❄️ Helping Philadelphians get out of the cold

Winter (Storm) Is Coming

A winter storm is expected to hit the Philadelphia region this weekend, bringing with it a chance for the city’s first substantial snowfall in nearly two years. The National Weather Service predicts that the storm is most likely to produce some snow when the front end arrives midday Saturday, though it could later turn to rain. It could also bring wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph. [NBC10/Inquirer]

Police Commissioner Sworn In

After Cherelle Parker’s mayoral inauguration on Tuesday, she swore-in Kevin Bethel as Philadelphia’s new police commissioner in a ceremony at a public school in Kensington. The location was symbolic for Bethel, the former head of school safety for the School District of Philadelphia, who promised to tackle high levels of gun violence and open-air drug sales in neighborhoods like Kensington. Bethel will take on these challenges with a department beset by a 20% staffing shortage and low morale in its ranks. [Inquirer]

Changes to Regional Rail Schedules

SEPTA is modifying the timetables for over a dozen Regional Rail lines starting Sunday, January 7. The most significant changes affect the Chestnut Hill East, Wilmington/Newark, and Warminster lines. Full details for all the routes affected are available on SEPTA’s website. [SEPTA]

Historic Glen Foerd Pipe Organ Restored

The ethereal sounds of a 121-year-old pipe organ will fill the Gilded Age mansion in Northeast Philadelphia for the first time in three decades. Industrialist Robert Foerderer had the towering instrument built for his wife when he renovated the estate in 1903. Now, thanks to a $425,000 grant from the Wyncote Foundation, the nonprofit historic site can use it to host organ recitals, with the first performance taking place this Saturday. [KYW]

5 Ways To Support Unhoused Philadelphians This Winter

In the winter, living outside can be deadly. But there are many ways to help our unhoused neighbors this season. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Sophia Schmidt, an environmental justice reporter for WHYY, about five ways to make a difference.