Seeing green everywhere at the Italian Market (Instagram by @thetinybun)

Philly EV charger projects in jeopardy with Trump orders

The Biden Administration rushed to pass along millions of dollars in funds for EV charger projects to states and cities, including Philly. But President Trump has tried to pause the spending. The question: Will the city get the charging capacity needed to continue the transition to EVs? Continue reading …

South Philly resident Nate Golubiewski tried to use an electric vehicle charger in the MOM’s Organic Market parking garage in Center City, but discovered that it wasn’t working. July 2024. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Where to celebrate your Galentines and Valentines in Philly

Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl victory parade fall on the same day this year. If you don’t already have a dinner or event reservation, we’ve got a list of 5 unique and artsy options happening over the weekend that you might enjoy. 

We’ve also got you covered if you’re just looking to celebrate your friendships, with a long lineup of parties, afternoon tea, axe-throwing and more for the long (Leslie Knope-inspired) Galentine’s Day weekend. Continue reading…

Snaps & Claps performances often take place in small venues. (Courtesy of Artsi)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• A judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s planned NIH research funding cut, possibly sparing Philly researchers the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in key medical funding. [Inquirer$] 

• Jefferson Health unveiled plans to modernize its two Level 1 trauma centers — one in Center City, one in North Philly — as part of a multiyear capital spending plan. [BizJournal$]

• James Beard-nominated chef Carlos Aparicio’s Mexican restaurant El Chingón is expanding to Fishtown’s Frankford Avenue. [BP2024/PhillyVoice]

• Black, queer community is at the center of Philly S.A.F.E. — a new HIV education campaign. [PGN] 

• As expected, Eagles’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will become the Saints head coach. [AP]

• Residents anticipate proposed 110-key hotel at site of Broad Street Diner. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly] 

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
 

By the numbers in Philadelphia

  • 21: Shooting victims recorded from Feb. 2 through Feb. 8, including 3 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 24 shooting victims were recorded, including 5 fatalities. Visit the Philadelphia Shooting Victims Dashboard for more information. [data.phila.gov] 
  • 22: Year-to-date homicides, down 35% vs. last year’s pace; down 48% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

The Mayor will address the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, regional professionals, elected officials, and civic leaders at this luncheon and annual meeting, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (12 p.m.)

ON THE CALENDAR

🧨 Here’s a running list of Lunar New Year events and activities across Philly.
🫶🏾 Here’s a list of Black History Month events across Philly. 

🪓 Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 13 to 16: ‘Axe Your Ex’ Valentine’s Day Party
Kick Axe’s Philly’s 6th annual event in Old City encourages guests to bring a photo of their ex to put on the target for axe-throwing. Attendees can also send a photo from their camera roll to be printed. Sign up for a time slot and enjoy throwing axes, playing backyard and board games, and tasting cocktails! Free to sign up; $29+tax for regular entry and costs for playing time. 

❤️ Friday, Feb. 14: Valentines’s Gay 
Presented by Queer Arm Wrestling, this event at Vox Populi includes competition, art and an opportunity to send Cupid’s arrow across the room with a special messaging service. Watch your friends aggressively hold hands and then stick around for a dance party. Sign up at 7 p.m. to compete, 8 p.m. to watch the wrestling, and 10 p.m. for the dance party. 

💃🏽 Friday, Feb. 14: Mariposas Galácticas Valentine’s Day Dance Party
An electrifying eight-piece band based in Philadelphia blends the vibrant rhythms of Latin America with the sounds of klezmer, in multiple languages, including Spanish, English and Yiddish. $15 to $20 tickets. (8 p.m.)

🚶🏽‍♀️Saturday, Feb. 15: Black History Month mural tour
Join history educator Carolyn Singleton for a tour of the murals surrounding the Fairhill Burial Ground. Learn about leaders of the Underground Railroad, the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society and the neighbors leading the charge towards justice today. (Rain date – February 22nd) Free with registration. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)

📿 Saturday, Feb. 15: Collage Charm Workshop
Dive into a treasure trove of Y2K magazines and craft the ultimate mini-collage charm in Queens Village. Supplies provided. Chain and charm upgrades will be available for purchase. Sliding scale tickets are $45 to $55. (2 to 4 p.m.)

🎮 Sunday, Feb. 16: Mario Kart 8 Tournament
Unleash your competitive side and enjoy local beer, snacks and a live DJ in Fairmount’s Boozy Mutt. Tickets are up to $25 each. (1 to 6 p.m.)

🛝 All February: Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia exhibit
Smith Memorial Playground showcases an exhibit featuring various notable members of Philadelphia’s Black community, complete with biographical info, kids’ fun facts and corresponding activities. The monthlong exhibit also includes discussion questions for families to discuss diversity and equity amidst Black History Month. This year’s honorees include politicians, entrepreneurs and athletes. 

Catch up on the previous week

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