🚆 SEPTA expands Regional Rail fleet

‘Life May Never Be the Same Again’ for Philly’s Latino Community Amid ICE Raids

South Philly’s 9th Street is usually bustling with foot traffic, but increased immigration enforcement has stoked fears of deportation and affected the businesses of the area’s Latino community. Up north in Norris Square, even U.S. citizens are grappling with uncertainty regarding their safety. [2PuntosPlatform]

SEPTA Leases 10 Rail Cars To Increase Service

SEPTA’s new Regional Rail schedule began yesterday, with increased service in the morning and evening on key lines, including Wilmington, Trenton, and Chestnut Hill East. SEPTA is also leasing rail cars to keep service running smoothly as federally mandated inspections continue. [SEPTA]

Sway the School Board at These Public Meetings

Share your thoughts on the potential closures, mergers, and upgrades of Philly schools at one of the upcoming feedback sessions starting today. The Philadelphia Board of Education, which has the final say on the facilities master plan, will share its opinions when the plan is officially presented on Feb. 28. [School District of Philadelphia, Chalkbeat]

Will Phil See His Shadow Today?

Today’s the day we depend on a rodent to predict whether we get six more weeks of winter or if spring is on the horizon. After last week’s snowfall and subsequent icy chaos, let’s hope for the latter. But how did Pennsylvania become part of this annual tradition, and how accurate is the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil? [Keystone Newsroom]

It’s February, the shortest month of the year. Make the most of it by adding these activities to your calendar.

Learn About Philly’s Black History

The Free Library of Philadelphia will have dedicated Black History Month programming across its branches, including a Black cultural heritage fair & celebration at Parkway Central Library on Feb. 21, a Black History Month quizzo event at Haddington Library on Feb. 24, and a concert with Renaissance Orchestra at Wynnefield Library on Feb. 24.

Take a walking tour with Historic Fairhill on Feb. 7. If you prefer to learn at your own pace, try a self-guided tour in Northern Liberties or on South Street.

Learn about Philly’s connection to the Underground Railroad by visiting these sites.

Visit the Historical Society of Pennsylvania or join virtually on Feb. 22 for a talk on “Black History in Times of Self-Evident Truths, Half-truths, and Untruths.”

Celebrating Every Kind of Love

Buy a gift for your valentine at Love, Chestnut Hill on Feb. 7, the Kismet x Jinxed Valentines Market on Feb. 8, or the Now+Then Marketplace’s Make Love Market on Feb. 14.

Find out your astrological love language at this Galentine’s Salon at Sunday Girl on Feb. 14.

Time & Peace Café and Gallery is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a live figure drawing night, accompanied by live music, themed mocktails and lattes, and charcuterie.

Whether you’re celebrating platonic or romantic love, toast to it at El Techo con Amor on Feb. 14. Make your own bouquet, write love letters, and enjoy a complimentary cocktail and snacks as you party the night away.

Put Your Mardi Gras Beads On

Craftsman Row Saloon is already decked out in purple, green, and gold for its annual Mardi Gras pop-up. Stuff your face with king cake, crawfish mac and cheese, and jambalaya.

It isn’t Mardi Gras without a jazz band. Hoppin’ John’s Soul-Fried Brass Band is coming to Chris’ Jazz Cafe on Feb. 17. There will be a parade heading down Chestnut Street to Broad Street and back up Sansom Street to finish the party inside the venue.