🌱 Funding For New Community Projects + Two Charged In Shooting

Happy Saturday, Philadelphia! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 54 Low: 33.

Here are the top stories today in Philadelphia:

1. On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of more than $54.5 million to support 16 community, economic development, and revitalization projects throughout Pennsylvania, including four in Philadelphia. The four Philly projects got a total of $7.5 million in funding: Reading Terminal Market, Community College of Philadelphia, Main Campus – Student Services Center, Academy of Music, Inc, Curtis Institute of Music. (Philadelphia Patch)
2. Two 21-year-old men are charged with murder and related crimes in connection with the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy this week. According to court records, Quadir Johnson and Kyair Garnett, both 21, are being held on murder charges after they allegedly shot and killed Samir Jefferson. Jefferson was shot at least 18 times at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday near the intersection of Wyoming and Rising Sun avenues. (Philadelphia Patch)
3. Franky Bradley's is hosting "Naughty or Nice, a Holiday Cabaret Fundraiser," to benefit a local youth organization this holiday season. The popular, kitschy restaurant, bar, and nightclub will bring in an impressive line-up of Philadelphia's top-notch drag and burlesque artists performing classic holiday hits on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. (PhillyVoice.com)
4. Nearly 10 years after Milk Jawn was born as a small-batch ice cream business in Philadelphia, the company is ready to make a leap forward with its first storefront and a new production facility in East Passyunk. The brand, founded by Amy Wilson and co-owners Ryan Miller and Cathryn Sanderson, will soon open a 500-square-foot shop at 1439 E. Passyunk Ave., next to Essen Bakery. A 2,600-square-foot production facility will be located at 1303 East Passyunk Ave., a move from its current space inside MaKen Studios North in Kensington. (PhillyVoice.com)
5. United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Darrell Johnson, 36, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 14 years and one day of imprisonment by United States District Judge Wendy Beetlestone. Johnson pleaded guilty to committing three gunpoint robberies and brandishing a firearm during the course of his three-day crime spree in April 2017. Each of Johnson’s crimes was captured on surveillance video from the stores he robbed, which ultimately enabled law enforcement to link the robberies back to the same assailant. (MyChesCo)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Fall Open House - USciences - McNeil Science and Technology Center (6:00 AM)
• Race Through Pennsylvania 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2 - Participate from home! (9:00 AM)
• Oshōgatsu: Japanese New Year Exhibition (10:00 AM)
• Marlyn Park Cleanup - Lansdowne Parks & Recreation (10:00 AM)
• Handmade Holidays at Bartram's Garden (11:00 AM)
• Souderton Holiday Parade (11:00 AM)
• Sisterly Love Collective Holiday Markets (12:00 PM)
• Celebrity Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark Book Signing at Yuengling Brewery (12:00 PM)
• Philadelphia SantaCon Bar Crawl - December 2021 (1:00 PM)
• Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular at the Kimmel Center 3pm (3:00 PM)
• A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season (3:00 PM)
• The Power League: Bridging the Arts in West Philadelphia! (4:00 PM)
• The Dinner Detective Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Show (6:00 PM)

Philadelphia Patch Notebook

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health: "Even behind a mask, Health Commissioner Bettigole is all smiles because she just got her COVID-19 booster shot. Protect yourself this holiday season by getting yours: phila.gov/vaccine #VaxUpPhilly" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "How to help your neighbors this holiday season: 🌽 Donate food. 💲 Donate money to organizations who provide meals. 📦 Help distribute food. 📢 Tell a friend or neighbor to visit our food map to find a site across the city. Learn more: " (Facebook)
• Philadelphia Department of Revenue: "Help a senior citizen save money on their water bills this holiday season! Eligible seniors 65 years or older can get a 25% water bill discount. For more info, and to apply, visit: www.phila.gov/water-bill-help or call (215) 685-6300." (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Byrant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.