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Court says city didn’t follow rules with Columbus statue
After nearly 3 years of legal wrangling, the box has been removed from the Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza.
- Commonwealth Court ruled against the city in two pending cases, saying the Kenney admin had other options and didn’t follow proper public input procedures.
To reverse these rulings, BP contributor Emily Neil reports, the city would have to convince the Pa. Supreme Court to take up an appeal.
The Washington press corps is rife with Eagles fans
In the cutthroat world of DC political reporting, there’s apparently one thing that brings journalists together: the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Birds fans are found throughout the Capitol press corps, per a story in The Ringer — and it’s not because of this impressive 12-1 season. They all keep in touch via an email thread that’s been going since 2017.
Several members of DC’s so-called “secret society” are named, but The Ringer doesn’t say where their fandom came from, so we sussed out some details.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- The 2022 governor’s race broke Pa. records with $110 million spent on the primary and general — most of it by Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro’s campaign. [AP]
- Philadelphia is one step closer to selling the Roundhouse, the former PPD headquarters on Race Street, after wrapping up a monthslong community engagement process. A report with findings is expected in late January. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- A new mural in North Philly pays tribute to all parts of the city’s hip-hop culture: MCs, DJs, breakers, and graffiti artists. [Inquirer$/@DPrime215/@_NASHIRAH_]
- Did you know the iconic American cowboy hat was invented in Philadelphia? This edition of “Headlines of Yore” is all about John B. Stetson. [Billy Penn]
- Carbon Copy, the city’s first combination brewery-winery, is now open in the former Dock Street spot at 50th and Baltimore Avenue. [PhillyVoice]
The story you didn’t read
? Highlighting good BP articles few people clicked on ?
- Good news for fans of Eyes Gallery: The landmark South Street boutique, which was badly damaged by the July fire that gutted Jim’s Steaks, is targeting a spring reopening.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins other officials in West Philly at a groundbreaking ceremony for $3 million in improvements for a Cobbs Creek Nature Playground and Cobbs Creek Environmental Center (9:30 a.m.). Afternoon brings the mayor to the Penn Museum, where he joins the Mexican Consulate to recognize the bicentennial of Mexico-United States diplomatic relations (4 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
?? BP Quizzo on the Schuylkill River! Join us at Padelphia, just over City Line Avenue across from Manayunk. We’ll have three rounds of local trivia, drinks, snacks, prizes — and a chance to find out more about the racket sport called Padel. Free RSVP here. (7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15)
? Philadelphia 250 reveals 11 finalists in its “Leave a Legacy” project supporting community ideas for the U.S. semiquincentennial. Free afternoon showcase at The Barnes (2:30 p.m.) followed by ticketed party. (7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14)
? Acclaimed chef Ange Branca, formerly of Sate Kampar, hosts a series of tasting dinners featuring Japanese Wagyu beef. $200 per person includes seven courses plus a cocktail. (Wednesday, Dec. 14, and other dates)
