City Council votes, 12-5, to approve Sixers arena proposal
Protesters delayed the start of City Council’s final session of the year, and met the proceedings with chants and howls of disapproval, but in the end the Sixers proposal to build a new arena in Center City was approved, 12-5, on Thursday.
“Contrary to popular belief, if we had turned down this particular deal, we would have been fools,” said Council President Kenyatta Johnson after the vote. “This is a project that I believe will transform Center City.” We’ll see. First, though, we’ll see whether and how opponents choose to continue the fight. Continue reading …
Feeling anxious this holiday season? You’re not alone.
The days are shorter, the weather colder, and some people sag under the weight of the holiday season. Add in a contentious political year that has left many people feeling at risk, and even those who feel safe concerned about holiday dinner conversations that go off the rails, and anxiety is an issue for many.
We spoke to mental health professionals for ways to manage anxiety this season, as well as resources you or a love one can lean on when needed. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Rep. Susan Wild, and Rep. Matt Cartwright gave farewell speeches after losing re-election. [Capital-Star]
• Hundreds of Philadelphia Police pursuits — including those that have left people dead, injured, and resulted in property damage — have not been reported to a state police database as required by law. Why? [NBC10]
• The third suspect wanted in the shooting at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia that left three teens injured last week was arrested Thursday night. [CBS3]
• PECO moved a transformer that had flooded during Hurricane Ida to prepare for more upcoming extreme weather. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia schools are getting nearly $17 million from the state to repair and upgrade seven aging buildings. [Chalkbeat]
• A snow leopard and trio of primates are among the newest animals at the Philadelphia Zoo in 2024. [Axios]
• Mother-daughter duo presents a ‘Black Girl Magic Holiday’ at The Divine Lorraine through December. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 29: “Three Little Pigs”
Children can make props and voice recordings that will be incorporated into the play performed by Curio Theatre Company. $20 adults, $15 children. Various times.
🫔 Saturday, Dec. 21: Tamaliza Market
Enjoy tamales from chefs across the city at the inaugural tamal market at Sor Ynéz in Olde Kensington! Each chef will prepare their take on a traditional Mexican tamal in their signature style. Pay-as-you-go. (12 to 3 p.m.)
🎤 Saturday, Dec. 21: Wicked Sing Along Drag Brunch
Come and sing all things “Wicked” (both movie and Broadway) along with Brittany Lynn and the dolls of the Philly Drag Mafia, at Bake’n Bacon in East Passyunk. $25-$55 tickets, plus cash bar. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
🛍️ Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 21-22: Punk Rock Flea Market
Find vintage clothing, vinyls, crafts and more at the 23rd Street Armory, plus food trucks, with $10 entry fee good for all weekend and $5 tickets available 1 p.m. Sunday. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🎞️ Tuesday, Dec. 24: Holiday & Christmas Movie Screenings
Watch screenings of popular holiday movies at Cecil B. Moore Library. Popcorn provided! (10 a.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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