#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Eyes to the heavens at a former church in Mt. Airy
(Photo by @bookczuk)
Mummers in the spotlight again, in ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’
The parade is behind us, but this year the Mummers get another weekend in the city’s spotlight, thanks to the Philadelphia Historic District’s “52 Weeks of Firsts,” which are showcasing a variety of marvels, inventions and events that first happened here in Philly. Continue reading …
The Shops at Liberty Place are up for sale
The mini mall that occupies a massive retail footprint at the corner of 16th and Chestnut Streets has hit the market, opening the door for a suitable investor to lock up a piece of real estate spread across two skyscrapers. The listing does not include a price. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro has $30 million for his reelection bid, a new state record. [AP]
• The Trump Store in Bensalem will close its brick-and-mortar shop after six years of selling shrine-like merchandise collection inspired by the president. Its online store will remain. [PhillyVoice]
• Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Tarik Khan are among the state legislators who introduced a resolution to recognize January 6 as ‘Democracy Observance Day’ in Pennsylvania. [PA House Dems]
• A 2026 dinner series to mark the semiquincentennial will ask native-born, immigrant Philadelphians to talk about citizenship. Locations will span seven of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. [WHYY]
• Construction begins at Philly’s Westpark Apartments site to cover 1,000 units and is expected to cost upwards of $500 million to complete. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Rent a cabin at one of these Pa. state parks to create winter memories. [PennLive]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend and speak at the 2026 State of Public Education event, at Thomas Edison High School, 151 West Luzerne St. (9:45 a.m.)
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- An examination of gun violence during the COVID-19 pandemic found that while public officials imposed restrictions intended to prevent disease spread, politicians and regulators helped fuel gun sales — and another public health crisis. [KFF Health News]
- Thousands of Philly children are grieving someone lost to gun violence. What’s helping them heal? [Chalkbeat]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 16: Shooting victims recorded from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3, including 6 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 17 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 2: Year-to-date homicides, down 60% vs. last year’s pace; down 80% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Jan. 7: Thomas Paine and the 250th Anniversary of Common Sense
Gary Berton, the president of The Thomas Paine Historical Association, joins award-winning historian Jack Kelly to discuss the revolutionary life, ideas and legacy of Thomas Paine in celebration of the 250th anniversary of his famous pamphlet, Common Sense. Free with registration. (12 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: Philly in Watercolor
Choose your favorite Philly mascot to paint and enjoy pretzels and water ice. Relaxed, fun and beginner-friendly. $60 ticket includes a brew from Love City Brewing. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: Collage Meetup at Yards
Join Collage Philadelphia and Sidewalk Collage Library for a night of creativity and conversation. Materials provided. Free. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: With Liberty and Justice for … A Few
As Philly preps for semiquincentennial celebrations, learn about how America treated local African Americans, Jews, and Catholics during America’s 150th birthday back in the 1920s. $10 tickets includes one drink. At Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church. (7 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 8: Bowie Quizzo
Test your knowledge as Patti Brett – Philly’s premier David Bowie fan and one of the original Sigma Kids (and owner of Doobies Bar) — supplies a handcrafted night of Bowie Quizzo. Drinks and live music. First round starts at 8 p.m. No cover. At Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar (steps from Pat’s/Geno’s).
Friday, Jan. 9: PhillyLovesBowie Week Happy Hour Dance Party
The Sound & Vision dance party at Trestle Inn features live DJs spinning Bowie on vinyl, go go dancing, classic videos, happy hour specials, and more. No cover. $1 from every purchase of the $9 Young Americans Sour gets donated to CHOP’s in Memory of David Bowie campaign. (6 to 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 10: Philadelphia Mummers FreeWalk
Walk through the heart of South Philly, home of the New Year’s tradition of mummery, and the Mummers Museum. Celebrate the 125th anniversary of a Philly holiday tradition. Starts and ends at LOVE Park. 8 miles overall. (9:15 a.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 10: Liberty Bell Laughs Standup Comedy Show
A hilarious night, courtesy of Sawubona Creativity Project. $12.51 tickets. (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
