🌱 Showdown in Chinatown + Reproductive Bills Pass + Pops Vote Strike

Hello there, Philadelphia. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more:

• Chinatown pushes back on Sixers arena plans at raucous community meeting.
• In the last session for 2023, Philadelphia City Council delivers its Reproductive Freedom Platform.
• The Philly Pops musicians' union voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if necessary.

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But first, today's weather:

Winds subsiding; morning rain. High: 49 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Hundreds packed a Wednesday evening town hall in Chinatown, hosted by more than 20 community organizations, to voice concerns and ask questions about the plan to build a new Sixers' arena in Center City. The atmosphere was charged, and firmly anti-arena, with frequent booing over the Sixers' proposal to build the team's new home on Market Street, replacing the western part of the Fashion District, by 2031. "Our city has enough issues, why build an arena?" said one audience member. (billypenn.com)
2. City Council gave final approval to the Reproductive Freedom Platform, a package of bills that extends critical protections to anyone who receives or provides reproductive healthcare in Philadelphia. The legislation, which was introduced by Councilmembers Kendra Brooks (At-Large), Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), and former Councilmember Helen Gym (At-Large), was passed during the final City Council session of the year, ensuring Philadelphia remains one of the safest cities in the nation for patients and providers of reproductive healthcare services .(phlcouncil.com)
3. The Philly Pops announced last month it will cease operations following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season. As the Philly Pops union negotiates, it overwhelmingly voted to go on strike if needed. "It's an unfortunate time of year to have to deal with something like this," said Jarred Antonacci, who is the secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia Musicians Union. "Striking is not something anyone wants to do." The last show is scheduled for June. (6abc Philadelphia).

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Arts Access TV - Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (6:00 PM)
• Hamlet - MAST Community Charter School (7:00 PM)
• Christmas in the Barrio - Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (7:00 PM)
• Dynasty Battles, piano - Philadelphia Chamber Music (7:30 PM)
• Jewelry for Your Walls! (7:30 PM)
• Little Women - Allens Lane Art Center (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• If you buy a drink, it helps them pay their electric bill! This holiday season Philadelphia's original Christmas Bar, Tinsel, is decking the halls of the bar with more Christmas decorations than ever before. From floor to ceiling, there are over 10,000 lights, 2,000 ornaments, dozens of elves and more Santas than ever. (WABC-TV)
• Yes, we all love LEGOS until we step on one in our bare feet on Christmas morning! Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia during our Holiday Bricktacular, November 25 - January 1. (Celebrate the Holidays! | LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia)
• As 6abc news anchor Jim Gardner has only a few days left before he retires, here's a great walk down memory lane of Action News reporters we grew up watching. (wpgtalkradio.com)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Abington PAL Presents "REAL DIAMOND" Concert (December 16)
• Berwyn Indoor / Outdoor Vintage Flea Market (December 17)
• Berwyn Indoor / Outdoor Vintage Flea Market (December 18)
• Ardmore United Methodist Church: Christmas Eve Outdoor, Family-Style Candle Light Worship Service (December 24)
• Ardmore United Methodist Church: Christmas Eve Candle Light Service (December 24)
• Add your event

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You're officially in the loop for today! 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