Last public comment session puts arena tensions on full display
As City Council gets ready to begin voting on the Sixers’ arena proposal, the final public comment session provided them little wiggle room — supporters and opponents showed up Monday night, and neither side was backing down.
What’s next? Well, the Sixers are apparently considering sweetening the Community Benefits Agreement, ahead of Thursday’s vote. We’ll see. Continue reading …
Mobile addiction services face restrictions in Kensington
Tension and frustration were evident as the city’s Committee on Licenses and Inspections considered and ultimately passed a bill that would restrict where mobile providers who offer food, medical care and harm reduction support from cars and vans can operate within the Kensington neighborhood.
Supporters of the move said it was meant to reduce disruptions to the community, not to stop services. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Pa. Education Department’s decision to rescind guidelines about culturally relevant teaching practices in response to a conservative group’s lawsuit has some Black educators in Philadelphia worried about the impact on teacher recruitment in a district where the student body is already far more diverse than its mostly white teaching force. [Chalkbeat]
• Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital emergency rooms reopen after temporary closure. [WHYY]
• Code Blue is in effect in Philly. Here’s how to help people living on the streets. [PhillyVoice]
• Tyson Foods is closing the two North Philadelphia plants where it produces its prepackaged cheesesteak meats, laying off more than 200 workers. [BizJournal$]
• Baseball’s commissioner floated an idea to allow a team one “golden at-bat” per game, when anyone on the team could step up to the plate. It’s a dumb, bad idea, says Hittin’ Season’s John Stolnis. [Billy Penn]
• The founder of Philly Gay Girls+ is launching a community-finding app called Cherry. [PGN]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- In Philly, there are signs of optimism about gun violence reduction as the city vows to maintain momentum against violence amid an impending Trump presidency. [The Tracex2]
- Mayor Parker allocates $3 million for Philly youth sports aimed at violence prevention. [The Philadelphia Tribune]
- A court loss isn’t the end of the fight for stricter gun laws in Pa., advocates say [Spotlight PA]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 12: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 3 fatalities, vs. 23, with 7 fatalities, the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 1,005: Shooting victims as of Dec. 2 were down 36.5% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 241: Year-to-date homicides, down 37% vs. last year’s pace; down 26.5% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join members of City Council, City Officials and members of the community to sign several bills related to the Administration’s and Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure initiatives, at City Hall. (12:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🥊 Through Sunday, Dec. 8: RockyFest
The beloved franchise is the focus of a five-day festival that includes a movie marathon, date nights, and a crash course on the “Rocky” statue. See the full schedule of events here.
🚎 Thursday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 21: Manayunk Jolly Trolley
The festively decorated Jolly Trolley will run up and down Main Street making several stops at local businesses while holiday movies/music plays. Secret Santa will give away swag bags and prizes during select weekends.
🎄 Thursday, Dec. 5: Evil Genius Beer Tree Lighting
Live music, a special holiday beer tapping, and the tree lighting ceremony (7:30 p.m.) await at this free, family-friendly event. (6 to 9 p.m.)
🎭 Thursday-Friday, Dec. 5-6: Gremlins: A Very Jolly Live Reading
With Mogwai comes much responsibility … Theatre Contra returns for another Dare Night, this time tackling the holiday classic “Gremlins” with an interactive live reading/performance of the 1984 dark comedy favorite. The twist? You’re in charge of where the story goes! $20 tickets. (7 p.m. Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday)
🫀 Friday, Dec. 6: Science After Hours: Heart Beats
Celebrate the opening of Franklin Institute’s new Body Odyssey exhibit and Hamilton Collections Gallery with dancing, performances, a limited edition lapel pin, and activities with local partners. $40 or $35 for members. (7:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
🥞 Saturday, Dec. 7: Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Batter sizzles, beer foams, and canvas lines the walls of Underground Arts from ceiling to floor as revelers indulge in endless pancakes. $14.12 tickets. (8 p.m.)
🎲 Friday-Sunday, Dec. 6-8: PAX Unplugged
The annual expo for tabletop and board games returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year, try a murder-mystery game that combines elements of live-action role-playing and escape rooms. $43 badges are still available for Sunday.
Catch up on the previous week
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