School closure survey; Pa. lawmakers in Trump’s crosshairs; Gamers’ weekend | Morning Roundup

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

City view from Eighth and Pine
(Photo by @bookczuk)

School District asks residents to weigh in on potential school closures

The School District of Philadelphia is asking for more community feedback on its facilities planning process that will help decide which schools the district will recommend closing. Continue reading …

Game on! PAX Unplugged comes to town this weekend

PAX Unplugged returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center this weekend.

The three-day show, founded in 2017, brings in game-makers and enthusiasts from around the world to discover, test out and celebrate the collective tabletop gaming culture. Continue reading …

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Trump accused Pennsylvania lawmakers and veterans Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlihan of “seditious behavior” that is “punishable by death” for their part in a video of legislators urging military and intelligence personnel not to obey unlawful orders. [Capital-Star]

• Philadelphia school principals demand a new contract but stop short of strike threat. [Chalkbeat] 

• Mummers announced their 125th parade, set for New Year’s Day 2026. America’s oldest folk parade will feature 10,000 participants and march down Broad Street from City Hall, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• A ‘friendsgiving’ meal in Philadelphia created holiday magic for people struggling with homelessness and addiction. [WHYY] 

• Thanksgiving in Philadelphia: How to get free food or help with donations. [WHYY] 

• ‘Task’ was renewed by HBO for second season with Mark Ruffalo returning to Delco crime drama. [PhillyVoice]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker will join marathon race director Kathleen Titus to highlight some exciting updates for the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. (11:30 a.m.)

The mayor will join the Capital Program Office, Philadelphia Parks & Rec and Councilmember Cindy Bass to break ground at Happy Hollow Playground, 4800 Wayne Ave. (1 p.m.)

ON THE CALENDAR

🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.

Friday, Nov. 21: Drink and Draw 
Indy Hall hosts a night of goofy drawing and goofy friends. BYOB. $10 tickets. (7:30 p.m.) 

Friday, Nov. 21: Philly Story Fest 
Join journalists, film makers, artists and locals for a night of performance art and storytelling by and for the people of Philadelphia. This year’s show is titled “No Small Wind Is Blowing” and features stories about immigration, transition and the invisible forces that inspire movement. $33 tickets. (8 p.m.)

Through Sunday, Nov. 21-23: Philly Animation Festival
The first annual event at Moore College of Art and Design. Celebrate the artistry of animation from Philadelphia and around the globe. Enjoy film screenings, workshops and family-friendly events — plus the college’s animation artist panel, Game Changers. $10 per screening; $30 unlimited 3-day pass. 

Saturday, Nov. 22: Streets Dept Excursion: Down the Delaware
From indoor mini-murals and artists spaces at Cherry Street Pier to the growing collection of large sculptural pieces dotted along the walking/biking paths, these spaces and artworks join a series of Mural Arts murals to make a walk down the Delaware way more interesting than ever before. On this tour, we explore it all! $20 tickets. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 

Saturday, Nov. 22: 5th Annual Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market
NextFab (1800 N. American Street) hosts 80+ local artisan vendors with handmade, unique, and creative gifts for everyone on your list. Discover a dazzling array of everything from jewelry and clothing to home décor and delicious treats. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Saturday, Nov. 22: Almost Famous Fall Fest
A curated mix of 30+ art, fashion, and handmade goods from some of the dopest creatives in the city. Evening outdoor screening of Pharrell Williams’ LEGO film “Piece by Piece.” Plus a bonfire for s’mores, arts & crafts, and friends. At West Philly Container Village. (2 to 8 p.m.) 

Saturday, Nov. 22: Movement Movie Night
VietLead, Juntos and Amistad Law Project invite you to an evening of storytelling and community building, featuring three short documentaries from three Philly-based organizations working to end mass incarceration and build solidarity in movements for racial and economic justice. Proceeds will be shared by Juntos and VietLead. At Vox Populi at 319 N. 11th St. $25 to $75 sliding scale.  (4 to 7 p.m.) 

Saturday, Nov. 22: Chestnut Hill’s Circle of Trees Celebration
The Woodmere Art Museum community event is free and includes a hay maze, hot chocolate, cider, cookies, music, goodie bags for the kiddos and even Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to make it. (5:30 p.m.) 

Saturday, Nov. 22: Democracy By Dice 
A TTRPG event at Craft Hall, featuring “cozy, resistance-forward roleplaying, where community organizing is your best weapon.” Free entry, free food and drinks. Five prizes up for grabs. (5:30 to 8 p.m.)

Saturday, Nov. 22: All Women & Queer Comedy Show
Lady Laughs Philly hosts a night of laughs with an all women and queer lineup. At Silk City Diner. $17.85 tickets. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)

Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 22-23: Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar 
At Rivers Casino Events Center. 80 curated craft vendors. Make-and-take craft opportunities, mini print vending, holiday shopping, full menu of breakfast and lunch foods, cash bar. 75 free totes at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. $3 entrance fee, free after 4 p.m. and free for kids under 12. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)  

Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 22-23: Christmas Village Preview Weekend 
Experience all the holiday cheer early at LOVE Park! Walk through the winter wonderland, check out the first vendors, and grab a warm beverage while you browse festive gifts and decorations from 120+ vendors, plus live music and activities and photo ops with Santa and Phil the Reindeer. (12 to 8 p.m.) 

Sunday, Nov. 23: Veg History Walking Tour
A 90-minute walking tour through Old City focusing on its vegetarian and vegan history, led by Vance Lehmkuhl. Attendees visit historic locations tied to vegetarian pioneers such as Benjamin Lay, Ben Franklin, the Grimke sisters, Sylvester Graham, Bronson Alcott, Caroline Earle White, Peace Pilgrim, and Alfoncie Austin. Meet at 17 N. 2nd Street. $15 students, $32 tickets. (12 p.m.) 

Sunday, Nov. 23: Tetrapak Intaglio Workshop with Bonnie Goldstein 
This workshop offers an introduction to a non-toxic form of drypoint etching, using recycled Tetrapak materials, such as those found in juice and soup cartons. This approach eliminates the need for costly copper plates, focusing instead on readily available household items. Supplies provided. At the Plastic Club (247 South Camac St.) in the lower level Printmaking Studio. $40 tickets. (2 to 5 p.m.)

Monday, Nov. 24: Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters (Virtual)
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, which traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Free with registration. (12 to 1 p.m.)

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