#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Rebuilding the Roxborough Avenue steps
(Photo by @city_of_architectural_love)
Independence Hall reopens after being closed for four months
Independence Hall reopened Thursday after being closed for 119 days, beginning with the government shutdown on Oct. 1 and then for two more months of planned repair and maintenance. It sees more than 3 million visitors in a typical year, and expectations are that many more will come in 2026. Continue reading …
Beloved Philly journalist Dan McQuade dies at age 43
Philadelphia is mourning the loss of Dan McQuade, a writer whose unique voice and unabashed love for the city’s quirks, sports and rituals delighted readers for two decades. McQuade died this week at age 43 after a battle with a rare cancer. Continue reading …
(Photo by Mark Garvin)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Sen. Fetterman joins other Democrats in voting against advancing DHS funding as a potential shutdown looms. [Inq$]
• ICE latest: What immigration agreements are in place in Philadelphia, its suburbs, New Jersey and Delaware? [WHYY]
• Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon says ICE detainees are treated like ‘federal prisoners’ at Philadelphia detention center. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia postponed its 2026 homeless count as extreme cold persists, rescheduling it for Wednesday, Feb. 25. [Metro]
• Amid Amazon’s store closures, the company is laying off 16,000 people, citing advances in artificial intelligence. [6ABC]
• Students and educators called out the impact on Black students and a lack of transparency from the Philly school district during a rally against proposed school closures. [WHYY]
• Unrivaled women’s basketball league makes stop in Philly Friday night. Here’s how you can watch, even if you don’t have a ticket. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker remains in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Where to watch and celebrate Unrivaled’s Philly games
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
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: Philly ‘Firstival’ for the first Girl Scout cookie sale
The first public Girl Scout cookie sale was held in Philly in 1933. The organization is celebrating by looking back at the growth they’ve made since then, as part of Philly’s celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
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: Boyfriend Material After Dark
A fusion of drag king performance and trans masc excellence, at Love City Brewing. $22.13 tickets. (8 to 10 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 more than 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.)
Monday, Feb. 2: Podcast Club: The 90s
This month’s theme is ‘the 90s’. Every third Thursday. At Benna’s Cafe in Passyunk Square. (6:30 p.m.)
