Arena clears hurdle; Holiday shopping helpers; Why teachers are leaving | Morning roundup
Sixers arena wins critical preliminary Council vote The proposal to build a new sports arena in Center City — and its biggest proponent, Mayor Parker — scored an enormous victory Thursday when […] The post Arena clears hurdle; Holiday shopping helpers; Why teachers are leaving | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
Sixers arena wins critical preliminary Council vote
The proposal to build a new sports arena in Center City — and its biggest proponent, Mayor Parker — scored an enormous victory Thursday when City Council, after postponing a decision Wednesday, voted, 12-4, to move the $1.3 billion project forward. A final vote will be held in a week, but it’s extremely unlikely anything will derail it.
The project was approved with a $60 million community benefits agreement (CBA), more than the $50 million originally proposed but far less than the $300 million demanded by opponents. Continue reading …
Looking for a local touch in your holiday shopping? We can help
There are plenty of opportunities to find unique and fun gifts for all ages at one of the pop-up and monthlong holiday markets around the city. Check out this list. And please, let us know if we missed any! Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• New security procedures at three schools in the Philly suburbs require students to walk through AI-powered weapons detection systems. [CBS3]
• Black public school teachers in Philly share why many are leaving the profession. Pa. recently decided not to follow its own earlier guidelines that sought to prepare teachers to confront racial and cultural biases in education. [NBC10/EdWeek]
• A Philly City Council zoning bill could affect hundreds of thousands of properties. Not everyone is on board. [WHYY]
• Arena critics tell Mayor Parker the real estate project will destabilize Chinatown like Kensington: “I’ve seen it in my community.” [Kensington Voice]
• West Philly’s Shakespeare in Clark Park goes indoors for a holiday premiere. [WHYY]
• Penn State police won’t charge retired Eagles center Jason Kelce over cellphone incident with a fan. [AP]
• Philly’s own “Chicken Man,” Alexander Tominsky, described an attempt by a NYC internet personality to mimic his 2022 claim to fame as “tacky.” He also challenged him to a boxing match. [BP2022/Inquirer$]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public appearances scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
???? Friday, Dec. 13: Christmas Karaoke
Head to Gaul & Co. Malt House in Port Richmond to sing your holiday heart out with Christmas carols over drinks and with live performances from FIshtown musicians. $10 adults/kids free. (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
⛄ Saturday, Dec. 14: Snow Much Fun Baby + Toddler Fiesta
This free event full of activities for toddlers age 4 and under at Mi Casita Poplar includes elf hat-making, snow crafts, snow sensory play, bilingual holiday music, a photo booth, and more. Register your family for free here. (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.)
???? Saturday, Dec. 14: Second Saturday in Brewerytown
Stop by the Holiday Market to shop from a stacked lineup of local vendors. Then walk Girard Avenue for specials and deals from community businesses, including $8 caramel chocolate eclair apples and $5 cookie decorating kits! (12 to 4 p.m.)
???? Saturday, Dec. 14: Holidays in the Park: Winter around the World
Enjoy a Family Free Day in partnership with the Vendors Association of FDR Park. The popular Southeast Asian Market comes to Lemon Hill for this one-day event, complete with a visit from Santa Claus (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and cooking demos throughout the day to celebrate the region’s food and culture.
???? Saturday, Dec. 14: Philly Holiday Spectacular concert
The No Name Pops celebrates the holidays at the Marian Anderson Center with Philadelphia’s own Na’Zir McFadden and Broadway vocalists Nikki Renee Daniels and Jeff Kready, the No Name Pops Chorus, and the St. Thomas Gospel Choir. The repertoire includes traditional carols and popular new tunes! $51-$121 tickets. (2 to 4 p.m.)
???? Saturday, Dec. 14: Asian Americans United fundraiser: Chinatown Forever
Celebrate 39 years of community organizing and advocacy; this year’s theme of “Chinatown Forever” honors ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Philadelphia’s Chinatown. $30-100 sliding scale. (6 to 9 p.m.)
???? Saturday, Dec. 14: Jingle Bell Pop! Happy Hour
Ring in the holiday season at the Trestle Inn with seasonal cocktails classic tunes and dancing. (6 to 9 p.m.)
???? Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15: 2nd annual Northern Liberties Holiday Shopping Stroll & Vendor Market
It’s a neighborhood-wide winter market — but gamified! Start your trip at the former Heritage building (914 N. 2nd St) to pick up a punch card, then visit some of the 20+ participating businesses on your shopping journey. One visit = 1 punch, no purchase necessary. Spend over $20 to get 2 punches. Collect 6 punches or spend $100 and submit your punch card for a chance to win one of three grand prizes. Also on hand: family activities and photos with Santa at Laser Philly’s Winter Wonderland.
???? Sunday, Dec. 15: Bill of Rights Day
Mark the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights and the freedoms and liberties enshrined in the first 10 amendments with free admission to the National Constitution Center, where trivia night, a gallery talk, historic re-enactments, and more programming await. (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
????️ Sunday, Dec. 15: Holiday Souk at Al-Bustan
A souk is a traditional market or bazaar commonly found in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Get your holiday gifts from Al-Bustan’s inaugural souk in Olde Kensington, featuring local artists and makers! (12 to 5 p.m.)
???? Sunday, Dec. 15: Festively Fly Holiday Market 2024
Live music, a 30 degree pose machine, and dozens of Black-owned brands to support, all in one spot in Callowhill. $15 tickets or 2 for $20. (12 to 8 p.m.)
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