🌱 Grinch Hits Bridesburg + Lawndale Decapitation + Helen Gym Resigns

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Philadelphia Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today, including...

• Was it the Grinch who cut all the lights on the Bridesburg Rec Center Christmas Tree?
• Police found a woman with a severed head in a kitchen in the Lawndale section of the city.
• In office since 2016, City Councilmember Helen Gym resigned her seat for a possible mayoral run.

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But first, today's weather:

Winds becoming strong; rain. High: 60 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. The Grinch looks down on Whoville from Mount Crumpit but he might have made a pitstop in Bridesburg to reek havoc on their community Christmas tree. But it was probably the work of teen vandals who cut the light cords and took decorations off the gigantic Christmas tree that stands front and center at the Bridesburg Rec Center. Ya know, Santa still keeps that list, checks it twice. (Bing video)
2. A gruesome discovery was made in Northeast Philadelphia. A man is facing charges after investigators say a woman was found decapitated inside a Philadelphia home Tuesday afternoon. Officers found a 41-year-old woman with a 'severed head' on the kitchen floor of the home, police said. A man later identified as 34-year-old Ahmad Shareef was arrested blocks away from the house. (fox29.com)
3. Pretty soon there will be enough mayoral candidates to field their own baseball team. Once again, another Philadelphia City Councilmember has resigned their seat with a possibility to become the next mayor of Philadelphia. Democrat Helen Gym announced her resignation on Tuesday, one day after four new councilmembers were sworn in after winning special elections. (bizjournals.com)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• PCCMC Interim Reports - Parkway Center City (12:00 AM)
• Stag & Doe Nights (11:00 AM)
• Action Karate - Liberty Lands Community Garden (4:00 PM)
• Action Karate - Northern Liberties Community Center (4:00 PM)
• Autism Knowledge Support Group - Blanche a Nixon Branch Library (6:00 PM)
• Evening Readers Book Club 2022 - Yeadon Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Chekhov Shorts - Tomlinson Theater of Temple (7:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Here's your chance to finally see some Banksy artwork without heading across the pond. We don't know if the reclusive artist himself has given his blessing of these artworks but better catch it asap. Unauthorized Banksy exhibit to open at Fashion District with over 80 certified works, virtual reality (PhillyVoice.com)
• The nights in Philly are going down to 36 degrees this week and Philadelphia Magazine has a list of a couple of Floridian long weekends you can take to thaw out. May we suggest Key West, Florida? Drag shows, mopeds, conch fritters and a nightly sunset celebration. And if you're feeling a bit homesick for the 215, there's a place called Mr. Z's right off Duval Street that makes cheesesteaks so authentic you'll start double parking and snorkeling in the "wooder." (phillymag.com)
• Well, he's not invited back for Thanksgiving 2023! Coming out of West Chester, PA, police were called for a possible fall and then a cardiac arrest. It turned out much, much worse as a man tried to kill his mother on Thanksgiving. We're giving thanks he did not succeed. (Cape May Daily Voice)

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Events:

• Fine Art and Artistic Craft Holiday Bazaar (December 2)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you around.

— 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