Billies Awards tonight; Bellwether District’s first tenant; Weekly gun violence brief | Morning Roundup

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Eyes above, eyes below
(Photo by @gpatomk)

It’s time! The Billies awards return to celebrate your fellow Philadelphians

It’s here! Billy Penn’s annual in-person celebration of some of the biggest stories and most impactful people of 2025. Join us at WHYY Studios this evening to enjoy a rousing, entertaining event, meet the Billy Penn editorial team, and chow down on some light snacks and beverages. It’s all free — and fun! Continue reading …

16 Philly-based gifts to get you in the holiday spirit

The holidays are looming. Are you still shopping for that perfect gift? Check out our list of local presents from SEPTA ornaments to Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired card games to one that merges two Philly staples. Continue reading …

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• What could CDC changes to hepatitis B vaccines mean for infants and families in Pa. and N.J.? [WHYY] 

• Republicans subpoena Gov. Shapiro flights, private home security upgrades. [Capital-Star]

• Can teachers spot AI writing? Penn researchers weigh in. [WHYY] 

• South Philly’s Bellwether District has its first tenant. Here’s what to know about DrinkPAK. [WHYY] 

• Philly native and former ‘Good Day Philadelphia’ anchor Sheinelle Jones is replacing Hoda Hotb as co-host for the final hour of NBC’s ‘Today’ show. [PhillyVoice] 

• The Phillies reportedly re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million deal. The team also extended manager Rob Thomson’s contract. [AP/PhillyVoice]

• 10 of the most memorable moments in Philadelphia sports in 2025. [WHYY] 

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.

• During November, 64,728 guns were sold in Pennsylvania, down 3% from the previous month and down 8% from the same month one year earlier. [The Trace]
• Philly’s school safety program to shield kids from violence was working. So where did it go? [Kensington Voice]
• Philly City Council will hold a hearing on policies to prevent domestic violence. [NBC10]
• Northeast High QB Jayden Boyd was shot in September while playing video games. On Thanksgiving, he returned to the field to lead his team again. [IG:@phillyinquirer]

By the numbers in Philadelphia

• 15: Shooting victims recorded from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, including 3 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 9 shooting victims were recorded, including 4 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
• 207: Year-to-date homicides, down 15% vs. last year’s pace; down 55% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]

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.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: “We Here” documentary screening
Mural Arts Philadelphia hosts this public screening and Q&A, with filmmaker Gustavo Garcia of Colibri Workshop, Kensington artist Roberto Lugo, and Community Advisory Council members Brenda Mosley and John Walsh on hand for a discussion. Free at the PMA. (3 to 5 p.m.) 

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 2025 Billy Penn’s Billies Awards
A night of celebration at WHYY where we applaud some of the Philadelphians who make our city shine. From community leaders to artists, activists to entrepreneurs, we’ll recognize those who embody the spirit of the City of Brotherly Love. Join this special in-person event where we come together to showcase the incredible talent and dedication that make Philly great. And did we mention, food and drink are free? Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7 p.m.) 

Wednesday, Dec. 10: McGillin’s Annual Toy Drive
A festive night filled with seasonal brews, holiday food specials, giveaways, and photos with Santa, the toy drive directly benefits families served by the Ronald McDonald Houses of the Philadelphia Region. Click here for details. (6 to 9 p.m.) 

Thursday, Dec. 11: Tête-à-Tête Film Screening at Carpenters’ Hall
Part of Year of the Spy commemorative festivities. The film depicts a reenactment of the secret meetings held between French spy Julien-Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir and Benjamin Franklin on the second floor of Carpenters’ Hall. $5 ticket. (5 to 7:30 p.m.) 

Friday, Dec. 12: Philly Fights Hunger gallery and silent auction benefit
An art show to support Philabundance! 30+ tattoo artists from across Philly create, according to the theme of skateboard decks! Every artist participating will be donating a hand-painted board with their personal flair. All proceeds from the silent auction go to help hungry neighbors. At Forin Cafe. (7 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 12: AWFUL Wrestling: Spectacular Holiday Spectacle 2
The first of two consecutive nights of holiday wrestling at PhilaMOCA. $30.25 tickets. (8 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 13: 11th annual Rudolph Run
The annual Manayunk fun run returns with a 3-mile route along the canal path starting at 9 a.m. Brooks Running will be on hand with footwear to try on. Enjoy post-run hot chocolate and treats. Holiday attire encouraged! Red noses and jingle bells will be available. Canned food drive supports North Light Community Center. Sign up for free. 

Saturday, Dec. 13: Passyunk Ave Hot Chocolate Crawl
Purchase a festive mug and pay-as-you-go with special prices, sipping on hot cocoa or a festive drink while strolling through the neighborhood and enjoy everything the local shops and restaurants have to offer. $14.75 tickets. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

Saturday, Dec. 13: American Gold Live! A Holiday Ice Spectacular 
Penn Ice Rink hosts figure skating champions Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Isabeau Levito and more stars for two shows, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets start at $96. 

Saturday, Dec. 13: 15th Annual Art Auction & Party
Celebrate Second State Press’ anniversary at HUDDLE (338 Brown Street). Raffles, local vendors, community partners, a silent auction, a print exchange, and more chances to bring home original local artwork. $15-20 tickets. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 13: AWFUL Wrestling: A Murder Mystery
The second of two nights at PhilaMOCA. $30.25 tickets. (8 p.m.) 

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14: A Philly Holiday Spectacular
Sung by Broadway stars and returning Philly favorites Nikki Renée Daniels and Jeff Kready, with extra-festive special guests. At Marian Anderson Hall. (3 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday) 

Through Jan. 5: One-Man Nutcracker by Chris Davis
What if the ballet was performed by only one man? If the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, the Sugar Plum fairy, were all channeled through one actor. Various times. $17.85+ tickets.

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