#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Feeding passing birds
(Photo by @bookczuk)
Meet the local athletes competing at the Winter Olympics
The opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympic Games is this Friday in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with the Paralympics following soon after. Competition actually starts today.
Billy Penn has gathered up a list of Team USA Olympians from Pennsylvania and New Jersey (sorry, no Delawareans), as well as folks with school or other connections. Continue reading …
Advocates call on Sheriff Rochelle Bilal to keep ICE out of courthouse
A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups rallied in front of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, demanding that Sheriff Rochelle Bilal limit arrests by federal immigration enforcement officials outside of the Criminal Justice Center. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• In October, a Philly-area retiree emailed a DHS attorney to urge mercy for an asylum seeker. Then DHS subpoenaed his Google account and sent investigators to his home. [WaPo$]
• City puts 300 “ambassadors” to work chipping away at the ice that clogs intersections and walkways. [Inq$]
• Gov. Shapiro proposed a $151 million funding boost for Philadelphia schools, a minimum wage increase and more in his new budget proposal. [Chalkbeat/WHYY]
• Today, Philly kicks off a same-day work and pay program to accelerate the snow removal process. It will focus on ADA-accessible curb ramps across the city. [6ABC]
• On Monday, Feb. 9, SEPTA will stop sharing news about trip cancelations on social media. Riders will be expected to check SEPTA’s app for specific route information. [NBC10]
• After tumultuous year for William Way, the LGBTQ+ center’s new director looks to focus on community outreach. [PhillyVoice]
• Lou Capozzoli, musician and owner of Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, dies at 86. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker and city officials will announce the start of a program to accelerate snow removal efforts, at Pelbano Recreation Center, 8101 Bustleton Ave. (10 a.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- ‘Life or death issue’: Kensington schools seek higher graduation rates by embedding student support. [Kensington Voice]
- Pennsylvania faith leaders are launching a new interfaith coalition. [“With One Voice” via Google Docs]
- PCGVR Survivor Connection Director Oronde McClain will be in a webinar with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 12 p.m. Free to register.
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 8: Shooting victims recorded from Jan. 25 to 31, with 1 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 5 shooting victims were recorded, including 0 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 11: Year-to-date homicides, down 48% vs. last year’s pace; down 78% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Where to watch and celebrate Unrivaled’s Philly games
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Feb. 5: Mural Arts Annual Fellowship Exhibition Opening Reception
Celebrate the work of sixth-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 Feb. 5 through Feb. 28. (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: Let’s Make Art: Collage Your Family Story
Drop in for an afternoon of fun and visual storytelling. Put your memories on the page with scissors, glue, photos, and imagery. Collage and scrapbook materials provided, and you are welcome to bring your own photos! At Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library. (2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: Cupid’s Bazaar
Omoi Life hosts this market, featuring jewelry, crocheted florals, handcrafted soap, pastries by Em Wilson Pastry, and more. (Pastries at 11 a.m.; market from 3 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 6: South Philadelphia Action Coalition 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: Love, Chestnut Hill shopping raffle
Support local participating businesses along historic Germantown Avenue! Each $25+ purchase gives you another raffle ticket and chance to win; multiple entries welcome. 3 winners will be drawn on Wednesday, February 11.
Saturday, Feb. 7: Ants on a Log Presents: Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Concert!
A magical morning of songs and shenanigans, at Parkway Central Library’s Montgomery Auditorium. No food in the library, but enjoy post-show scoops from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream! (10 a.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 7: 5th indoor Bark Bowl 2026
Join the PSPCA & friends at Craft Hall with some VIP (very important pup) cheerleaders looking for a furr-ever home. A special Yappy Hour menu will be provided with $1 from each drink sold being donated to the PSPCA. Football-themed BBQ and pizza menu for humans, who must be 21+ unless accompanied by a legal parent or guardian. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 7: South Philly Book Crawl
Take a jaunt down South Street, win book-themed prizes and learn about the many bookstores you’ll be perusing. Shops include Mostly Books, Garland of Letters Bookstore, Headhouse Books, Atomic Comics, and more. Fundraises for the upcoming Pier Players 2026 season. $15 tickets. (12 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.)
