🌱 Philadelphia Patch: What's Happening Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Hello all. It's me, Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. Today's issue includes:

• Insert teaser here
• Insert teaser here
• Insert teaser here

But first, today's weather:

Rain this afternoon. High: 46 Low: 43.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Philadelphia? Partner with the Philadelphia Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. People in the News—Jan. 25, 2023—Post & Schell, BKW Family Law, Saxton & Stump | The Legal Intelligencer (Law.com)
2. $3.97 Million Grant Awarded To Philadelphia School District (Patch)
3. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris visiting Philadelphia next week (WPVI-TV)
4. Philadelphia's Hit & Run Epidemic Needs Action Now (Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia)
5. 50 Best Area Restaurants Includes Bala Cynwyd Spot (Patch)
6. Well City Challenge 2023 officially kicks off in Philly (AL DIA News)
7. Does Jerry Blavat Really Deserve Flags at Half-Staff? (Philadelphia magazine)
8. Fired, Sued And Launching a New Firm: Ex-Kline & Specter Attorney Says He's Not Going Anywhere | The Legal Intelligencer (Law.com)
9. Snow Path Changes In Philly Area: See Timeline (Patch)
10. Philadelphia man held for court in deadly fire in Darby Township (The Delaware County Daily Times)
11. Pedestrian struck by hit-and-run driver on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia's Mayfair neighborhood (WPVI-TV)
12. New details emerge in Philly’s ‘Boy in the Box’ mystery (PennLive)
13. $78M Grant Promises Upgrades for One of Philadelphia's Deadliest Roads (Insurance Journal)
14. Florida Gov. DeSantis Arrives in Philadelphia Amid Protests (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
15. Philadelphia man sentenced for Jan. 6 riot (ABC27)
16. There's a new professional group dedicated to growing Philly's insurtech industry (Technical.ly)
17. F.N.B. eyes Philadelphia, Atlanta for commercial lending expansion (The Business Journals)
18. Travel back to 1960s South Philly (South Philly Review)
19. More than 1,200 cars stolen in Philadelphia so far this year following record-setting 2022 (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
20. Philly needs lifeguards so bad they are reportedly hiring people who can't swim (New York Post )
21. RealLIST Startups: Meet the 2023 class of most promising Philly tech companies (Technical.ly)
22. Mild winter conditions helping Philadelphia's pothole problem (WPVI-TV)
23. Philly gov wants you to take this survey about cable use (Technical.ly)
24. Woman Gives Birth to 16-Pound Baby Boy (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
25. New Canine-Friendly Bar-Restaurant Coming To Jersey Shore Is Doggone Special (Daily Voice)
26. Rebecca Rhynhart endorsed by former Philly mayor John Street (AL DIA News)
27. Philadelphia shooting: Suspect arrested following deadly quadruple shooting in Mayfair (WPVI-TV)
28. Philly chef says new restaurant's menu is inspired by grandfather's cooking in Puerto Rico (PhillyVoice.com)
29. PFT, API PA endorse Helen Gym for 2023 Philadelphia Mayor (AL DIA News)
30. 69 News at 6:00 - Jury selection underway in federal trial of man accused of blocking access to Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia (69News WFMZ-TV)

Today in Philadelphia:

