🎄 Holiday markets to visit this weekend

‘Johnny Doc’ Guilty, Again

Former IBEW 98 union leader John Dougherty (aka “Johnny Doc”) was found guilty of embezzling funds from the electrical workers union for personal expenses, among other charges. It’s Dougherty’s second guilty verdict in a federal corruption trial in two years, and he still faces a third scheduled for next year. [WHYY]

UPenn President Avoids Ouster

After testifying before Congress on Tuesday, University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill has faced a bipartisan backlash and calls for her resignation for not more strongly condemning antisemitic harassment. The university’s Board of Trustees met Thursday but did not appear to act on those calls. [NBC10/Inquirer]

• Magill followed up her testimony with a video statement on Wednesday, saying, "I want to be clear, a call for violence to Jewish people is threatening, deeply so.” [X]
• The Congressional Committee on Education & the Workforce announced it is launching a formal investigation into UPenn and other universities on Thursday. [U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)]
• Why are universities struggling to message around the Israel-Hamas war? [City Cast Philly 🎧]

2023 Wraps With Vehicle Theft Skyrocketing

This year was the worst year for vehicular theft in the city since 2006, according to Philadelphia Police Department data, and it's not even over yet. As of November 30, more than 21,000 cars have already been stolen, compared to 8,210 cars in 2021, and 12,219 cars in 2022. Police and experts both pointed to viral social media videos demonstrating how to steal Kias and Hyundais with only a screwdriver and a USB cord as a one potential reason why. [Inquirer]

Runaway Pig Goes Hog Wild in Jersey

ICYMI: a viral video made the rounds earlier this week featuring a Gloucester County, N.J. police officer trying, failing, but ultimately succeeding (off-camera) in wrangling a pig who escaped from a nearby farm in Deptford Township. The hog-in-question, adorably named Albert Einswine, evaded capture for nearly a quarter mile before being apprehended and swiftly returned to its farm without sustaining any injuries. [ABC6]

Hey Philly Reader John P. submitted this image of a bronze statue at 33rd and Race Streets, in the heart of the Drexel University campus in West Philly. “It is called the ‘Flame of Knowledge’ and it is actually a fountain (as a Drexel Alum, I have never seen the fountain turned on!),” he noted.

Readers James B., Michelle Q., and Margaret M. all nailed the location! Congrats 🎉

Can you guess where this reader-submitted photo of a corner mosaic was taken? Send us the correct location and you can submit an image for a future challenge! Good luck 🫡

🎶 Carols at the Art Museum | Friday | 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Girlchoir will have two performances of both new and classic carols in the Great Stair Hall. [Pay-what-you-wish, Fairmount]

🇬🇷 Greek Christmas Market | Friday | 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

This event is dubbed “A Night in Plaka” after the neighborhood in Athens. [Pay-as-you-go, Washington Square West]

🎄 Rox Pop-Up Market | Friday thru Sunday | Hours Vary

Depending on which day you go, you could find tree-lighting, a brass band, along with gifts and treats from local food trucks. [Pay-as-you-go, Roxborough-Manayunk]

🧣West Craft Fest | Saturday & Sunday | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Different vendors on different days will help you meet all your gift-giving needs. Find jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, art, home goods, clothing, and more. [Pay-as-you-go, West Philly]

🖼️ HANDMADE x El Mercado Cultural | Saturday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

This craft market at the Fleisher Art Memorial building features work from local entrepreneurs, artists, and craftspeople. [Pay-as-you-go, Bella Vista]

🧶 Fiber Craft Holiday Market | Saturday | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Fiber artists of all types are taking over the Bok Building gym to peddle craft supplies, and handmade goods. [Pay-as-you-go, South Philly]

🧤 Trans Art Market | Sunday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

This market highlights trans & non-binary artists and vendors in Philly. Masks required. [$5, South Philly]

🦇 Merry Gothmas | Sunday | 7 p.m.–10 p.m.

Crystals? Taxidermy? Bones? This night market at Tattooed Mom has your goth-gift needs covered. Entry is 21+. [Pay-as-you-go, Queen Village]

Macy’s Reopens After Fatal Stabbing, Ski Mask Ban & Snow Day Plans

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Rodrigo Torrejón, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aliya Schneider, politics and governing reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer. They discuss the reopening of Macy’s after two security guards were stabbed inside and City Council's move to ban ski masks in many public places.