#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Cool cats and rad rodents
(Photo by @cheers4alotta)
Sharif Street pulls ahead in fundraising for 3rd District congressional race
State Sen. Sharif Street has pulled ahead in the money race among the candidates running to succeed U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans in Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District seat. But there are a dozen other candidates on his heels, to varying degrees. Continue reading …
End-of-life expenses can sink families; this Philly startup offers a unique solution
A loved one’s death can have profound financial effects on a family. The founders of GiveWillow, a “funeral registry” service, have experienced that, and hope to help others navigate this difficult time in everyone’s life.
Billy Penn’s Julia Binswanger spoke with them, as well as a family that has been impacted by the service. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly DA Larry Krasner says “don’t be a wimp” after Gov. Josh Shapiro decried his comparison of ICE agents to Nazis. [Inq$]
• ‘We’ll shew ya whereta gew in the snew’: Pennsylvania Tourism Office launches winter hotline voiced by regional accents. [WHYY]
• Federal judge toured the President’s House site, confirmed slavery exhibit panels were not damaged. [WHYY]
• Latinos in Philadelphia say ICE immigration raids have paralyzed their lives and the local economy. [2Puntos]
• The Philadelphia Parking Authority will resume enforcing parking violations today, after pausing due to snow. [NBC10]
• Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of wintry weather. How accurate is he? 8 things to know about Pa.’s bizarre tradition. [AP/BP2016]
• Lincoln, the eagle who soars at Birds games, went from picking through trash to starring in a Super Bowl commercial. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. (11:30 a.m.)
The mayor will drop the puck for the Flyers game vs. the Washington Capitals at Xfinity Mobile Arena. (6:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Where to watch and celebrate Unrivaled’s Philly games
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Feb. 3: Bridging Blocks | Gentrification: Prosperity or Displacement?
Is there a way to reap the benefits of neighborhood revitalization while avoiding social and economic disparities? How does gentrification affect affordability and housing scarcity? Is neighborhood culture dead? Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia. At Fishtown Community Library. (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 3: How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia
Join the Committee of Seventy for the launch of a new civic education resource: How the Philadelphia Ward System Works — a clear, practical guide to how wards shape local politics and how residents can run for committee person. This is a nonpartisan training on how to run for committee person in the May 19 primary election. At Black Leadership Pennsylvania HQ in Germantown. Free with registration. (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 3: WAR of the WORDS: Dad Joke Quizzo & Wordplay Shenanigans
Assemble your squad for dad joke and wordplay battle, courtesy of the notorious fellows behind “It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia.” At Tattooed Mom. Free. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 5: Mural Arts Annual Fellowship Exhibition Opening Reception
Celebrate the work of 6th-year cohorts at Ubuntu Gallery. The Fellowship was designed in 2020 to fund, foster, and elevate the important work of emerging Black artists in Philadelphia. Light refreshments will be served. On display from February 5 through 28, 2026. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 5: Speaker Series: Tending the Canopy
Part of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Academy Town Square. In this installment, WHYY’s Maiken Scott speaks with three local experts who illuminate how and why trees are planted, and what it takes to sustain a healthy urban forest. Pay-as-you-wish, $0 to $10. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: South Philadelphia Action Coalition (SPAC) General Meeting
Connect with neighbors to address immediate community needs while building long-term collective power through mutual aid markets, grassroots fundraising, community trainings, and coalition-building with local organizations and leaders. Free. (6:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: Valentine’s Market
Shop Immigrant Marché at Triple Bottom Brewing. Explore artisan goods, books and treats. Free to attend. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: One-Night Only Reading Series: “Horsegirl & Cowdaddy”
The Wilma’s reading series returns for a new year. Horsegirl, a trans woman in her 30s, lives a life of routine alongside her father, Cowdaddy, in a forgotten town in Southern Pennsylvania—until she falls in love with a new-to-town teacher, triggering a physical transformation, in the wake of which Horsegirl must decide for herself what a happy life looks like. Post-show reception included. $35 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: Pitch-A-Friend, LGBTQIA+ edition
Be the ultimate wingman or finally put yourself out there. Whether you’re pitching your bestie or showing up solo, Pitch-A-Friend is back, this time at Marsha’s. (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 7: LCA Presents “Bright Eyed Joy”: A Vocal Recital of Black Expression
A vibrant vocal recital tracing joy through tenderness, grief, and resilience. The recital affirms that when Black voices sing freely, they offer not only truth but a radiant hope that lights the room from within. Food reception at 5:30 p.m., concert at 6:45 p.m., dance party at 8:30 p.m. $35 tickets. (5:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
