#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Icy lamp cap
(Photo by @bhalda)
Parker defends her efforts to protect Philly immigrants
Mayor Cherelle Parker defended her governing style during a heartfelt speech Friday, saying she has suppressed the urge to speak frankly about the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants in order to protect critical federal funding for city services.
The mayor said she had to “fight the way I know how to fight” and deliver tangible results for city residents, particularly the most vulnerable. Continue reading…
Here’s how all the Philly area Winter Olympians did at Milano Cortina 2026
The Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo came to a close last night, with Team USA winning 33 medals, 12 gold — second only to Norway on both counts.
Billy Penn’s Nick Kariuki recaps the athletes from Pennsylvania and New Jersey who competed, how they did, and who to keep an eye out for in the upcoming Paralympics beginning March 6. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Yesterday’s blizzard broke daily snowfall records in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. [WHYY]
• All Philadelphia district schools will be remote Tuesday as the city continues to shovel out from a historic winter storm. [Chalkbeat]
• ACLU of Pa. accuses Quakertown police chief of acting as a ‘counter-protester’ during student arrests. [WHYY]
• SEPTA will discontinue a mobile ticketing option which has declined in use since buses and trains adopted contactless pay. [PhillyVoice]
• Free breakfasts and lunches are available to all students in Philadelphia schools, but many still go uneaten, a new Temple University study shows. [Tribune]
• A Medicare prescription payment plan can help seniors afford their medications, but few know about it, say Philly researchers. [WHYY]
• Inspired by the Olympics? Philadelphia-area outdoor enthusiasts offer tips for exercising in the cold. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the “Meeting of the Mayors: Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Black Women Executives” in Harrisburg at 12:30 p.m. as part of a panel dscussion on the unique challenges and triumphs of women in executive roles, joining fellow mayors Sandie Walker, Ciera Dent, Lillian L. DeBaptiste, and Wanda R. D. Williams.
She then returns to Philly for a 7 p.m. meeting of the Bustleton Civic League at the American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Lunar New Year events guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Cantina La Martina x Gilda
First-ever Tuesday service at Gilda via this collab bringing Mexican specialty drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and more with a Gilda twist. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Penn on the Frontlines: Lessons from Trauma Care on the Ukraine Battlefront
A conversation with military trauma surgeons and strategic experts working to save lives on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. At Perry World House. (12 to 1:15 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Understanding the City Budget: How Philadelphia Sets Priorities and Spends Your Money
The second webinar in a series on the city and state budget process. Explore the city budget as a tool for civic engagement, equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to effectively participate in the budget process and advocate for their communities. Free online registration. (6 to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Romance Book Club w/ Amy Dubois Barnett: If I Ruled the World
A book-club style discussion of this fast-paced, juicy debut novel that peeks behind the curtain at the cutthroat world of hip-hop music and the glamorous magazine scene in the late 1990s, written by the ultimate insider. Followed by author Q&A and signed copies for purchase. Free to attend; $36 with signed book. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: Sex with Shakespeare
A look at how the Bard thought about gender and sexuality and how it influenced his works. Before “gender” became a culture-war keyword, London audiences watched his plays with an open secret: Because women were barred from the public stage, every Juliet, Desdemona, and Rosalind was played by a boy actor. What did that theatrical reality do to ideas of masculinity, femininity, desire—and to the plays themselves? At the Black Squirrel Club. $14.77 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut
The 2nd public program in the series, inspired by Gaffield and Daut’s recent biographies on Haitian Revolutionaries and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Following the presentation, Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will host an interview conversation and facilitate a live Q&A. $25 tickets; $12 virtual ticket. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 25: “Survivor” 50th season watch party
At Ladder 15, 3rd floor. (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Uncle Bobbie’s X Tayari Jones: Kin Book Tour
Kin (noun)- a group of persons of common ancestry; one’s relatives… That’s the definition but what does it MEAN? Join NAACP Image Award winning author, Tayari Jones, for the release of her new novel, in conversation with professor and fellow award winning author, Asali Solomon. At Greene Street Friends School. $12.50 to attend; $38.11 includes signed book. (7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: Community Conversations: Public Safety, Public Voice
A citywide series hosted by Every Voice Every Vote. These gatherings bring residents, leaders, and partners together to build connections, share lived experiences, and turn community research into solution focused dialogue. Dinner will be served promptly at 5:30 PM. At ECS St Barnabas Mission. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: University City MIX: Music Bingo
Meet at Gather Food Hall for an evening of networking, connection, food and fun! If you’re feeling competitive, join in for Music Bingo, hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. Food is pay-as-you-go. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 26: Land, Occupation, and Family Separation: A Free Screening Discussion Series
Korea Peace Committee Philadelphia will be hosting a series of free film screenings and discussions on U.S aggression and people’s resistance to the wars being waged against Koreans, Palestinians, and immigrants. Tonight’s film is “Memory of Forgotten War Screening & Discussion.” At Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 27: Philly Reincarnated: Poetry Slam Finals
Top poets from the season compete for a spot on Philly Reincarnated’s slam team. At the Rotunda. (7 p.m.)
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers, and diverse cuisines.
