Good morning, Philadelphia.

A local newsletter lists more than a dozen holiday events in Media—parades, pop-up shops and free parking days—while trash pickups and road closures change for Thanksgiving.

SEPTA will fix its rail cars with new funds, the HBO series Task is renewed for a second season, and other stories note a test-optional extension at Swarthmore College along with a theft case involving two residents.

Lower Merion residents can plan ahead this season with 20 local holiday events and a revised trash collection schedule — a former business manager in Bala Cynwyd has been charged with stealing over $1.1 million.

A Bryn Mawr prenatal center is set to close mid-February and SEPTA will receive $220 million to repair its Regional Rail cars.

A mechanical problem forced the evacuation of an American Airlines flight from Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday night after smoke was seen in the cabin—mechanics later took the plane out of service for inspection and the flight was rescheduled for Thursday morning.

Philadelphia hosts a busy holiday shopping weekend with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday — and Cyber Monday deals offering discounts and special events at venues including Xfinity Mobile Arena and Penn Live Arts.

Local independent shops and wellness centers will join the citywide promotions to attract eager shoppers.

Local restaurants count on gift card sales to support their business, yet many cards are left unused and may lose value when places close or change their services—customers are urged to use them promptly to avoid wasted benefits.

This push to use gift cards quickly helps protect local dining as changes in business can unexpectedly render them worthless.

Philadelphia and nearby suburbs will host many holiday light shows that let families enjoy free festive displays and block parties this season.

The events will include the free Wanamaker Light Show at the former Macy’s building featuring over 100,000 LED lights—along with local celebrations like the Comcast Holiday Spectacular and Zoo’s LumiNature.

At Philadelphia’s 106th Thanksgiving Day parade on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, families and residents braved chilly winds to watch towering inflatable floats and receive free pink Dunkin beanies while expressing gratitude after a challenging year.

Many paradegoers, including UPenn medical residents and local families, enjoyed a break from daily struggles while Temple University’s marching band performed at Macy’s in New York.

Temple University Health System reported a $15 million operating loss for Q1 fiscal 2026 as revenue rose 13% to $800 million, with higher salaries and drug spending increasing expenses.

CEO Mike Young said shortages of CT techs, nurse anesthetists & lab techs continued despite growth in outpatient services from specialties and retail pharmacy.

The Central Lancers beat the Northeast Vikings 22 to 14 in their annual Thanksgiving football game on Thursday morning—players celebrated the win.