#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Winter rainbow canopy
(Photo by @thetinybun)
The SS United States is currently docked in Mobile, Ala., where crews are completing work to remove hazardous materials, dismantle certain superstructure elements, and prepare the hull to create a safe and lasting artificial reef habitat.
The ship’s owners also announced plans for a new documentary film, and continue work on a Florida museum honoring the ship, which sat on Philly’s riverfront for more than two decades. Continue reading …
The SS United States, sitting dockside in Mobile, Ala., in August 2025, as crews prep it for its eventual sinking in the Gulf of Mexico. (Courtesy of Okaloosa County, Fla.)
Alonzo Coates worked in mortgage consulting and healthcare facilities management for years, but saw a need for commercial kitchens in the Philly area. Thus was born Kitchen Korners, located off Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philly. It helps food trucks and other food businesses that lack kitchens to get up and running.
Coates says younger clients have taken his business in new directions. “As times change and the Millennial population and the Gen Z population, like the 18- to 25-year-old range there, they have different needs and wants in terms of food products,” he said. Continue reading …
The space hosts many kinds of clients, Coates said. (Photo courtesy of Alonzo Coates)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Parts of I-95 through South Philly, between Packer Ave. and Christian Street, will see closures from Dec. 1 to 5, due to construction. [NBC10]
• A new campaign is asking Philadelphians to share their “hopes and dreams” for the city via a public survey to help update the city’s comprehensive plan — a blueprint that will guide physical development over the next 25 years. [WHYY]
• An early-morning shooting on Sunday shut down I-95 for a while. [Inq$$]
• Man who double-voted in election — in Bucks County and Florida — has a novel legal argument to evade prosecution. [PhillyVoice]
• Which Philly-area species at most at risk as EPA rolls back protections? [WHYY]
• How can I prevent a utility shutoff during the winter months? [WHYY]
• Morimoto opens a second, casual lounge on second floor. {6ABC]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Monday.
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.
Monday, Dec. 1: Special World AIDS Day Screening
“I Was Born This Way” by Sam Pollard and Daniel Junge is screened at Scribe Video Center in West Philly. $5 tickets. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Monday, Dec. 1: Pitch-A-Friend
It’s LGBTQIA+ night at Marsha’s South Street for the latest night of friends pitching their friends for dates. Free to attend. (7 p.m.)
Monday, Dec. 1: Punch Line Philly Open Mic Night
In person sign-ups begin at 6 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m.; Organizers choose 15-20 names via lottery. $9.55 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 2: Philly Family Robot Build
A family interactive workshop where you’ll build and decorate your own robot, using motors, circuits and creative materials. Children and parents will work side-by-side to create take-home robot projects while learning about science, engineering and design thinking. No experience needed — just curiosity and imagination. Free. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 2: Green Elephant Holiday Swap
Celebrate the holiday season with Green Philly’s second annual eco-friendly gift swap. that puts a sustainable spin on a holiday classic: instead of buying something new, bring a handcrafted, thrifted or repurposed item you already have. Wrap it up, share the story behind it, and keep holiday waste low while keeping the holiday spirit high. Light bites and drinks provided. $16.30 tickets. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 3: Bridging Blocks | Democracy in the United States: 250 Years in the Making
A discussion about the history of democracy and the future of it as a form of governance. How do you think this 3,000-year-old concept can evolve to meet the needs of modern society? Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia. At Tredyffrin Public Library. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 3: Dinosaurs in Your Backyard
WHYY’s Maiken Scott moderates a discussion about Hadrosaurus foulkii and other local marvels, at Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences. Sliding scale registration from $0 to $10. (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 3: Comedy Night for International Day of Disabled People 2025
Join Disability Pride Pennsylvania for a night of laughter, community and celebration, all virtually! (7 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Tree Lighting Party at Evil Genius
Evil Genius Beer Company hosts their annual festive, family-friendly tree lighting with seasonal taps and more. Tree lights at 7:30 p.m. after Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” (6 to 9 p.m.)