Cherelle Parker came into her term as mayor of Philadelphia with lots of proposals, and a lot has happened. One year later, how is she doing?
Billy Penn's Meir Rinde looks at her big initiatives, and how her efforts have fared. It's ... complicated. And that's just the Sixers arena saga. Let's take a walk down one-year memory lane. Continue reading ...
The Oscars of the dining world were announced, and Philly did great, with more than a dozen semifinalists. Is your favorite in the running? Our newest member of the team, Violet Comber-Wilen (it's her first week, folks), provides a scorecard -- and some context. Continue reading ...
$ = paywalled
* Among Trump's pardons was a former Penn State student who led Silk Road, an illicit drug marketplace, and attempted to have witnesses murdered. [PennLive]
* Philadelphia's Office of Immigrant Affairs executive director Amy Eusebio will resign from her position effective Friday as Trump takes office. [WHYY]
* Philly schools are offering to pay students to take a refresher course and retake state algebra exams they failed. [Inquirer$]
* Philly reports its first suspected case of bird flu in an ill snow goose found near Carroll Park. [WHYY]
* Hussian College owners accused the CEO of embezzling millions from the arts college and blame its financial ruin on executives. [WHYY]
* SEPTA is planning to rename the popular West Philly "G" bus route to "Bus 63," beginning February. The other lettered buses (H, J, L, R, and XH) will also change to numbers. [West Philly Local]
* A "lifesaver," a "hub," an "escape pod": What the shuttered Richmond Library means to neighbors. [WHYY]
* PETA suggested replacing Punxsutawney Phil with a "weather reveal" cake, but the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hasn't responded yet. [NBC10]
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
🎟️ Friday to Sunday, Jan. 24-26: Tattoo Arts Festival
For $25/day or $50 for a three-day pass, check out the 27th annual festival at the Convention Center.
🖌️ Saturday, Jan. 25: Philly Zine Fest
Clark Park will host the inaugural reoccurring radical zine fest and picnic, made possible by anyone who comes and "does their thing" by dropping off food, zines, crafts, materials, games, music, dancing, and more. (3 p.m.)
🥃 Saturday, Jan. 25: Burns Night
Enjoy music from a live bagpiper, shortbread, neeps and tatties (mashed potatoes and rutabaga), Scotch, and poetry at this laid-back Burns Night celebration with Plays & Players at Quig's Pub's 3rd floor. $10 for non-members. (5 to 7 p.m.)
🌼 Sunday, Jan. 26: Botanical Printing: Design Cotton Kerchief Headband using Flowers
Learn fabric design using fresh and dried flowers to create your own wearable bandanna/kerchief/headband at Cherry Street Pier. $25 tickets. (2 to 4 p.m.)
🎶 Sunday, Jan. 26: Together: A Free Concert with PGMC, PVOP and Anna Crusis
The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus joins sibling choirs ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir and Philadelphia Voices of Pride for their annual free concert. Free. Up to $35 suggested donation. (3 p.m.)