Category: PHILADELPHIA

CBP and PHL Airport launch Enhanced Passenger Processing for U.S. travelers returning from overseas

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Philadelphia International Airport announced today the launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing technology at Philadelphia International Airport.

Enhanced Passenger Processing utilizes advanced facial comparison technology and biometric software to provide U.S. citizens with a touchless, seamless, and secure international arrivals experience. U.S. citizens experience the same high level of security assurance with fewer steps and reduced processing times.

The technology allows CBP officers to focus on traveler interaction and higher-risk travelers while automating routine processing for eligible U.S. citizens with no enforcement concerns.

EPP is available at 15 U.S. airports, six CBP Preclearance airports in Aruba, Canada, and Ireland, five seaport ports of entry, and one land border crossing. Since launching EPP nationally in August 2025, CBP officials have observed a 25% reduction in wait times for U.S. citizens.

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Craftsman Row Saloon Brings a Taste of New Orleans to Philadelphia

* Enjoy vibes, drinks and food inspired by Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday and beyond with more decor this year, new po boys, and extended run *

Philadelphia, PA – Let the good times roll. Craftsman Row Saloon, at 112 S. 8th Street, announces the launch of its 6th annual Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar Experience starting Thursday, January 29th through Fat Tuesday. First to bring this vibe to Philadelphia, Craftsman Row is the spot for the ultimate flavors, sights and sounds of The Big Easy. The award-winning Christmas pop-up decorations from December have been entirely replaced by thousands of glittery beads, feathers, masquerade masks and other decor to transport you to Mardi Gras. Umbrella’s hang from the ceiling and jazz instruments poetically add melody to the space. The floor to ceiling transformation continues both inside the dining room and outside in the Craftsman Row Saloon illuminated with the colors of Mardi Gras on the entire building. The over the top decorations guests love, with a little extra magic for the festive flair of the holiday.  The delicious over-the-top King of Bourbon Street Milkshake is back, with Po Boys, Crawfish Mac N Cheese, Big Easy Burger, new King Cake Burger, Jambalaya and more.  The bar will be pouring the tasty and festive Bourbon Street inspired specialty cocktails they are known for. Cocktails will boast all the NOLA feels and come with masks, beads and other souvenirs and keepsakes. 

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Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Announces 2026 String Band Spectacular

Official Judged Competition Event to Be Held at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association (PMSBA) announces the 2026 String Band Spectacular, the official judged competition event for the String Band Division. The event will take place at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00pm, with a rain date of Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The 2026 String Band Spectacular was created to ensure that Philadelphia’s String Bands receive the full competitive spotlight they deserve. Unpredictable and extreme weather conditions on New Year’s Day caused damage to production props and made it unsafe to proceed with the String Band competition as originally scheduled. While the String Bands proudly marched and performed during the parade, the judged competition portion was postponed in the interest of safety.

“This event allows us to properly showcase the extraordinary work, musicianship, and creativity of the String Bands in a safe and professional environment,” said Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association President Sam Regalbuto. “The String Band Spectacular ensures that this historic competition is presented at the level of excellence our performers, supporters, and the City of Philadelphia expect. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as our fellow major Philadelphia sports organizations: the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Union, whose involvement underscores the citywide pride and collaboration behind this event.”

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Long-Term Missing Person Jose Rivera-Hurtado from the 2nd District

The Philadelphia Police Department is requesting the public’s help in locating 38-year-old Jose Rivera-Hurtado, who has been reported missing by his sister. He was last seen by his mother at their home on the 1300 block of Friendship Street on March 29, 2025, around 10:00 p.m.

Jose is described as 5’8″ tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants, a black fitted cap, and black “NIKE” sneakers. He may be in the Kensington section of the city.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jose Rivera-Hurtado, please contact the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154.

For additional information and updates, visit https://www.phillypolice.com/news-blotter/missing-person-jose-rivera-hurtado-from-the-2nd-district/

Wanted: Suspect for Aggravated Assault in the 35th District

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individual responsible for this aggravated assault/threat with a gun.

On January 21, 2026 at 1:54pm at the Luke Oil gas station, located at 4421 N. Broad St, a black male offender pointed a gun at the employee after a verbal dispute. The complainant reported to police the offender came into his store and got into a verbal dispute with another customer and with store employees. The offender stated he was going to come back with a gun. The offender did leave and came back 15 minutes later but the customer was gone. The offender then came back into the gas station and pointed a gun and threatened the complainant. The offender left and walked east bound on Wingohocking.

Note: This video has no audio.

Philadelphia CBP Officers Bag $2.4 Million Weed Shipment Destined to the UK

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a load of nearly 500 pounds of marijuana near Philadelphia on Jan. 6 that was being shipped from the state of Georgia to the United Kingdom.

