Leaning tower of purples and pinks (Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Leaning tower of purples and pinks
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)

Parker gets her signature housing funding — with more help for low-income Philadelphians

City Council is poised to pass the first annual budget for the mayor’s $2 billion housing plan, after nearly two weeks of closed-door negotiations with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration led to additional funding to help the city’s most vulnerable residents. Continue reading …

Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at a town hall at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in North Philadelphia. June 2, 2025. (Meir Rinde/Billy Penn)

We’re one week out from our celebration of the city and its people

Billy Penn at WHYY’s Billies Awards are back on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with our latest celebration at WHYY to honor standout Philadelphians profiled by the city’s hyperlocal news site.

The 2025 event continues Billy Penn’s tradition of recognizing dynamic artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons whose stories have shaped civic life and inspired their neighbors.​ Join us by registering now. It’s free!

The Billies return for Billy Penn’s 11th anniversary.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson launched a fund to provide free field trips to thousands of Philly students. [WHYY]

• Philly expands class support for autistic students, but expected school closings concern parents. Meanwhile, a school safety program disappeared this fall. [Chalkbeat/Kensington Voice]

• Bon voyage! A new cruise ship terminal will open near Philly Int’l Airport in 2026. [PhillyVoice]

• Pa. legislators and activists celebrate legislation that protects against discrimination based on hairstyle. [WHYY]

• Ever found an injured wild animal and didn’t know what to do? Here are some answers. [WHYY]

• Eagles tumble in NFL Power Rankings after that putrid loss to the Bears. [Athletic$$]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events on her schedule for today.

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.

By the numbers in Philadelphia

  • 9: Shooting victims recorded from Nov. 23 to 29, including 3 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 18 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
  • 203: Year-to-date homicides, down 16% vs. last year’s pace; down 55% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]

ON THE CALENDAR

🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.

Wednesday, Dec. 3: Bridging Blocks | Democracy in the United States: 250 Years in the Making
A discussion about the history of democracy and the future of it as a form of governance. How do you think this 3,000-year-old concept can evolve to meet the needs of modern society? Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for this civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia. At Tredyffrin Public Library. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 3: 9th annual Old City Holiday Tree Lighting
The Historic Holiday Tree, decorated by Petit Jardin en Ville will shine bright all winter long in the Betsy Ross House Courtyard.  Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy performances by the Upper Darby High School Encore Singers, The Philadelphia Dance Academy, and a special appearance from Santa himself. Free. (6 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 4: Guilty Good Pastries Intro Pop Up
Elizabeth Kim’s pastries blend classic American and Asian flavors inspired by the food memories she grew up with. Paired with the Random Tea Room’s tea, enjoy this pop-up! Followed by a Saturday the 6th pastry delivery! (3 to 5 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 4: Philadelphia Rare Book Fair: Preview Night
Drinks and first access to books coming to the annual Rare Book Fair in the historic Trinity Memorial Church on Spruce Street. 20+ exhibitors from across the country coming to display a broad range of books and ephemera. $40 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.) 

Thursday, Dec. 4: A Spy Soirée: An Evening at Carpenters’ Hall
Commemorate the 250th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s meetings with French agent Julien-Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir in the second floor library of Carpenters’ Hall. Enjoy a calvados tasting, French-themed snacks, and a dramatic storytelling experience. $50 tickets. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 4: Know Your Rights Trivia Night Fundraiser 
Test your disability rights knowledge and inclusive employment in Greater Philadelphia. Co-hosted by the Neurodiversity Employment Network. Proceeds help expand access to plain-language rights information for the wider community and sustain mentorship opportunities. At Indy Hall. $50 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 4: Deck The Ave with Tree Lighting and Holiday Open Streets on East Passyunk Avenue
East Passyunk Avenue’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony returns but at a new location, Mifflin Triangle (East Passyunk Avenue and Mifflin Street). This year’s event will be accompanied by a special Holiday Open Streets between Broad and Mifflin streets along East Passyunk Avenue, offering cozy outdoor seating and seasonal food and snacks. The lighting will take place 5:30 to 7 p.m., with Open Streets running 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5: First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry
Indulge in free hot chocolate and cookies at the Science History Institute while learning about the technology and innovations created to keep us from getting frostbite, from synthetic materials to hand warmers. Plus, make your own hand warmers! (5 to 7 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 5: “One Last Dance” with the William Way LGBT Center 
Celebrate the center’s legacy and look toward the future as the community space leaves its historic building on Spruce Street on Dec. 18. Free ticket with RSVP. (6 to 9 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 5: World Cup Draw Watch Party
Want to see which countries will be competing in Philly next summer with a big group of others who are interested? Come down to Stateside Live! in the stadium complex from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s Watch Party. There is no cost to attend.

Friday, Dec. 5: One-Night Only play reading: “The Jury”
Obie Award-winners Milo Cramer and Morgan Green return to The Wilma with a bold theatrical exploration of the voir dire process that fuses real transcripts, personal stories, and striking media design to probe justice, bias, and civic responsibility in a fragile legal system. $35 ticket. (7 p.m.)

Through Saturday, Dec. 4-6: Slay Bells Ring – PGMC Holiday Concert Series
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is decking the halls with classic carols and sacred stunners to pop anthems and campy comedy, this concert is packed with heart, harmony, and holiday sparkle. At the Independence Seaport Museum. $0 to $120 tickets. (8 p.m. Thursday and 2 or 8 p.m. Saturday) 

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7: SEPTA’s “Holiday Vehicle Decorating Competition”
Eight SEPTA buses that have been decorated for the holidays by SEPTA employees will be displayed at LOVE Park, where the public can come and vote on the People’s Choice winner. The buses will be on display Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voting ends at 2 p.m. Sunday. Keep an eye out, too. They’ll be on regular routes.