City Cast Philly
🏠 Philly to open new homeless shelter
January 14, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Have you traveled through PHL or 30th Street Station recently? City officials are warning of a possible measles exposure at those locations on Jan. 7.
You can find the latest information on these exposures here.
What's CITY Talking About
New Homeless Shelter Opens to Philly Families
A new shelter in the Logan neighborhood will soon open with capacity to house 350 unhoused residents, advancing Mayor Parker’s goal of adding 1,000 shelter beds by the end of the month. The city-owned building on Old York Road will house adults on one side, while the other is reserved for families. Eventually, residents will be able to access mental and behavioral health services at the site. [Philadelphia Tribune]
Mount Moriah to Beef Up Security After Grave Robberies
After a Lancaster County man allegedly desecrated and stole human remains from 26 graves, the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery plan to fix fencing, repair damaged mausoleums and vaults, and add security cameras. The volunteer group is asking for the public’s help to cover the costs. [Philly Voice]
Standardized Tests No Longer the Standard Path to Graduation
After a revamp of Philly’s high school graduation requirements, more students are completing their education through alternate means, bypassing state exams. While the district's graduation rates are on the rise, there has been little follow-up on whether the new system is leaving students more or less prepared for the future.
- If you have insight on whether these pathways are helping Philly students get ready for college, jobs, or other opportunities, send Chalkbeat a message. [Chalkbeat]
Eagles To Replace Kevin Patullo After Poor Performance
To no one's surprise, the Eagles decided to move in a different direction with the offensive coordinator position following Sunday’s Wild Card loss to the 49ers. In a statement released yesterday, head coach Nick Sirianni said, “Ultimately, when we fall short of our goals, that responsibility lies on my shoulders.” [Philadelphia Eagles]
Popular North Philly Cheesesteak Shop To Change Hands
Philadelphians debate on where to find the best cheesesteak in the city, but one favorite is Max’s Steaks in North Philly. Now the shop’s being taken over by Rob LaScala, the owner of LaScala Restaurant Group. Even though the restaurant is undergoing some rebranding, LaScala promises that it won't lose its essence. Expect an expanded menu and new merchandise offerings. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]
What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 14
- ♟️ Wednesday Night Chess at Ethical Society (Rittenhouse Square)
- 📚 Author Talk: Quiara Alegría Hudes & Ray Beauchamp at Parkway Central Library (Logan Square)
- 🤝 Skill Swap Club: Neighbors Helping Neighbors at Colorspace Labs (Norris Square)
- 🕺 Philadelphia: An Early American Dance City at Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Center City)
- 🗣️ Neighboring Voices at 624 N Front St. (Northern Liberties)
- 📖 The Vibrary at the Painted Bride (East Parkside)
- 🍝 Northern Italian Winter Pasta Lab at Osteria (Fairmount)
Thursday, Jan. 15
- 🎤 Jokes for Justice at Neighborhood House (Old City)
- 🎵 South Philly Acoustic Jam at Settlement Music School (Queen Village)
- 🍻 Winter Workshop: Fire Cider Make-and-Take at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (Cobbs Creek)
- 🛍️ Philly Flurry (Fairmount, Brewerytown, Francisville & Spring Garden)
- 🍸 Martinis & Jazz at Attico Rooftop (Center City)
- 💻 Urbanist PowerPoint Party at Resurrection Church (Rittenhouse Square)
🏪Wawa’s trend of closing Philly locations continues after the chain announced it will shut down the store on the 3300 block of Market Street. The company cited it as a “business decision,” and will cease operations on Jan. 21. If Wawa keeps this up, the city might become overrun with Sheetz.
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