After more than five years of operation, The Farmacy, the popular brunch spot at 45th and Spruce, has closed. The restaurant closed at the beginning of the month, and “For Rent” signs have been displayed in the windows since then.

The owners, local chefs Ross Scofield and Danielle Coulter, want to focus on their new restaurant in New Jersey, according to Foobooz.  Continue Reading

Due to sleet expected in the area throughout Monday night and early Tuesday morning, all public schools will open Tuesday, Feb. 12 on a two-hour delay, according to an announcement by the School District of Philadelphia. All buses will also begin their morning routes two hours later than their normal time.

Parents and caregivers are asked to be patient as some yellow bus routes may experience moderate to significant delays Tuesday morning due to road conditions. Families can also visit the Bus Status Page on the School District website to see if there are additional delays for their child’s bus route.  Schools will dismiss students in the afternoon on their normal schedules.

All District-operated early childhood programs will also open on a two-hour delay. After-school activities, including athletic programs and professional development sessions set for Tuesday, will continue as scheduled.

Several art statues representing what appears to be the 1950’s lifestyle have been spotted on Market Street near 48th. The statues were placed on an empty lot near construction business T Depaul & Sons, but it doesn’t appear that they belong to it. Check out the photos sent to us by reader Shepard Ritzen:  Continue Reading

Multiple injuries have been reported after a packed SEPTA Route 13 trolley was struck by a paratransit vehicle late Tuesday morning. The incident happened near the intersection of 41st Street and Chester Avenue at around 11:30 a.m., according to reports, after a collision between a CCT Connect paratransit bus and another car.

At least 31 people were injured in the incident, according to a report by NBC10 Philadelphia. The drivers of the vehicles involved in the collision were taken to the hospital, and their condition is currently unknown. None of the injuries sustained by the trolley passengers are considered life-threatening, according to reports.  Continue Reading

Free tax preparation sites have opened around the city helping individuals and families earning less than $55,000 per year to file their 2018 taxes. The sites are run by the Campaign for Working Families. This year, there are a couple of new tax preparation sites in West Philadelphia. Most sites serve customers on a first come, first served basis, but some require an appointment.

The following tax preparation sites are open in West and Southwest Philadelphia:  Continue Reading

This post was submitted by Project MEOW, the West Philly-based volunteer-run cat rescue organization.

Cats are often generalized as mysterious or capricious animals. While humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, sometimes the communication methods or body language of cats can seem strange. Knowing what a cat is saying with its tail, eyes, and ears is instrumental to any interaction you have with them, whether its coaxing a stray out of hiding, handling a scared or distressed cat, or simply hanging out with your pet at home. Like any other relationship, communication is key to bonding and building trust.

When dealing with an unfamiliar or anxious cat, knowing its warning signs is crucial to help meet the needs of the cat, and make sure no one gets hurt in the exchange. A scared or anxious cat will often flatten its ears back and its tail may either thump up and down or stand straight up, Halloween style. When a cat is sending these signals, along with hissing or growling, stay away! Prolonged direct eye contact also means that cat is sizing you up. While eye contact may be a sign of intimacy and connection for humans, its probably best not to stare directly at an unhappy cat. The best way to calm down an aggressive cat is to simply leave it alone. Turn the lights off and provide a safe space for the cat to relax and feel safe before you try to interact again. If you are trying to build a bond with an unfamiliar cat, this may take some patience!  Continue Reading