#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
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(Photo by @jim50tim)
A sweep of Kensington homeless encampments is underway
The city launched a sweep of homeless encampments in Kensington this week, sending outreach workers to offer shelter and other services to people living on the street, and sanitation crews to clean up vacated sites.
The effort is part of the city’s broader attempt to suppress Kensington’s open-air drug market and reduce its population of unhoused drug users. Police are supporting the sweeps, but are not focused on making arrests, said an official. Continue reading …
Schwarber to stay with the Phillies on record-breaking new deal
Kyle Schwarber will stay with the Phillies. After entertaining offers from the Mets, the Orioles, the Red Sox, the Pirates and the Reds, the 2025 National League MVP runner-up agreed to a five-year, $150 million free agent contract, a record amount for a designated hitter.
While there are concerns about paying $30 million for a then-37-year-old Schwarber, the crew at the Hittin’ Season thought the move was inevitable — and correct. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania restricts weight-loss drugs like Ozempic for Medicaid patients amid budget woes. [Spotlight PA]
• Dollar General will pay $1.55 million for allegedly overcharging Pa. customers. [PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphia teachers want school staff protected amid U.S. House probe into alleged antisemitism. [Chalkbeat]
• Mental health workers at Rogers Behavioral Health in Philadelphia unionize following changes in their workplace and patient care. [Inq$$]
• Renderings show plans for what could become of the Wanamaker Building. [NBC10]
• Two hit-and-runs on Market Street have rattled a Drexel community “that is generally desensitized to near-misses with cars, and they have cast a new light on the need for pedestrian safety upgrades around campus.” [The Triangle]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
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.
Thursday, Dec. 11: Die Hard – A Very Merry Live Reading
Theatre Contra is taking the script of this explosive holiday classic and doing it live at the Trestle Inn. Walk-up only. (7 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 12: HopePHL’s 11th Kwanzaa Fire & Ice Event
Live ice sculpting, musical performances, bonfire and resources, plus giveaways to complete every holiday gathering. At the Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave. 4 p.m. kickoff by Beyond the Bars; 5 p.m. performance by Kenny Sykes. First 50 guests get food from Lil’ Trent’s. (4 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 12: Philly Fights Hunger gallery and silent auction
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.)
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: Haunted Christmas
Krampus, vendors, live music and more, from East Kensington Arts Committee. At Philadelphia Brewing. (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 13: Messiah Sing-along Benefit Concert
Sing along to choruses from Part One of Handel’s Messiah to support the Boys & Girls Choir of Saint Mark’s. Featuring soloists from the Saint Mark’s Choirs and accompanied on the recently restored Aeolian-Skinner organ. All proceeds benefit a tuition-free chorister training program for children and youth ages 7 and up. BYO scores or purchase for $10. (2 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 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 St.). 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-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)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Gapura Holiday Market
Delicious Indonesian food, sweet treats, handmade goods and live performances! At 1612 S. Broad Street. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Jam Jar Art Market
Come shop all the goods that the artists of the Jar have to offer! Not just ink and ‘zines — ceramics, hand-bound books and stationery, prints, jewelry, and an abundance of other hand-crafted goods. You can also get some exclusive holiday flash, and take home some permanent art. At Hall Pass, 319 N. 11th Street. (1 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Community Menorah Lighting
In partnership with Old City Jewish Arts Center, celebrate Hanukkah with a traditional menorah-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Betsy Ross House. Snacks and live music included. Rain or shine. (4 to 5 p.m.)
Through Sunday, Dec. 14: Pipe Up! at the Wanamaker
The final performances from the Bearded Ladies Cabaret in the historic Wanamaker building. Performers vary. Tickets are $11-52. (9 p.m. nightly)
The post Kensington’s latest sweep; Schwarber gets paid; Mental health workers unionize | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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