🌱 $80,000 Cellphone Theft + Brian Taff at 11pm + Boy In Box Gets Name

Good morning, hello. It's me, Patty-Pat Kozlowski, your host of the Philadelphia Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. Including news on:

• Police are searching for four men who stole $80,000 in cell phones from a Philadelphia T-Mobile store late Tuesday morning.
• When Action News anchor Jim Gardner retires this month, Brian Taff will take his seat at 11 p.m. newscast.
• Philadelphia Police will hold a press conference today and finally reveal the identity of the "Boy in the Box," found dead in 1957.

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But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, rain, mainly early. High: 59 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Can you hear me now-how many cellphones total $80,000? Philadelphia Police are searching for four men who they say stole $80,000 worth of cell phones from a T-Mobile store late Tuesday morning. The four men, at least one of whom was armed, went inside the T-Mobile along the 8500 block of Bustleton Avenue at 11:56 a.m. Police said they stole several cell phones from an open safe in the backroom before fleeing the scene in a silver vehicle. The stolen merchandise was worth $80,000 in total, according to investigators. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. For four decades, Philadelphians have watched Jim Gardner on Channel 6 Action News and he became the most recognizable and trusted news reporter in the City. In about three weeks, he'll deliver his final newscast at 11 p.m. ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica and Vice President of News Tom Davis have named Brian Taff as the next anchor for the 6 p.m. newscast. Taff will succeed lauded news anchor Jim Gardner when he retires later this month. Gardner's final newscast is scheduled for Dec. 21. (6abc Philadelphia)
3. Finally, a name will be placed on his tombstone. Police announced that Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, alongside a team of investigators, will hold a press conference today at 11 a.m. to unveil new details of the 1957 murder of a young boy that has garnered national attention. Called the "Boy in the Box," police say the child, estimated to be 4-6 years old, was found severely beaten and wrapped in a blanket in a box on a street in Fox Chase . It has been one of Philadelphia's longest and oldest cold cases but thanks to DNA science and dogged investigations, the boy will finally be identified. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Stag & Doe Nights (11:00 AM)
• Great Lecture Series: World Heritage (6:00 PM)
• PUBLIC MEETING: PADEP and Hilco Redevelopment Partners (6:00 PM)
• Philadelphia Book Club - Fishtown Community Branch Library (7:00 PM)
• ODE TO THE LAST SONG: Arne Dørumsgaard - Lyric Fest (7:00 PM)
• Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular 2022 (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Look at that, a politician that can multi-task- Samantha Hunt, a leftist candidate who ran for Pennsylvania's 3rd U.S. Congressional District and was once a stripper, is selling merchandise calling for the election of "Ho Ho Hoes." But put down those dollar bills, she was running for the Democratic nomination for PA-3 in 2022 but lost to incumbent Dwight Evans in the primary election. (Delaware Daily Voice)
• Night at the Museum, Philly Style! The Academy of Natural Sciences is bringing back their popular overnight experience. Night in the Museum will take place January 14th-15th and allows kids 6-12 to experience the Academy's towering dinosaurs — including T. rex — after dark. This action-packed night at the museum barely leaves room for shut-eye. Sleep next to roaring lions, stalking tigers or ancient dinosaurs. Explore every corner of the Academy's famous exhibits, including The Big Dig and Outside In, as well as a live animal show. (Wooder Ice)
• Yes, we know the Philadelphia Eagles can play football, but can they sing? The hottest Christmas gift in the 215 right now is the much-anticipated Eagles Christmas Album. Meet Eliza Hardy Jones, Vocal Coach for the players who sing all your holiday favorites! (Philadelphia magazine)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Mary Ellen Desmond's Comfort & Joy Concert 2022 (December 11)
• Equipment and Commercial Vehicle Auction (December 13)
• Holiday Divine Desserts & Trivia Par-Tea (December 17)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Patty-Pat Kozlowski

About me: Patty-Pat Kozlowski has been writing community news and Philly-cenric Op/Eds for over 20 years. A Jill of all trades she's been a stand-up comedian, chef, DJ, newspaper editor, food trucker and Parks Director for Philadelphia Parks & Rec as well as a community relations/legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Daily? Contact me at philadelphia@patch.com