Even after the Sixers decided to turn their focus to South Philly’s stadium complex, they and Comcast said they were committed to helping resuscitate Market East. But there have been almost no details what that means. Billy Penn’s Meir Rinde talked to people with ideas on what’s needed — including, oh, $1 billion. Continue reading …
Four Philadelphia-based artists won prestigious, $50,000 grants to support their art this year. We put the same questions to all of them, and their answers are transcendent. Check them out. They make Philly a bigger, and smaller, place. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Download our Eagles bingo cards for the big game [Billy Penn]
• Pa.’s Sen. John Fetterman says he would support having U.S. troops in Gaza. [Capital-Star]
• Penn and San Jose State face inquiries in Trump crackdown on transgender athletes. [AP]
• 30 Philly businesses plan to close for Super Bowl Sunday, as part of “A Super Bowl Without Immigrants,” to protest Trump’s immigration policies. [PhillyVoice]
• The new ‘Compositions of Black Joy’ book launched this week, examining Germantown as a crucial “What If” in Black liberation. [Germantown Info Hub]
• WHYY and KCUR make a public media Super Bowl wager. Kansas City barbecue and classic Philly snacks are on the line. [WHYY]
• Love at first fright? Valentine’s Day-themed haunted house returns to Manayunk. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Here’s a running list of Lunar New Year events and activities across Philly.
🫶🏾 Here’s a list of Black History Month events across Philly.
🦅Here’s where to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl.
🏺 Saturday, Feb. 8: Investigating Ancient Ceramic and Metalworking Techniques
11th and 12th graders are welcome to join this “Hands-on History” workshop at the Penn Museum, with lunch provided and two-way SEPTA ride cards available for transportation. Free with registration. (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
😷 Saturday, Feb. 8: Boosting Immunity: Building Your Winter Defense
Bartram’s Garden hosts this workshop on ways to strengthen our immune systems, including recipes for the winter months and a wellness tonic called fire cider. $15 for non-members. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
💌 Saturday, Feb. 8: Valentine’s Card Printing
Make your own handmade valentines using letterpress designs set up on several of The Soapbox’s printing presses. Participants can drop in anytime during the event to make a set of 6 cards and envelopes. If you’d like to make more than one set, register twice! $10 per registration. (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
🧘🏽♀️ Sunday, Feb. 9: Greenhouse Yoga at the Horticulture Center
Escape the winter blues in the lush, tropical setting of the Horticulture Center’s greenhouse. These all-level classes take place on select Sundays and are led by experienced teachers from Tula Yoga. BYO yoga mat. $15 tickets. (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
🐕 Sunday, Feb. 9: DNYP – Poses and PUPPY BOWL at Love City Brewing
Come for just the yoga class or stay after for some serious sports action, from both Puppy Bowl contenders and the later Super Bowl game! BYO yoga mat or towel. $47.50 to $50 for Yoga; $15-$17 for Puppy Bowl; $47.50 to $60 for Yoga+Puppy Bowl+pint. Proceeds go to Philly Rescue Angels. (12 to 3 p.m.)
📖 Sunday, Feb. 9: Dickens Day
Friends of Clark Park’s annual Dickens Day celebration will be held at Kirk Hall, in Resurrection Church (401 S 42nd St). There will be readings of Charles Dickens’ literature, Morris Dancers, and late 19th century English food! Finish by walking down to Charles & Little Nell and then singing Happy Birthday. (2 p.m.)
🥊 Monday, Feb. 10: Mortal Kombat – A Live Reading
Theatre Contra is back at Tattooed Mom and is in their Gamer Era. Kick ass and take names with this live reading of 1995’s MORTAL KOMBAT! “Do you think you have what it takes to defeat Scorpion, Liu Kang, and Sonya Blade?” $17.80 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Market East ideas; Super Bowl bingo; Fetterman on Gaza | Morning roundup
Plane crash town hall; Sirianni & Eagles fans; Legalize weed in Pa.? | Morning roundup
Super Bowl Week prep; Market East plans; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup
Plane crash update; “prof Qui” review; Ellen Greenberg case reopened | Morning roundup
UArts staff update; Malcolm Kenyatta’s DNC role; Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow | Morning roundup
Black History Month events; Local skaters victims in crash; Philly schools making progress | Morning roundup
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
