#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
A helping hand
(Photo by @strangerphilly)
The city will deploy more than 1,000 workers and over 800 pieces of equipment to clear streets and sidewalks, using some of the 25,000 tons of salt that remains in the city’s reserves.
“We will do whatever it takes, however long it takes to ensure that we have cleared our streets and we are keeping Philadelphians safe,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. Continue reading…
The Philadelphia skyline seen from the banks of the Schuylkill River following a substantial winter storm, January 28, 2026 (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
The latest honoree the Philadelphia Historic District’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” is the first authentic Chinese Friendship Gate built in America, which went up in 1984.
As Lunar New Year celebrations continue across the city and world, Saturday’s “Firstival” reflected on the power of friendship across continents and cultures that the arch symbolizes. Continue reading…
Artist Anh Ly and Haoyi Shang of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation celebrate the “52 Weeks of Firsts” marking the first authentic Chinatown Gate in America. (Heather J. Chin/Billy Penn)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Data center tax break created to boost economy, add jobs in Pa. could cost state billions in revenue. [Spotlight PA]
• Quakertown police officers who violently confronted students protesting ICE are under investigation. The Bucks County NAACP said the incident “raised serious questions.” [WHYY]
• Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke wants to protect more renters from retaliatory evictions. He’s running into resistance. [WHYY]
• Young voters could play a big role in this year’s midterm elections. Vote That Jawn is working to amplify Philadelphia youth voices to help get their peers to the polls. [BP2025/WHYY]
• A bill that would limit dog breeding in Philadelphia was approved by City Council last Thursday and sent to Mayor Parker for her signature. [WHYY]
• More historic storytellers are coming to Old City including costumed characters portraying Revolutionary War heroes and others as part of the increased interest in the nation’s 250th birthday. [WHYY]
• The 2026 Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade brought “big fire energy” just hours ahead of forecasted blizzard. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no publicly scheduled events, but will likely hold a new conference updating the city’s response to the snow.
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: 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. $12.50 to attend; $38.11 includes signed book.
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers, and diverse cuisines.