#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Silent yet bright night
(Photo by @bhalda)
Historic preservation bill gets a rewrite after outcry
It’s back to the drawing board for a plan to revamp Philadelphia’s Historic Preservation law. Councilmember Mark Squilla said he’s working with the Planning and Historical commissions to revise a bill he introduced that would make several significant changes to the law, after preservation groups cried foul. Billy Penn’s Meir Rinde explains the objections, and where the bill might be headed. Continue reading …
Still need a holiday gift? Consider these 12 Philly-centric options
Hey, we know, if you order online, some of these won’t arrive in time. But if you’re still looking today, you’ve made your bed. The gift is going to be a little late — or you can go out of your way and pick up at some of the vendors. The giftee is worth it, right? Continue reading ….
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Explosion at Bucks County nursing home kills at least 2, leaves many questions. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia sues pharmacy benefit managers and drug makers for inflating insulin prices. [PhillyVoice]
• A recruiter shows up on the streets of Kensington with an offer of luxury rehab. Is it a godsend, or a scam? [Inq$$]
• South Philly’s Christmas displays — winter wonderland or traffic nightmare? [WHYY]
• Philly school district opened a new building in the Northeast for a growing student population. [Chalkbeat]
• A portion of the Schuylkill River Trail could re-open soon. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Tuesday.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- This holiday season, Philadelphia’s children grieving people lost to gun violence are getting help. [Chalkbeat]
- Guns marketed for personal safety fuel a public health crisis in Black communities, data says. [KFF Health News]
- Volunteers with Philly Truce, a local anti-violence organization focused on promoting safety, are hoping to help keep riders safe on SEPTA trains. [NBC10]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 6: Shooting victims recorded from Dec. 14 to 20, including 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 14 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 213: Year-to-date homicides, down 17% vs. last year’s pace; down 56% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Friday, Dec. 26: 35th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Plant and People hosts their Unity in The Community Umoja Celebration with fun, music and more. (3 to 8 p.m.)
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 26-27: “Home Alone” screening
Gather to watch or rewatch this family-friendly holiday classic of one abandoned boy confronting two bumbling bandits getting in the way of his pizza and gangster classics. $40 tickets. At the Film Society Center. (7 p.m. Friday; 3:30 p.m. Saturday)
Friday, Dec. 26: Emo Night Karaoke
Sing out your emo feelings about the holiday season at Underground Arts in Callowhill. $21.06 tickets. (9 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28: Kwanzaa at the Please Touch Museum
Families can create a painting of a Kwanzaa table, join “edutainer” Mister Boom Boom in the theater for interactive programs focused on rhythm, culture and creativity with his African drum circle, or build a pinhole camera and more. Cap it off with a parade. $24 admission. (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28: 3rd annual Kwanzaa at the Penn Museum
Enjoy performances from Karen Smith Drumming and violinist Owen Valentine. Learn about Kwanzaa principles like unity, self-determination and creativity through engaging, hands-on workshops hosted by Kwanzaa for Me & You. Experience traditions, shop local artisans, and enjoy storytelling, music and dance. Plus, handmade Zawadi gifts for all. Free, but advance registration encouraged. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28: Frascareglie dinner
Le Virtu hosts this cookout of traditional “frascareglie (frahss-ca-RELL-eeay) con ragu’” (from the village of Villavallelonga) outside, over an open fire in a copper cauldron brought back from Molise. They’ll also have vino rosso, heaters, and fire pits to keep you warm. FREE, but donations to Philabundance encouraged. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28: Scribes on South
The last poetry reading and open mic of the year in this series. At Tattooed Mom. “Read poems. Kick ass.” This reading’s featured readers are Mel Edgar and Simon Feral. Free. (7 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 28: A Jam Without Borders (Fundraiser for Juntos)
Live concert fundraiser for Philadelphia families impacted by ICE via Juntos. Venue is not wheelchair accessible. Ages 21+. At Ortlieb’s (847 N. 3rd St.) $18.39 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Through Tuesday, Dec. 30: Seasonal Science: Holiday Programs
From live science shows and a new planetarium show to mystery dissections and build-and-play Creation Station, check out the Franklin Institute’s daily holiday-themed programs. $23 to 29 tickets. (Various times)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Super Hero Spectacular: A New Year’s Family Party
Plan ahead for rain or shine at Cherry Street Pier, grab a $27 ticket (free for kids 2 and under) for views of the 6 p.m. fireworks on the waterfront, activities, crafts and music, giveaways, and a cash bar. (5 to 7 p.m.)
