Yesterday in Philly: The City That Can’t Catch a Break
Snow, repairs, wins, and a city legend gone—catch up on Monday in Philly.
City on (Literal) Ice
Winter’s not done with us. More snow is on the way for Tuesday and Wednesday—so brace for messy commutes and the kind of slush that’ll trash your boots. The city is hustling through snow removal (read how crews are faring). Heads up: new parking restrictions and “ambassadors” are out to keep plows rolling. Four public schools had to dismiss early yesterday because the heat couldn’t keep up (details). Over in Manayunk, yet another water main break, thanks to the freeze/thaw whiplash.
If you park on the street, stay alert—don’t become the next person to have their car trapped in an ice cocoon. This is also why pothole season is officially on, so drive slow unless you want to fund your mechanic’s vacation.
Getting Around: SEPTA’s Big Move
SEPTA is actually doing something about the Regional Rail crush—they’re rolling out leased cars from Maryland to try and make your commute slightly less sardine-like (more details). Try to act surprised if it works.
Remembering a South Philly Original
Lou Capozzoli, the force behind Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, died at 86. If you ever did a shots-and-singalong night on Passyunk, you know Ray’s. RIP to a guy who helped keep old-school Philly alive.
Culture Watch & Black History Month
The African American Museum has a full slate of events for Black History Month (bookmark this if you’re looking for real Philly history, not the textbook kind). Charles Barkley picked out some local Black History Month All-Stars—worth a read for inspiration and pride. Also, music heads: PBS is doing a new 'American Masters' doc on Sun Ra and his Philly-based Arkestra.
Philly scored three Grammy winners (Will Yip, Andre Harris, Christian McBride), because yeah, we’re still a music city.
Sports Desk: Sixers & Eagles Updates
Sixers fans, the trade deadline is looming. General vibe: no, we’re not trading for Giannis (why that's a bad idea). Joel Embiid is supposedly playing tonight against the Clippers, so don’t tell yourself you can skip watching.
Eagles-wise: New OC Sean Mannion’s coaching influences are basically Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur. So, some hope for non-boring offense?
The Odd & Ends
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so bunker down—six more weeks of winter. The Auto Show is on at the Convention Center. And if you need a dose of hope, Germantown is getting a new birth center to address the city’s maternal health void.
That’s your Philly fix. Keep your boots dry and your plans flexible.