From my notebook:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: "We're in the final week of Matisse in the 1930s! We have extended hours this weekend for more opportunities to see Henri Matisse's work before the exhibit closes. #PMAMatisse #Matisseinthe1930s #visitphilly Buy Tickets at the link in o..." (Philadelphia Museum of Art via Instagram)
• ACCT Philly: "‼️We are FULL ‼️ We are beyond full and need your help! We know we say this a lot - but sadly it’s still our reality. We took in more than 20 dogs 🐶yesterday alone 😞 We are the only open intake shelter and animal care and control provi..." (ACCT Philly via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly: "⚠️❄️🌧 [1/24 5 PM] A new briefing package has been issued for the winter storm expected to impact the region tomorrow into tomorrow night. The complete briefing package with our latest forecast can be found here: https://www.weather.gov/..." (US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly: "❄️➡️🌧️ Not much change in the forecast for the storm that will impact the area through tonight. Accumulating snow will change to rain near and north of I-78. Windy and rainy this afternoon through tonight. Full briefing here: https://bi..." (US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly: "❄️ Accumulating snow and wintry driving conditions are forecast along and north of the I-78 corridor today. This will be the first impactful snow of the season for some, so don’t let the first snow sneak up on you! #PAwx #NJwx" (US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly via Facebook)
• School District of Philadelphia: "The School District of Philadelphia is NOW HIRING! Apply or learn more about upcoming hiring events at www.workinphilly.com" (School District of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: "This past weekend, we hosted the Katie Kirlin Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the School of the Future! 🏀 Congratulations to the Bennett Blazers of Baltimore on their win, and to all the amazing athletes for participating in one of ..." (Philadelphia Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• Philadelphia Youth Orchestra: "Congratulations to Brett Miller, PYO '20 Alumnus and current Music Director of Empire Film and Media Ensemble (EFAME), on his recent performance in Visual Music 5.0! In collaboration with The Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporar..." (Philadelphia Youth Orchestra via Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "Take a tour of the Business Resource and Innovation Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia (BRIC)! Located on the ground floor of the Parkway Central Library, the BRIC supports entrepreneurs and nonprofits by helping to improve their..." (Free Library of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Mayor's Office of Public Engagement: "📈 Black Generational Wealth Series ⚡️ Culture Shifters HMBL Ambassadors 🔔 Business Grants Info Session and more! - https://mailchi.mp/phila/engagingphl-january24" (Mayor's Office of Public Engagement via Facebook)
• Opera Philadelphia: "What's more fun than having Brandie Inez Sutton in town for a visit? Seeing her onstage Feb. 3 & 5 in Carmina Burana + Credo! Do you have your tickets? operaphila.org/carmina" (Opera Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "What better way to learn about Black history than through the lens of Black news sources, as written and published by the African American journalists of yesterday? Learn more about this Free Library digital resource as Black History Mon..." (Free Library of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "In 2023, Mayor Jim Kenney is prioritizing moving Philadelphia forward through equity and opportunity. This means focusing on public safety, thriving neighborhoods, future generations, and DEI. Explore the full priorities for the Mayor's ..." (Free Library of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Philadelphia VA Medical Center: "U.S Navy Veteran, Tammy D’Alesandro finds personal meaning and purpose with her Whole Health practice. Monday, January 23, 2023 “I don’t know where to go, I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what I like,” said U.S. Navy Veteran Tammy D..." (Philadelphia VA Medical Center via Facebook)
• Philadelphia Department of Revenue: "If you missed out on LIHWAP, and you are still dealing with high water bill balances, The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund can help. Find out more in this blog post! " (Philadelphia Department of Revenue via Facebook)
• Opera Philadelphia: "Thanks to I Care if You Listen (.com) for previewing our upcoming concert and introducing more people to Margaret Bonds and CREDO!" (Opera Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Germantown: "Hyundai/Kia theft problem: - Two police officers stopped to chat with me yesterday when I was installing a new anti-theft device on my car. They were actually kidding me with some silly remarks. I felt like telling them to F off but in..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, E. Wash Square West: "Any suggestions on what to do? - I was walking my dog to the dog park today and noon. While walking along the back street that borders Acme I witnessed a drug deal right next to the dog park. While leaving, I noticed they had moved a bit..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Passyunk Square West: "Alert.. - SFE Energy rep came to my door asking to check my energy rates. He took down my PECO and PGW rates and Account numbers. It didn’t seem right to me so I called PECO. This company can switch you over to their service with your ac..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Mt-Airy-Pleasant: "Looking for someone to do occasional housekeeping for elderly person located in MtAiry home. - House kept neat and orderly." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, West Mt. Airy-Carpenter's: "I happen to live on a street without much parking, and everyone parks on the sidewalk. - I live near a residence with a first floor business (currently closed) that has at least 3-4 spaces lining the sidewalk. I have parked in one of the..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Girard Estate: "Does anyone around the girard estates area know of a missing Maine coon cat? - This cat came has came to my doorstep two night in a row, is the sweetest thing and there’s no way he’s a stray. I’m feeding it for now, but I’d like to have ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Fox Chase: "I saw this short story online and I had to share 💖💖💖 - Box Full of Kisses Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, West Wynnefield: "https://www.homesnap.com/PA/Philadelphia/1635-Dounton-Street - Completely remodeled 2bed, 2 full bath home great for first time home buyer, investor, bachelor/bachelorette, a couple or someone just looking to downsize!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Oxford Circle - West: "Mothers help/babysitting AVAILABLE! - My name is Nidia, I am from northeast Philadelphia. I come from a big family and I’m currently a senior in HS. I have been babysitting my cousins since they were babies. I would like a job for babysi..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Allegheny West (South): "Some times I just hate posting stuff and that's because of the negative ppls that respond I've got a short fuse but I'm no gangster when it comes to texting I won't go back n forth in text with any negative response I just won't do it I'..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Rittenhouse Square East: "The Union League - - Established to support Lincoln and the Union during the Civil War. Seems like on the right side of history to me. And yet again today. 👏🏼" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mayfair - North: "The purpose of this post is - show how important a professional house cleaning will be in your daily life. How do you feel when you see a clean and organized house?! When our homes are clean and organized, it has more value and becom..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lawncrest - South: "I found this great offer on SideHustle App that I think you might like. - Check it out. http://comigogig.app.link/odY6k0ALJ6?dRef=SH376528-13367-2b11fa85a0" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lawncrest - South: "I found this great offer on SideHustle App that I think you might like. - Check it out. http://comigogig.app.link/odY6k0ALJ6?dRef=SH376528-13291-ab71cefdb8" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Point Breeze South: "As a black man, idk why y’all keep voting democrat. - For the past 45 years I’ve been alive, they ain’t doing nothing for us but promising this and that. I’m over it. Our money ain’t going to education, our money ain’t going to the commu..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Oak Lane: "Check it out! - happeegreenscatering.com!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Tioga - South: "GOOD MORNING BELOVEDS…have a beautiful day on and of purpose!!! - 🙏🏽💐🤎" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Rhawnhurst - Southwest: "Early Morning’s Silence. - Seeing how cloudy the sky was, confirmed we will be feeling rain coming down later today; I prayed for your day to be happy, and for the rain to wash your sadness and sorrows away. To start my day, I go outsid..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Wynnefield: "Good morning lovely neighbors! - Just sharing some last-minute info. Have a wonderfully blessed Wednesday!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, East Mt-Airy-Pleasant: "Good Day Neighbors.... - We'd like to introduce you to a local Commercial or Residential, Pest Control Company, serving our neighborhood and the Philadelphia Metro region at large. Find us on Google or at Www.fowlerpests.com. 1-888-PES..." (Nextdoor)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com