{"id":499077,"date":"2026-01-07T14:24:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/499077\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:24:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:24:12","slug":"mummers-celebrated-again-shapiros-war-chest-weekly-gun-violence-brief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/499077\/","title":{"rendered":"Mummers celebrated (again); Shapiro’s war chest; Weekly gun violence brief"},"content":{"rendered":"

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eyes to the heavens at a former church in Mt. Airy
(Photo by\u00a0@bookczuk<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The parade is behind us, but\u00a0this year the Mummers get another weekend in the city\u2019s spotlight, thanks to the Philadelphia Historic District\u2019s \u201c52 Weeks of Firsts,\u201d which are showcasing a variety of marvels, inventions and events that first happened here in Philly.\u00a0Continue reading \u2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"The sculpture for the first \u201cfirstival.\u201d (Courtesy Phila. Historic District)<\/p>\n

The mini mall that occupies a massive retail footprint at the corner of 16th and Chestnut Streets has hit the market, opening\u00a0the door for a suitable investor to lock up a piece of real estate spread across two skyscrapers. The listing\u00a0does not include a price.\u00a0Continue reading \u2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"The interior courtyard at the Shops at Liberty Place. (Billy Penn file photo)<\/p>\n

RECAP: What else happened?<\/p>\n

$ = paywalled<\/p>\n

\u2022 Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro\u00a0has $30 million for his reelection bid<\/a>, a new state record. [AP]<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0The Trump Store in Bensalem\u00a0will close its brick-and-mortar shop after six years<\/a>\u00a0of selling\u00a0shrine-like merchandise collection inspired by the president. Its online store will remain. [PhillyVoice]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Tarik Khan are among the state legislators who\u00a0introduced a resolution to recognize January 6 as \u2018Democracy Observance Day\u2019<\/a>\u00a0in Pennsylvania. [PA House Dems]<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0A 2026 dinner series to mark the semiquincentennial\u00a0will ask native-born, immigrant Philadelphians to talk about citizenship<\/a>. Locations will span seven of the city\u2019s most diverse neighborhoods. [WHYY]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Construction begins at Philly\u2019s Westpark Apartments<\/a>\u00a0site to cover\u00a01,000 units and is expected to cost upwards of $500 million to complete. [WHYY\u2019s PlanPhilly]<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Rent a cabin at one of these Pa. state parks<\/a>\u00a0to create winter memories. [PennLive]<\/p>\n

MAYOR WATCH<\/p>\n

Mayor Parker will attend and speak at the 2026 State of Public Education event, at Thomas Edison High School, 151 West Luzerne St. (9:45 a.m.)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)<\/p>\n

We publish this report each week in partnership with the\u00a0Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

By the numbers in Philadelphia<\/strong><\/p>\n