#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Sun-dappled stoops
(Photo by @octoberchicart)
Political protest has become commonplace in the past decade, and adults in their 60s and older often make up a significant part of the crowd. The reasons are complex — a confluence of energy, experience, values, free time and purpose. “We just had twin granddaughters born, and I think we want to make the world OK for our grandchildren,” said one of the several we profile here. Continue reading …
Protesters marched in a procession around the building that houses ICE offices on 8th Street in Center City. Nov. 11, 2025. (Meir Rinde/Billy Penn)
1812 Productions is putting on its 20th anniversary version of “This Is the Week That Is,” a production that plays the events of the past year for laughs. Which isn’t always easy. Creative Director Jennifer Childs shares with Billy Penn some of the lessons she’s learned about how — and how NOT to — laugh at the news cycle. Continue reading …
The cast of “This Is the Week That Is,” performs a Wicked spoof in Eagles green. (Photo courtesy of Mark Garvin)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Cold rain expected Tuesday, with snow north and west of us. Then, it stays cold. [6ABC]
• Logan Square will get accessibility improvements before 2026 crush — but it’ll require some traffic snarls. [WHYY]
• Larry Krasner visits City Council, perhaps with his tongue in his cheek, asking for money so his DAs aren’t poached by personal injury law firms. [WHYY]
• Southwest Philly will get community trash disposal sites that will be open 24/7. [WHYY]
• Which Philadelphia-area species could be impacted by the proposed weakening of the Endangered Species Act? [WHYY]
• Szechuan restaurant EMei will open second location in former home of Marra’s pizzeria in South Philly. Timing is uncertain. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will help distribute laptops to seniors at Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSI), 6926 Old York Road, and speak about how her Power Up Tour supports a vision of economic opportunity for all Philadelphians. (10 a.m.)
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.
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
Green Philly’s 2nd annual eco-friendly gift swap: 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: Guilty Good Pastries Intro Pop Up
Elizabeth Kim’s pastries blend classic American and Asian flavors inspired by the food memories she grew up with. Paired with the Random Tea Room’s tea, enjoy this pop-up! Followed by a Saturday the 6th pastry delivery! (3 to 5 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Philadelphia Rare Book Fair: Preview Night
Drinks and first access to books coming to the annual Rare Book Fair in the historic Trinity Memorial Church on Spruce Street. 20+ exhibitors from across the country coming to display a broad range of books and ephemera. $40 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Know Your Rights Trivia Night Fundraiser
Test your disability rights knowledge and inclusive employment in Greater Philadelphia. Co-hosted by the Neurodiversity Employment Network. Proceeds help expand access to plain-language rights information for the wider community and sustain mentorship opportunities. At Indy Hall. $50 tickets. (6 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.)
Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 4-6: Slay Bells Ring – PGMC Holiday Concert Series
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is decking the halls with classic carols and sacred stunners to pop anthems and campy comedy, this concert is packed with heart, harmony, and holiday sparkle. At the Independence Seaport Museum. $0 to $120 tickets. (8 p.m. Thursday and 2 or 8 p.m. Saturday)