Old City upgrade; droning on about N.J. drones; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup
An overhaul of Market Street in Old City gets underway A pedestrian-friendly revamp of Market Street in Old City officially launched this week, with the goal of making the city’s […] The post Old City upgrade; droning on about N.J. drones; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
An overhaul of Market Street in Old City gets underway
A pedestrian-friendly revamp of Market Street in Old City officially launched this week, with the goal of making the city’s historic district safer and more welcoming in the big anniversary year of 2026 and beyond.
The $16 million project will narrow the street from four to three lanes, add raised bicycle lanes, expand a median strip into a pedestrian plaza, create a cobblestoned intersection, and make other road improvements. Continue reading…
It’s been a quiet winter for Dave Dombrowski …
The architect of the Phillies’ recent run of baseball success has not done much to improve the team since its disheartening playoff series loss to the Mets (who have, well, added Juan Soto since then). Should fans be patient or demanding, hopeful or in despair? And what should they want? The Hittin’ Season team has thoughts. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The NY architect accused of being the so-called Gilgo Beach killer faces murder charges in the death of a seventh woman, Valerie Mack, who had been working in Philadelphia and was last seen in 2000. [AP]
• Multiple drone sightings continue to cause concern in N.J. and Pa., and along the East Coast. [6ABC]
• Mail delays and paperwork problems prevent hungry families from accessing food benefits in Pa. [Spotlight PA]
• Philly Stat 360, a new website that tracks the city’s efforts to improve government operations and services, officially launched Tuesday. [NBC10]
• Tasneem Abbas, a 16-year-old Palestinian bombing victim who lost an arm, will receive treatment at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia for the six months. Abbas and her sister arrived from Egypt, where they took refuge in May. [WHYY]
• Who’s been knitting sweaters for the Fitler Square’s beloved animal statues? Seven dedicated members of the Philadelphia Drunken Knitwits. [Fitler Focus]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor will join city officials and community members for a community meeting on the proposed Sixers Arena, at Beckett Life Center, 1410 N. 16th St. (5:30 p.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.
- Philly Gives: YEAH Philly creates safe spaces for teens impacted by violence. [6ABC]
- Hospital-based violence prevention programs will expand, thanks to a federal grant. [Metro Philadelphia]
- Ghost guns make up about 8% of all Philadelphia gun crimes, although a federal ban is unlikely. What are they? [CBS3/WHYY]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 18: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 5 fatalities, vs. 11, with 1 fatality, the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 1,039: Shooting victims as of Dec. 15 were down 36% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 252: Year-to-date homicides, down 37% vs. last year’s pace; down 26% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
???? Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 18-19: Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
The Philadelphia Orchestra plays the memorable score as viewers watch this classic adaptation of Dickens’ holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). $46-$122 tickets. (7 p.m.)
????️ Friday, Dec. 20: Candlelight: Christmas Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more
The Independence Seaport Museum on the Delaware waterfront hosts this live musical performance of holiday classics, with tickets still available for $66. (6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.)
???????? Saturday, Dec. 21: Brunch with Santa
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Franklin Square Park, enjoy a holiday brunch inside the Ben on the Rocks heated tent while visiting with guests and posing for photos. $25 adults; $20 children.
???? Saturday, Dec. 21: A Merry Laurel Hill Christmas
As the secular aspects of the holiday evolved in the 19th century, those who contributed to that evolution have found their final resting place at Laurel Hill East. $17 adults, $15 seniors/students, free to $8.50 for children. (1 to 3 p.m.)
???? Saturday, Dec. 21: Orkney Holiday Happy Hour
Bring family and friends to Orkey Park for live music, s’mores, drinks and sweets, a fire pit, and lots of holiday cheer! Free; donations appreciated. (4 to 6 p.m.)
????️ Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 21-22: Holiday Procrastinator Market
Get your last-minute holiday shopping done in one spot! The Independence Visitor Center and Art Star in Old City will host craft vendors in addition to its regular gift shop, plus there will be a Santa Meet & Greet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day plus activities for kids.
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
The post Old City upgrade; droning on about N.J. drones; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
What's Your Reaction?
