🏈 We’re going to the Super Bowl!

🩰 UArts Dance Program Revived

After the sudden closure of University of the Arts last summer, an unprecedented rescue from a small college in Vermont saved one of its programs. Today on City Cast Philly, host Trenae Nuri chats with Laura Walker, president of Bennington College, and Donna Faye Burchfield, director of the dance program, about how UArts dance is thriving in Vermont and what this means for its future in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🥤 No Taxation on Carbonation

City Council passed a resolution to reconsider the 1.5 cents-per-ounce charge on sugary drinks. The resolution cited Teamsters Local 830, saying that under former Mayor Jim Kenney's sugar-sweetened beverage tax, it saw a 43% decrease of sweetened beverage sales in Philly, but a 20% increase immediately outside city limits. Council will examine whether the tax led to job losses in the city. [Philly Voice]

⚖️ Kensington Wellness Court Sends Its First Two Defendants to Treatment

On the launch day of the Parker administration’s new wellness court in Kensington, two people were diverted into treatment and another jailed for an outstanding warrant. The ACLU says the program is better than automatic incarceration, but it's critical of law enforcement’s involvement. [🎧 City Cast Philly, Kensington Voice]

📓 New Program to Get More Black Male Teachers in Schools

Parkway West High School’s new state-funded One-Soul program enables students interested in becoming early childhood educators to earn nine college credits. The goal of the program, which currently has 11 participants, is to encourage Black male students to become teachers as only less than 2% of educators in the United States are Black men. [Philadelphia Tribune]

🏥 Health Inequities Impacting Life Expectancy of Philly Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans in North Philadelphia are at higher risk of negative health outcomes compared to other Latino groups in the city. Puerto Rican males in North Philly have a life expectancy of 65.5 years, while Puerto Rican females are at 75.5 years, with heart disease and unintentional overdose the leading causes of health-related deaths. [Centro de Periodismo Investigativo]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask Bon Appétit, which included not one, but two Philly restaurants (Meetinghouse and My Loup) in its top 20 new restaurants of the year.

Since our local culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, and cafés that have recently opened.

January 2025

🥙 Emmett | 161 W. Girard Ave. (Northern Liberties)

Emmett officially opens its doors on Jan. 28, offering a vibrant fusion of Levantine, Mediterranean, French, Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern flavors, all with Philly flair. The opening menu features a diverse array of dishes, including the delectable-sounding BBQ lamb neck dolma. Reservations are now available..

🌺 AVANA | 2200 Ben Franklin Parkway (Center City)

AVANA, meaning “beautiful flower” in Swahili, is restaurateur Felicia Wilson’s fourth restaurant to blossom in Philly in just two years. Located on the Parkway in Parktowne Place’s east tower, AVANA offers Southern comfort dishes with a twist, such as lazy lobster mac-and-cheese and braised oxtail pizza.

🎂 DreamWorld Bakes | 2400 Coral St. (East Kensington)

This is the bakery to go for a birthday cake — singer Patti LaBelle did! Owner Ashley Huston brings sweet and savory goodies along with an espresso bar to satisfy your caffeine fix. The bakery is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

🥟 Bao & Bun Studio | Reading Terminal Market (Center City)

This new spot in Reading Terminal Market features a rotating menu of more than 10 bao buns. Options vary from Mongolian beef to curry cauliflower. They also offer catering services so you can bring bao buns to your next event.