🌱 Amtrak Conductor On Trial + Philadelphia Youth Film Festival

Hey, Philadelphia! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy and much colder. High: 39 Low: 32.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. In 2015, a high-speed Amtrak train derailment killed eight people and injured over 200 in Philadelphia. Nearly seven years later, the train's conductor will face a jury for his role in the incident. Brandon Bostian faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and causing a catastrophe; these charges have been dropped and reinstated multiple times. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. This Saturday, Feb. 26, high school students across the city are invited to attend the Virtual Philadelphia Youth Film Festival. The event, managed by students at Germantown Friends School, will include virtual screenings of films by students around the world. Attendees can also enjoy a talkback with finalists in the film festival as well as a keynote address with Amanda Peet. Register for the free event online at www.phyff.com. (Chestnut Hill Local)
3. "Third Thursday," a new initiative targeting gun violence in Northwest Philadelphia, is scheduled to roll out this March. Beginning Mar. 17 and every third Thursday after that, Philadelphia police and community organizations will target hot spots and empower residents with critical information. State Representative Stephen Kinsey hopes the initiative shows community members that there are people who care about stopping gun violence. (CBS Philly)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Nothing But Networking - Northeast Phila Chamber-Commerce (8:30 AM)
• Innovation In Wellness Demo Event - Venture Cafe Philadelphia (3:00 PM)
• Comedic Memoir With Margot Leitman - City Hall (6:00 PM)
• Tattoo: Identity Through Ink Villain Arts Reception - American Swedish Historical Museum (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• An update on the wintry mix anticipated late tonight through early Friday: confidence is low on the exact amounts. However, the icy mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow may impact the Friday morning commute from the I-95 urban corridor and especially areas to the north and west. (Facebook)
• The Philadelphia Police Department is searching for a suspect wanted for stealing a gun from a vehicle in the 22nd District. Visit the link for more information. (Facebook)
• Did you know that Dunkin', Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, Share Food Program, and Eat Right Philly work together to provide free fresh produce boxes to families throughout Philadelphia? (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.