#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Umbrella upset
(Photo by @danherman456)
The Philadelphia area saw its first significant snowfall of the season on Sunday, with over 8 inches being reported in parts of the region, according to the National Weather Service.
While the snow has passed, it’s going to be very cold with temps in the teens this morning and highs in the upper-20s with wind gusts of over 20 mph. Meteorologists expect “bitterly cold conditions” to continue through Tuesday. Continue reading …
Philadelphia was dealing with snowfall on Sunday as a winter storm gradually exited the region on Dec. 14, 2025. (Cory Sharber/WHYY)
After being located at the foot of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps since 2006, the original statue looks set to ascend to the top of the steps, sometime in 2026. It will (eventually) replace a duplicate that has been there for the past year. Confused? We can help. Continue reading …
The Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Inside the legislative effort to expel cellphones from Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools. [WHYY]
• City Council president Kenyatta Johnson talks to WHYY’s Tom MacDonald: “The common goal and focus is making sure we’re helping people.” [WHYY]
• 2 Philly police officers were hospitalized after responding to a fire in North Philly early Sunday morning. [CBS3]
• The city launched $600K emergency grants to aid small grocers hit by SNAP shutdown. [Kensington Voice]
• Philly will show up, with bell sculptures, throughout 2026. [WHYY]
• The Philadelphia Cultural Fund plans to distribute $13 million to arts organizations next year. [WHYY]
• The Eagles posted their first shutout since 2018 in breezing by a bad Raiders team, 31-0. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will attend and serve as a presenter at the American Jewish Committee Awards Gala, held at the Downtown Club by Cescaphe, 600 Chestnut St. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 WHYY Pop-Up Newsroom & Foster Care Resource Fair @ South Philly Library – Monday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
🎄 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. 15: Fishtown Choir Xmas Extravaganza!
Fishtown’s least professional, most enthusiastic choir returns for their biennial Christmas blowout. Expect questionable harmonies and aggressive sleigh bells. No experience needed. Everyone sings. Start with a group warmup, break down harmonies, and rehearse the songs together. Then record a final take as one big, scrappy choir. Lyrics are provided. Low-pressure. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. (6 to 10:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 16: The Ultimate Holiday Game Night Extravaganza
Meet at Gather Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards for an evening of relaxing and casually competitive board games, trivia, a mini-holiday market, raffles, and more. Holiday attire encouraged. Plus: bring 1 new toy to donate to the toy drive! Free. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 17: Opera on Tap Philly Presents: The Longest Night
Opera on Tap’s annual winter solstice concert, this year at A Novel Idea bookstore in South Philly. No carols here — they will be singing about all things night, darkness, and winter with this solstice celebration. Space is limited at 16 seats! Tickets are $17.85 standing; $35 sitting. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Thursrday, Dec. 18: Pet photos with Santa
Join Heart + Paw Northern Liberties for Photos with Santa! Bring your pet in for a festive holiday portrait with Santa – all donations will benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue. Free RSVP. (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 18: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: What Awaits the Naughty
An adult’s guide to supernatural beings around the world who keep kids in line and Christmas weird, with Linda Lee, lecturer in folklore and fairy tales at UPenn. Featuring: Europe’s goat-like, devilish Krampus to Iceland’s Yule trolls and monstrous Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, plus the Italian witch La Befana and the Pennsylvania-famous Belsnickel, a sketchy-looking import from southwest Germany. $14.77 advance tickets; $17 at the door. (6:30 p.m.)