#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Side eye game on the Schuylkill
(Photo by @billlent)
Electrical workers at the Vicinity Energy steam plant in South Philadelphia say they’ve been exposed to unsafe conditions at the facility for years and the plant’s owners have been slow to make critical upgrades. The operators of the plant dispute the allegations.
“There would be standing water right next to an electrical bus, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, we got to do something about this.’ And supervisors would giggle and walk away,” the business manager for the plant’s union said. “All right, well, youse just don’t care.” Continue reading …
Persistent unrepaired leaks have left standing water in a room at the Vicinity Energy steam plant where workers operate electrical breakers, creating a safety hazard. (Courtesy of IBEW Local 614)
The city released its latest update to its Vision Zero Action Plan, a five-year blueprint aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries to nill. One encouraging data point: a significant reduction in serious injuries to pedestrians and cyclists in 2024. But the city still trails peers in traffic safety. Continue reading …
Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order in March 2024 recommitting the city to the goal of reaching zero traffic deaths. (City of Philadelphia)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The FBI wants to interview six congressmembers who appeared in a social media video encouraging U.S. military members to disobey presidential orders they deemed unconstitutional, including two from Pennsylvania — U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Chris Deluzio. [WHYY]
• Gov. Shapiro signed the CROWN Act into law, preventing discrimination across Pennsylvania based on a person’s hair. [6ABC]
• Philly principals reached a tentative contract agreement with the school district. [Chalkbeat]
• Seven Free Library branches are resuming Saturday hours, with Frankford, Cecil B. Moore, Chestnut Hill and other locations opening on weekends for the first time in years. [PhillyVoice]
• More lanes, less sinkholes — and some traffic: Here’s what’s on PennDOT’s to-do list for the Philly area heading into 2026. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia’s Drag Arts Oral History Project captures a living LGBTQ+ archive. [PGN]
• Gritty’s new 2026 calendar is for sale, with the Flyers mascot pictured at several iconic spots around the city to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. [Axios]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will speak at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Annual Luncheon, held at the Pa. Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. (11 a.m.)
The mayor also announced the appointment of Anton Moore as Executive Director of Public Engagement and Neighborhood Affairs. He will focus on economic equity, strengthening neighborhood resources and empowering communities throughout Philadelphia.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
By the numbers in Philadelphia
18: Shooting victims recorded from Nov. 16 to 22, including 4 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 10 shooting victims were recorded, including 1 fatality. [Source: nickhand.dev]
200: Year-to-date homicides, down 16% vs. last year’s pace; down 55% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🍗 Thanksgiving in Philadelphia: How to get free food or help with donations
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Wednesday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve Karaoke Party
Join the Bridget Foy family and DJ Sarah Share for the restaurant’s 16th annual party. Sing your heart out, sip a hot toddy or cider slushee, and kick off the long weekend with some South Street spirit. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 27: 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade
The longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade in the country returns for its 106th year, all leading up to the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade starts at North 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, snakes around City Hall, and flows down the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum. (8:30 a.m. to noon)
Friday, Nov. 28: Makerspace Open Studio
Experiment with building, different materials, and new techniques as you create during open-ended free play time in the Please Touch Museum Makerspace Studio. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 28: Opening night for “A Sherlock Carol”
Through Dec. 14, this holiday mystery masterfully weaves two classics, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and a famous Arthur Conan Doyle story featuring all the favorite characters of Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Tiny Tim and more. Audience Warning: This production includes flashing lights. $20-26 tickets. (8 p.m. opening night; Various times)
Saturday, Nov. 29: Made@Bok: Small Business Saturday Market
From handcrafted goods to vintage finds and holiday gifts, it’s the perfect way to support local talent and kick off the season. Shop small and experience the creative energy of the Bok community! (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 29: Small Business Saturday at The Wardrobe
Shop “small” with your local Wardrobe and give back to a local non-profit that is doing good things for the community. Get 30% off, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All items are high-quality, gently used, secondhand items.
Saturday, Nov. 29: Lenape History Walk and Talk
Meet the Philly Goats and walk together through the farm and Awbury Arboretum while learning about the culture and history of the Lenape nation in our area. Free. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 30. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 29: ART & B at american grammar
A night blending live Hip-Hop and R&B vibes, spoken word poetry, and live art on canvas. Sip your favorite coffee or wine surrounded by books and beats as a vinyl DJ spins smooth records between sets. Plus: live prints by Bombardment Printing. First 10 people get free T-shirts. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 30: Opening Ceremony at Christmas Village
Kick off the holiday season in true German tradition at Christmas Village in LOVE Park! At 4 p.m., the original Christkind from Nuremberg will deliver her famous prologue and light the Pyramid, officially ushering in the festive season. (12 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 30: Juntos Benefit Show
Johnny Brenda’s hosts this fundraiser concert to support Juntos’ work supporting immigrant communities in Philadelphia. Live DJs, drag performances, burlesque, vintage and tattoo raffles, and more. $24.65 tickets. (6:30 p.m.)
Through January 11: “Under $100, Under $1,000: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens-inspired works”
A dynamic group exhibition that highlights the creativity and diversity of Philadelphia’s vibrant art scene. Featuring contemporary works by emerging, mid-career and established artists. (6 to 8 p.m.)