🌱 Tour Philly Like Rocky + PHL Economy Lot Permanently Closed

Rise and shine, Philadelphia! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right.

First, today's weather:

A shower; breezy, warmer. High: 66 Low: 33.

Here are the top stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Fans of the "Rocky" movie franchise, this one's for you: a new app allows its users to experience Philadelphia the way Balboa did. Bounce, a travel and entertainment companion app, offers guided tours for various destinations. The first experience on the app is the “Rocky Tour Experience” right here in Philadelphia, made possible in part by a partnership with MGM.(The Philadelphia Tribune)
2. A new telephone area code, 835, will soon be coming to the suburbs of Philadelphia. The region is running out of 610 and 484 numbers, which are anticipated to be fully depleted by early 2023. Although the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission expects the change will have a minimal impact on residents, they're encouraging individuals and businesses to ensure their devices are storing full ten-digit numbers and recognizing 835 numbers as valid. (PhillyVoice.com)
3. The announcement of Pennsylvania’s first omicron variant case appearing in Philadelphia didn’t stop residents from enjoying the city’s first Visit Philly Holiday Parade parade on Saturday night. The march down Market Street honored all winter celebrations including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Chinese New Year, and Christmas. (CBS Philly)
4. Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that left two people dead in North Philly. Police say gunshots rang out on the 2900 block of North Orkney Street around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. A man in his late 20s to early 30s was found shot multiple times across the body; police rushed him to Temple University Hospital where he died from his injuries. A second victim, a 43 year-old-woman, was shot once in the chest and died at the scene. (WPVI-TV)
5. Passengers flying out of Philly this holiday season may want to think twice about driving to the airport. The Philadelphia International Airport's roughly 7,000 spot economy lot, which has been shuttered since the beginning of the pandemic, will remain closed for good. The lot will be redeveloped as the first phase of the airport's plan to expand its cargo shipping service offerings over the next five to ten years.(PhillyVoice.com)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Valerie Morrison - Psychic Radio Show - Call Free Question (7:00 PM)
• Our Closet - Powered by JFCS - In Your Neighborhood (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health: "We have identified the first local case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It's up to us to help prevent its spread. Now more than ever: mask up, get vaccinated, and get your booster. #VaxUpPhilly" (Facebook)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art: "Do you have a sweet tooth? Celebrate #NationalCookieDay and book your spot for our Chef Demonstration: Cookie Decorating on December 10. Learn easy tricks to make your holiday dessert table special and nibble on sweets while you enjoy hot cocoa or warm caramel apple cider as you decorate your cookies. Head to the Holidays at the Museum link in our bio to view the menu and buy your ticket." (Instagram)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "Anyone with information about a crime can report it anonymously by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477). We all need to work together to prevent the senseless violence that is tearing our communities apart. Learn more ➡️ #SaferPHL https://bit.ly/3BY5ocX" (Facebook)

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• Mary Ellen Desmond's Comfort & Joy Holiday Jazz Benefit Concert (December 12)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. 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.