Black History Month begins, Bob Brady exits, planning your Super Bowl party | Morning Newsletter
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Welcome to Thursday, Philly. Today marks the start of Black History Month, which means a slew of activities are on their way. News from both U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has shaken up local politics. And of course, the words on everyone's lips — Super Bowl — are getting louder with each passing day. We've got you covered on all fronts.
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— Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com)
» READ MORE: Prepping for a pre- (and post?) game party
It's time to finalize those Sunday plans, whether you're attending a party or avoiding the game completely. (In which case, good luck.)
Plan your perfect Super Bowl party
Look no further for food-spiration: some of the city's top chefs are sharing their recipes for Philly-inspired dishes. For drinks, try this green punch recipe.
Or try one of these bars, located close to post-game gathering spots, to join the action.
For something more low-key, why not go out for dinner? Craig LaBan knows which restaurants have the best quality-food-to-TV ratio.
Just don't bank on snagging hard-to-get reservations while everyone's busy. Many popular restaurants will be closed Sunday. Don't expect to tailgate in Minneapolis, either.
A city prepares for post-game madness
What's the city preparing for, exactly? If history is any indication, win or lose Philly will take to the streets for a rowdy post-game night. (Related PSA: Wawa is giving out free coffee on Sunday.)
Philly police are trying something other than grease to keep celebrants from climbing poles. And no, that is not a challenge.
Some fans are dying their hair green and the Sixers are going green on nearly everything but their jerseys for this weekend.
But you won't hear Philadelphians planning any celebration. Why? It's bad luck, of course.
» READ MORE: Black History Month begins
The start of Black History Month means plenty of inspiring and important events come to town. The Museum of the American Revolution is kicking things off with a discussion tonight about the black soldiers who fought in the Revolution. The African American Children's Book Fair returns Saturday, too.
Traditionally the month prompts a look at the past. But, if you're looking to the future, as reporter Brandon T. Harden writes, the upcoming Black Panther film will allow audiences to discover what blackness can become.
» READ MORE: Philly Dem. leader Bob Brady will not seek reelection
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, the leader of Philly's Democratic Party, announced Wednesday that he won't run for reelection. The move is sure to shake up local politics and new candidates are already lining up.
Brady insists last year's federal investigation into his campaign finances played no role in the decision. He made the choice for his family life, he said in a statement.
What you need to know today
The Barnes Foundation is handing over management of its 12-acre Lower Merion campus, including the original art gallery and arboretum, to Saint Joseph's University.
Federal prosecutors are going to drop their bribery case against New Jersey's U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, so he'll likely continue his run for reelection with the support of his party.
Former La Salle University and Roman Catholic basketball star Rasual Butler and his wife were killed in a one-car crash early Wednesday.
An Amtrak train carrying several GOP lawmakers to an annual party conference hit a truck in Virginia Wednesday. One person in the truck was killed.
According to new data analysis, at least $3.2 million in taxpayer funds has been paid out in the last eight years to resolve sexual harassment complaints against Pennsylvania government and public employees.
This is one wild story: a dispute between the head of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and its former head of wildlife rehabilitation has led to dozens of animals being removed — and reported stolen — from the site.
The FBI said Wednesday it has "grave concerns" about the accuracy of a classified memo drafted by Republicans about the Russian investigation. President Donald Trump wants it released to the public.
» READ MORE: #OurPhilly: Eagles Edition
The Eagles are headed to the big game, and we want to see your Eagles pride and displays of super-fandom.
Tag your photos #OurPhilly on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we'll pick our favorite each day this week to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!
That’s Interesting
Bored with your morning routine? Try an early morning yoga class and a two-hour alcohol- and drug-free rave before you hit that 9-to-5.
The Broad Street Run Lottery opens today, which means it's time to start training if you're joining the race. Check out this plan if you want to run faster this year.
Rather than close its Chuck Close exhibit after sexual allegations against the artist arose, PAFA is launching a counter exhibit about gender and power.
If you're looking for one of the region's only breweries specializing in sour beers, you'll need to look hard. It's tucked away down a quiet alley in North Philadelphia.
State leaders have long tried to stop older drivers with dementia from causing harm on the road, but a new study shows they may need to try a different tactic. Unfortunately, it involves a trip to the DMV.
A new music school from the former head of Philly's famed School of Rock is coming to Roxborough. The catch? You have to audition to get in.
Opinions
Babysitting can set teen girls up for a lifetime of earning less when they enter the workforce thanks to the wage gap, writes Yasemin Besen-Cassino, professor of sociology at Montclair State University.
Could prescription heroin be the next step in treating addiction? Jillian Bauer-Reese, an assistant professor of journalism at Temple University, looks at other countries that have tried it.
What we’re reading
Tyler Tynes at SB Nation toured Philadelphia, his hometown, to talk to fans ahead of the Super Bowl. You can tell his beautiful ode to the city and Eagles diehards comes from the heart of a true fan.
NJ.com asserts that New Jersey teens of Generation Z are better than millennials at, well, everything. As a millennial I take immediate offense, but their infographics make a pretty good case.
Now that the Philadelphia Energy Solutions in South Philadelphia has filed bankruptcy, as PlanPhilly writes, neighbors are hoping fortune may favor their hopes for cleaner air.
The Washington Post spent the State of the Union address with eight families across the country. Their reactions were fascinatingly, if predictably, varied, but maybe not in the way you'd expect.
If you spend any time in any kitchen, you'll find this Curbed exploration of how kitchens and their appliances are being redesigned for the men who increasingly use them captivating. Matte black Crock-Pot, anyone?
Your Daily Dose of | Pizza
Rosa's Fresh Pizza, which found viral fame for its inspiring way of feeding those who need a free meal, is bringing its good work to West Philly.