#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Follow the ice-covered road
(Photo by @theefficientrunner)
Supporters of the President’s House slavery exhibit gather ahead of court date
Members of Avenging the Ancestors Coalition gathered near the President’s House site to rally for the return of placards and displays related to the location’s ties to slavery that were taken down last week by National Park Service employees.
What are organizers doing ahead of Friday’s hearing on the city’s lawsuit regarding the federal action? Continue reading …
‘FAFO’ writ large: Krasner launches national DA coalition to battle Trump, prosecute ICE misconduct
District Attorney Larry Krasner is organizing a crew of likeminded DAs across the country to advance his frequent vow to prosecute any federal law enforcement officials who commit crimes.
Krasner and eight other progressive prosecutors have founded a coalition with the aim of helping each other litigate such cases, and raising funds to counter the U.S. Justice Department’s efforts to quash them. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Customs and Border Protection has installed enhanced facial recognition processing at PHL Airport. [NBC10]
• As temperatures remain near freezing, residents urged to keep eye out for frozen pipes. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia’s Independence Hall reopens after being closed for 4 months. [WHYY]
• Deep freeze strains Philadelphia’s unhoused as volunteers offer warmth, food, and support. [6ABC]
• Community members are invited to provide feedback on the 52nd Street Commercial Corridor Improvement Project as the city continues working on the conceptual design. [West Philly Local]
• James Ijames’ current production echoes the city’s Chinatown arena debate. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor is in Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors. She will lead an engagement session about engaging around the nation’s 250th birthday celebration and participate in a fireside chat on advancing economic mobility.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Jan. 29: Bridging Blocks | Aging in the City
35% of older Philadelphians live below or near the poverty line, and in the U.S, the number of senior households spending more than half of their income on housing has more than doubled — from 5.2 million to nearly 11.7 million, according to federal data. Is Philadelphia doing everything possible to ensure our oldest residents can live comfortably and safely? What is it like for older residents in the city and what can be improved? At Parkway Central Library. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Folk & Community Arts Meet-Up
An informal gathering for local folk, traditional and community-based artists, hosted by the Philadelphia Folklore Project and Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School (FACTS). Connect, learn about one another’s work and explore opportunities for collaboration. Free with RSVP. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Philly is UNRIVALED presented by Tonya Pendleton & Stacey Pearl
A welcome party celebrating women’s pro basketball and Philly culture — featuring tequila tasting and Quizzo. At Two Locals Brewing. Free to attend, but $12.51 tickets include tequila and merch. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: East Passyunk After Hours
East Passyunk comes alive at night with this takeover of a business storefront for a DIY show. Groove and explore while supporting late-night business. At Capri Dessecker REMAX at 1842 Passyunk Avenue. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 29: Pitch-A-Friend 2026 Kickoff
Start the 2026 season of Pitch-A-Friend at Love Brewing. Watch people hype friends up in the dating scene and see if anyone catches your interest. (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 30: A World in the Making: The Shakers: Opening Celebration
Join the opening of “A World in the Making: The Shakers” exhibit, exploring the design legacy of the Shakers, a religious group whose values of community, labor and equality shaped their furniture, architecture and everyday objects. Includes live music and light refreshments. Free with RSVP. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Feels Like Sunday Pop-Up
Siobhan McKenna leads this pop-up at Her Place from 10 a.m. until sellout, featuring desserts like chocolate puddle cookie and coconut cream pie.
Saturday, Jan. 31: Founders Philly Freeze-Out
Enjoy live ice carving, lion dancing, a snowy igloo, the Manayunk Chowder Crawl, giveaways, a Winter Market, and more. Pay as you go! (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Winter Wellness Market
Head to Kirkbride Arts & Apartments in Bridesburg for a day of socializing and shopping for jewelry, woodworking, candles, soap, clothing, textiles, artwork, home decor, food and more. Free. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners
Join Sip & Script at Love City Brewing, whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY bride-to-be or just a crafty individual. $65 tickets include a drink ticket, a lesson in the basics, a beginner’s calligraphy kit to keep and practice materials. (2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: Pea Soup Dinner
Warm up on a chilly winter’s night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Dinner is served with sharp Swedish cheese, mustard and bread, with Swedish pancakes and coffee for dessert. There will also be a cash bar. $35 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 1: Art Star CRAP Bazaar at the Visitor Center
This yearly fundraising event is a funny take on the CRAFT Bazaar, but with 20+ crafters selling off their “Seconds” at huge discounts. There will be no fancy booth displays and no frills! Just a bunch of big tables piled with stuff to rummage through. 25% of proceeds go to Philabundance and Brigid Alliance. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days)
Sunday, Feb. 1: 4th Annual La Tamalada
Cantina La Martina and The Lighthouse host this vibrant, family-friendly festival honoring the Mexican tradition of La Tamalada, a communal gathering centered around making and sharing tamales—while also celebrating La Candelaria, which marks the close of the holiday season. At 101 E. Erie Ave. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 1: Snow Moon Tea Party
Appointment-only event featuring artists who conjure up beautiful flash designs, aura photos, tarot readings, astrology readings, and lots of light tea party finger foods and tea. At Houndstooth Tattoo in Callowhill. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 1: Drunk Black History
The critically acclaimed show has finally made it to “the City of Brotherly Love”! This show is 21 and over with valid, government-issued photo ID. 18+ with parent or legal guardian over 30. $34.05 tickets. (Bar opens at 6 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.)