During routine export inspections, CBP officers examined a shipping container consisting of 80 boxes manifested as clothing. The clothing was shipped from Decatur, Georgia, to an address in Oxford, England.

Officers opened a box and discovered marijuana in a vacuum-sealed bag. Officers then examined all 80 boxes and discovered that seven of the 80 boxes contained vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana.

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Winter Fun at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin

The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin is the perfect place to relax between skating sessions and shopping trips, offering a full menu of seasonal dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere. At the bar, adults 21 and older can toast to good cheer with cocktails made with Basil Hayden® bourbon as well as beer, wine and ready-to-drink -196 Vodka Seltzer canned cocktails. Outside on the terrace, toasty fire pits are available to enjoy at no charge. See below for upcoming events and happenings in the cabin.

Wine Tasting & Food Pairing| January 22 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting | February 7 | 1–5 p.m.

The Big Game Celebration | February 1–8

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Class | February 13 | 6-8 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration Presented by Temple University | February 16-21

Happy Hour | Monday–Thursday | 5–7 p.m.

Trivia Night | Thursdays | 5:30–6:30 p.m.

LEARN MORE

Manayunk Presents Philly’s Largest Outdoor Ice Festival, Chowder Crawl, Winter Market

Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA – Bundle up and head on over to Manayunk for a frosty, fun-filled day at the Founders Philly Freeze-Out and MNYK Chowder Crawl on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Founders Brewing Company and Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with 22+ ice sculptures and six live carving demonstrations by and Ice Sculpture Philly. Festivities also include Founders beer specials, a winter market, a kid’s moonbounce, a snowy igloo, a mobile gaming truck, food trucks, a chowder crawl, shopping deals and other cool surprises.

The day starts with the Freeze Out Run by Philadelphia Runner and New Balance at 9:00am, followed by the Freeze Out main event from 11:00am to 4:00pm, followed by the 2026 MNYK Chowder Crawl from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Founders Philly Freeze Out is an open-street event, with activations located along Main Street, at Canal View Park and at the RichardsApex parking lot. Closed streets for this event will include Grape and Cotton streets. Founders Freeze Out is no charge to attend. MNYK Chowder Crawl tickets start at $18. Freeze Out Run is no charge to participate but advance registration is required. All other food, drink and shopping are pay-as-you-go. For event info, race registration and chowder crawl tickets, visit manayunk.com/events/ and follow @manayunkdotcom

“Founders Philly Freeze-Out is the perfect winter day filled with a combination of fun and community,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Events Manager Carla Ferro. “Peter Slavin and his incredible team do an incredible job of working with the business owners to bring Manayunk to life on ice!”  

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Fatal Accident Involving SEPTA Train and a Pedestrian

The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a fatal accident occurred involving a SEPTA train and a pedestrian at 4200 North Broad Street on the Broad Street Line (Orange Line) at the Hunting Park Station. Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian exited the train as it arrived at the station. As the train began moving southbound to continue along the tracks, the individual stepped backward, fell into the space between the train and the platform, and was subsequently struck and run over by the train. Philadelphia Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the male pedestrian deceased at approximately 2:03 a.m. 

The decedent was later identified as 41-year-old Terrell Burton of the 1600 block of West Allegheny Avenue.

The investigation is ongoing with the Crash Investigation Division.

In a separate incident, on January 20, 2026, at approximately 9:15 p.m., officers from the 12th District responded to a radio call reporting a shooting at the 5500 block of Chester Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a crime scene both inside and in front of the Chester Convenience Store. Shortly thereafter, a 17-year-old male victim arrived at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center via private vehicle, suffering from two gunshot wounds to his right arm. He was listed in stable condition. 

At this time, no motive has been determined, and no arrests have been made. 

The Shooting Investigation Group is continuing to investigate this incident.

Philly Highways Get a Green Makeover

Concept photo of Philadelphia’s “Gateway to the City” project along Schuylkill East Bound near 30th Street. / Photo: Courtesy of City of Philadelphia

The Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, announced the “Gateways to Philadelphia” Anti-Graffiti & Highway Beautification project.

The endeavor focuses on highway beautification and landscaping improvements for major entryways and interchanges spanning from Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station to Independence Hall. It blends graffiti removal, gardening updates, and mural art to enhance our key roads.

Noteworthy Mention: A forthcoming semiquincentennial-themed mural on I-76 at Spring Garden Street will nod to Philadelphia’s pivotal role in U.S. history.

Why It Matters: This initiative helps shape visitors’ first impression of Philadelphia upon their arrival.