Snow Piles, PPA Patrols, and SEPTA Stops Tweeting
If you love Philly but want a heads up before the next parking ticket lands (and where not to take a nap on the Schuylkill), here’s what actually moved yesterday.
Weather & City Services
- Snow, Still: The city is still digging out more than a week after the last storm, with massive ice piles hanging around and complaints rolling in to PennDOT—over 1,000 pothole issues and counting (Fox29).
- PPA’s Back (Boo): The city paused ticketing during snow removal but the PPA just restarted writing tickets. Watch your block if you’re still half-parked on a mountain of slush.
- SEPTA Alert: SEPTA will stop posting trip cancellations on social media. If you rely on Twitter/X for cancellations, time to actually use the SEPTA app. Sigh.
Transit & Commuter Life
- Gas Tanker Scare: A gas tanker crashed into a SEPTA shelter and leaked fuel near a gas station in North Philly, but emergency crews kept it under control.
- Parking Woes Continue: Beyond bad snow clearance, parking enforcement resumes, so brush up on your alternate side rules.
City Government & Housing
- State Budget Drop: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a new budget aimed at addressing Pennsylvania’s housing crisis with a proposed $1B investment. Also included: more money for schools, and a renewed push to raise the minimum wage (WHYY).
- ICE Eyes Berks Again: Feds bought a warehouse in Berks County that could become a new detention center, stirring up old debates. Local immigrant advocates are not happy.
Events & Fun
- What To Do: It’s cold, but plenty to do this week: Black History Month night at the Art Museum, glowing ‘Sleeping Beauty’ ballet, tea-fueled ‘Bridgerton’ pop-up at Netflix House, and more.
- MONOPOLY Needs You: Philly is getting its own Monopoly board and they want suggestions for local spaces. (Deep personal beef if anyone submits the PPA office.)
Sports Quick Hits
- Sixers: They got a big win over the Clippers thanks to Dominick Barlow, but Embiid sat out last night and the trade rumor mill is churning.
- Eagles: Still figuring out coaches (Vic Fangio please don’t retire) and desperately need some inspiration for the playbook. History says: first-time play callers either crush it or crash it. No pressure.
Odds & Ends
- Schuylkill Looks Tempting, Don’t Do It: Cops are warning people to stay off the icy river. No, it’s not thick enough for skating (or showing off). It’s also illegal.
- Philly Schools: Four schools closed early because the heat’s busted. January never ends!
