the White House meant to remove displays in America’s national parks that “disparage” the nation.
The move drew sharp criticism from advocacy groups and a lawsuit from the city, which said a 2006 agreement to discuss any changes would be discussed first. Continue reading …
This Saturday’s ‘Firstival’ celebrates Philly’s professional basketball history
Springfield, Massachusetts is celebrated as the birthplace of basketball, but Philly is where the sport’s first professional league tipped off, and that will be the next “first” celebrated this weekend as part of the Philadelphia Historic District’s “52 Weeks of Firsts.”
The National Basketball League was formed in Philly in 1898, the Historic District and the Sixers have teamed up to commemorate it. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Philadelphia school district wants to close 20 schools and co-locate 6 more starting in 2027 as part of a reorganization plan that would reshape the city’s public education landscape. Is your school affected? [Chalkbeat/Inq$$]
• Shapiro’s pick for Board of Pardons vacancy opposed by clemency advocates. [Spotlight PA]
• Philly opens warming centers ahead of the weekend storm that the NWS says will bring an 80% chance of at least 6 inches of snow. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly City Council vote unlocks $800M for housing, shifting more aid to lowest-income residents. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• PAFA named Kristen Shepherd its new president and CEO, taking the helm of the oldest art museum and school in the U.S. as the nation celebrates the semiquincentennial. [WHYY]
• Rittenhouse restaurant Wilder is trying to bridge the literacy gap by amplifying the work of authors, generating excitement about books, and supporting local charities — all over a shared meal. [CityCast]
• Don’t forget pets when preparing for winter’s cold. Here’s what experts recommend and some easy tricks to DIY with household items. [AP/BP2018]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor and city officials will discuss prepoarations for this weekend’s storm at the Office of Emergency Management, Fire Administration Building, 240 Spring Garden St. (10 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, Jan. 23: The 2026 Mx Tattooed Mom Pageant: Electric Boogaloo
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.)
Friday to Sunday, Villain Arts Tattoo Festival
The largest tattoo festival organizer in the world. World-class artists, collectors and fans come together to celebrate the art of tattooing. $25 for 1 day; $50 for 3 days.
Saturday, Jan. 24: Ice Princess Night & Brunch
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: Tree Cycle Fest with Philly Goat Project
Bring your Christmas tree to Awbury Arboretum for the Philly Goats to snack on it sustainably. Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa, farm tours, a petting zone and more. $20 donation per tree requested. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Grown-Up Book Fair and Swap
Books and Brews Philly is back at Love City Brewing, along with best-selling author Jo Piazza and her pop-up shop, Bookcase Books. 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: “Best in Show” screening with PAWS
Enjoy trivia before the film screening of this 2000 comedy about an eclectic cadre of dog owners and trainers who descend upon Philadelphia for the annual Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. At Film Society East. Free, but RSVP recommended. (1:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: The Last Word: Blue Stoop’s 2025 Winter Fundraiser
Now gone virtual due to weather, this is Blue Stoop’s end-of-semester student showcase and celebration. Play a high tech version of Exquisite Corpse (a poetry game), hear from Blue Stoop directors past and present, and partake in an open mic! Funds support their financial aid program and free public programs. Ages 18+. $15 tickets. (6 to 7:30 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.)
Sunday, Jan. 25: “No Hate In Our State” Town Hall
Hosted by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, at the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia (1650 Arch St., 2nd Floor). Virtual option available. Features legal experts, government leaders, educators and advocates. Free with RSVP. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 26: Poetry Workshop and Peer Review
Join Krystle Griffin every last Monday of the month for a combination of poetry workshop and peer review. The first hour will have elements of discussing poems, poetry forms and prompt writing. In the second hour, folks will go over each others’ writing to give feedback. $5 donation recommended. (6 p.m.)
