#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Through wind, rain and snow
(Photo by @photolope)
‘This is not acceptable in Philadelphia’: ICE raid training aims to prep residents for possible encounters
About 100 people attended a “Know Your Rights” training, hosted by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, earlier this week that focused primarily on how bystanders who may not necessarily be in fear of detainment can provide support to their at-risk neighbors during a raid by ICE agents.
More than 1,000 people have attended the series since last summer. Here’s what they’ve learned. Continue reading …
Feds allege another sports-gambling scandal — and it has Philly connections
A wide-ranging, multi-year scheme to fix men’s basketball games in the NCAA and China’s professional league had several ties to Philadelphia, including an alleged attempt to fix a local team’s game, federal investigators announced as they revealed the charges Thursday. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly congressional candidates emphasize differences as they talk Trump, Israel, housing, healthcare and more at forum this week. [BP]
• Penn groups seek to block creation of federal “registry” of Jewish students and faculty. [PhillyVoice]
• As Minneapolis shooting stirs fears of state violence, several Black Panther Party members made their presence known in Philly. [Inq$$]
• As Philly City Council returns, here’s what to watch on affordable housing, tenant protections and tax abatements. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Virtue, liberty and milkshakes? How 1 beverage came to dominate the Pa. Farm Show. [Spotlight PA]
• Saturday is National Gift Card Day: Tips to cash in on unused gift cards. [6ABC]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will be on hand as America250PA kicks off its 2026 celebrations in Philadelphia by unveiling Liberty Bells designed by local artists as a part of its state-wide “Bells Across PA” art series, at School District Warehouse, 1450 W. Olney Ave. (10 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎁 Happy birthday, Ben Franklin
🫶🏾 MLK Jr Day of Service
✊🏾 MLK Jr Weekend at the African American Museum of Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday through Sunday, Jan. 16, 17 and 18: Philadelphia Pen Show
Explore fountain pens, inks, paper and writing accessories from top dealers and makers, plus nib tuning, repairs and workshops — all open to the public. At the downtown Sheraton. $25 Friday, $20 weekend days. Cash only. (10 a.m. start each day; Until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday)
Saturday, Jan. 17: Shut Up & Write @ Harriett’s Bookshop
Write together, in a shared communal space, but in focused silence — so we finally get to “The End” of our current works in progress. $17.85 tickets. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: MLK Day Community Talent Showcase and Celebration
Local artists, writers and performers are invited to sign up to perform. Three prizes will be awarded by a jury. Red/black/green attire welcome. Refreshments provided. At Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: Textiles for Remembering opening reception
A dual artist exhibition featuring Philly-based artists Richie Wilde Lopez and DeJeonge Reese, whose textile practices use fiber, stitching, and found materials to explore memory, care, and cultural inheritance. The exhibit invites reflection on how personal and collective histories are carried forward. At the Painted Bride. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 17: SPOON by Out West & Swags Cappuccino
A curated menu of affogatos poured just right, matcha floats, house-made pastries, and small bites, plus music, games, and moments meant to linger. Ice cream by Cuzzy’s. Food by Down North Pizza. $39.19 ticket includes one affogato or matcha float, a pastry, and a slice of Down North Pizza pizza. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: 1790s British musical concert at Gloria Dei
Hear songs from the first British music invasion — in 18th century Philadelphia. The Publick Pleasure will perform creations by Joseph Haydn, Rayner Taylor, Benjamin Carr, JGC Schetky, Alexander and Hugh Reinagle and Ignace Pleyel. $30 adults; $15 students includes a beverage. Optional donation-based dessert reception to follow. (3 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: Fake News and “War of the Worlds”
An early lesson on mass media’s dangers: It was October 30, 1938 when 6-12 million people listened to a theatrical reading of Orson Welles’ novel about New Jersey being invaded by Martians — but many didn’t realize it was fiction. How does fake news work today and how can we detect lies before they cause irreparable harm? $14.77 advance tickets; $17 at the door. (4:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: Moon Alignment Series: New Moon
At Calder Gardens: An opportunity to contemplate motion and stillness in relationship with our closest celestial neighbors. Each session in the Moon Alignment Series opens with a brief discussion, followed by a walking meditation, a silent meditation and closing reflections. $15 tickets. (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 18: Wild Indigo Poetry 2025-2026
This reading series aims to foster social change through the power of poetry. Co-hosted with Reclaim Philadelphia and Young American Cider and Tasting Room. Feat. poets whose work engages with social justice + an open mic. Donation-based. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 19: Day-Off Camp
Keep curious young minds and busy bodies active with the Schuylkill Center Day-Off Camp. Trained educators lead students grades K-6 on unique nature-themed explorations that take advantage of our science lab, Discovery Center, and 365 acres of beautiful wooded trails, streams, and ponds. BYO packed lunch, water bottle, and extra clothes. $80-90 per child. (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 19: MLK Day of Service
Work on service projects aimed at protecting the health of our forest and supporting nature at the Schuylkill Center. There will be a wide range of service projects available. Free registration required. Light refreshments provided. (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 19: Community African Dance Bash
Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble hosts this celebration at the Community Education Center (3500 Lancaster Avenue). Classes are open to adults, families, children, everyone! Feat. live drumming, guest instructors, beginner-friendly. $20/$16 per class. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 19: Starbucks Workers United Benefit Show
$5 drafts, $5 well, $8 signature craft cocktails. At 304 South Street. $19.49 ticket. (Doors open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.)
The post ICE “rights” trainings; Sports scandal; Candidates forum | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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