#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Frosty remains in Fitler Square
(Photo by @therowhousecity)
Explosion at South Philly steam plant knocked out hot water, heat to Penn
An explosion in a steam pipe at the Vicinity Energy plant temporarily knocked out heat and hot water to the University of Pennsylvania on Sunday and damaged the Grays Ferry facility, according to the union representing workers at the site.
The incident follows the recent filing of a federal OSHA complaint by the union over alleged safety hazards at the plant, including standing water around electrical equipment and a lack of protective gear for workers. Continue reading …
SEPTA still unsure about when Center City trolley tunnel will reopen after damage to overhead wires
SEPTA’s annus horribilis continues, as officials say they’re not sure when the Center City trolley tunnel will reopen after wires were damaged during an attempt to save on maintenance costs.
Repairs are ongoing, but a spokesperson says the 5 miles of overhead wire will eventually need to be mostly replaced. The transit agency continues to run reduced cars on its Regional Rail service. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Want to see more WHYY News in your Google searches? Here’s how. [WHYY]
• Pa. Reps. Fitzpatrick, Bresnahan and Mackenzie were among four Republicans to defy the GOP to force a House vote on extending ACA subsidies. [WHYY]
• Principals say “it’s an open secret” that students with behavioral problems are offloaded from charters to Philadelphia School District schools, ie, “counseled out.” [Inq$]
• SEPTA is still unsure about when the Center City trolley tunnel will reopen after damage to overhead wires. [WHYY]
• A Perkasie family’s cancer journey inspired this sci-fi fantasy choral music based on a tale about pandas, being premiered by the Pennsylvania Youth Choral Ensemble. [WHYY]
• Fans — more than 73,000 of them — wrapped around the block to catch the last days of Philly’s Wanamaker Light Show. [WHYY]
• Temple professor and ‘Long Bright River’ author Liz Moore will have another book turned into a TV series. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly’s Roberta Fallon, TheArtBlog co-founder and WHYY community news partner, died on Friday after being struck by a driver last month. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Through Thursday, Dec. 18: Congee Kitchen + Sisterly Love Holiday Pop-Up
It’s the final week of hot bowls of congee and locally made goods from Philly makers — cookies, jam, onesies, pickles, totes, tea and more! — with congee proceeds going to support SEAMACC’s food bank. At the old High Street Bakery, 101 S. 9th Street. (Congee from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Pop-up from 12 to 4 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 19: Block Printed Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags
A series of festive workshops on creating sustainable and truly original wrapping paper and gift tags for all your holiday gifts. Block print with festive colors, choosing from a wide array of vintage and contemporary Indian wood blocks. At the Fabric Workshop on Arch Street. $25 tickets. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Decemberfest
A holiday shopping stroll all along the Germantown Ave. corridor in Mt. Airy. Enjoy live holiday music, a visit from Black Santa, festive food & drink, fire pits, a live ice sculpting demo, and more! Plus: participating local businesses will have festive cheer and gift items. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Winter Solstice celebration
Enjoy crafts, stories and hot chocolate at the Schuylkill Center. Crafts include tree cookie ornaments, naturally dyed candles, fireside snacks, and more. Chief Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania will also share Lenape stories of the importance of wintertime by the fire. Tickets: $30, with 20% off for parties of 4 or more. Ages 3 and under are free with an adult ticket. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Holiday Family Fun Day
Evil Genius Beer Co. hosts this afternoon of shopping, snowman puppets, coloring books, Santa photo-ops, and more, set to a soundtrack of your favorite holiday movies on the TV and songs on the speakers. Plus, holiday-themed drinks! (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Holiday Art Market at Phila. Brewing
The South Philly Handmade Brigade returns, this time heading to Philadelphia Brewing Co. for brews and last-minute gifts. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Soulstice Fest
A day of collective nourishment—hands-on workshops, wellness offerings, and teachings to fortify the community in the New Year. (2 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: JOY: A Christmas Concert
Join The Marian Anderson Museum to ring in the spirit of the holiday season at Settlement Music School (416 Queen Street). Performers include the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists, the MAHS Instrumental Ensemble and the MAHS Choral Ensemble. $35 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Philadelphia Folksong Society Holiday Party
Head to the Mt. Airy Art Garage (7054 Germantown Ave) for a potluck and live music, including a sing-along towards the end fo the evening. Music presented by the PFS Musical Artists Cooperative. Attend and, if able, sign up to bring food. (5:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 20-21: Holiday Procrastinator Market
Gifts, festive vibes and free gift wrapping. Plus, collectible mini-prints from Fabiola Lara’s art vending machine for $1 each (4 quarters). At the Independence Visitor Center in Old City. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day)
Sunday, Dec. 21: A Merry Laurel Hill Christmas
What do Christmas and cemeteries have in common? As the secular aspects of the holiday evolved over the decades of the 19th century, those who contributed to that evolution have found their final resting place at Laurel Hill East. This tour will explore those individuals connected to events and incidents that have indelibly arisen from the holiday. $8.50 to $17 tickets. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Celebration
Glen Foerd’s annual celebration of the shortest day of the year. Choose between a guided walk with naturalist Mike Weilbacher, a yin-style yoga class with Melissa Gyuraki, and creative crafts for the whole family brought to you by Lily P.A.D.S educators. Then enjoy hot drinks, light refreshments, and a sunset bonfire by the river! $5-15 pay-what-you-wish. (3 to 5:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Consumable Holiday Market
Attic Brewing hosts this indoor market with cool gifts from foods, beverages, soaps, candles, coffees and more. Plus Santa photos and a bonfire. (2 to 7 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Fire Jam
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a ceremonial burn to honor the return of light after the darkest day. Meet new folks at Philly Circus Arts and make new rituals. Make sure to dress in (very warm) fire safe clothing and bring your props! $15 tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: Wigilia Dinner at Little Walter’s
A traditional Polish Christmas Even feast, celebrated with Philly’s Polish chefs. $100 tickets. (5 and 8 p.m. seatings)
The post Steam plant explosion; Trolley trouble; ACA insurrection | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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