Good morning, Philadelphia.

Nine purebred Yorkies were rescued by Philadelphia’s Animal Control and Care Team on Monday night after the owner died while running an illegal breeding operation with no next of kin to care for the dogs.

Six adult dogs and three puppies (one of which is under monitoring) will be transferred to partner rescues for future adoption.

WHYY Fresh Air executive producer Danny Miller retired after nearly 47 years with the show.

He led Fresh Air from its local beginnings to national acclaim and will transition duties to longtime producer Sam Briger, who is expected to guide the program through this change + maintain its creative leadership.

Philadelphia parents Christopher Wink and Sara Scholl created Philly ABCs: Jawns from A to Z to teach local vocabulary; the book sold out its first run of 3,000 copies + a second printing of 4,000 copies is scheduled for early January.

Brandywine Workshop is reimagining its public engagement by expanding gallery exhibitions, community programming and digital initiatives — a move that builds on its 50-year legacy of fine-art printmaking at its South Broad Street locations.

Philadelphia will mark 2026 as a landmark year with America250 celebrations that include 52 Weeks of Firsts, a new Philly Pride Visitor Center and immersive exhibits at the Franklin Institute.

Additional events like Ministry of Awe, RockyFest 50 and FloatLab promise cultural milestones and local history.

Gov. Shapiro and GOP leaders have approved reforms in the state budget to speed up permit processing — permits for stormwater and groundwater will be automatically granted in 60 days and for air quality in 30 days — a move expected to boost projects and attract new investment.

Philadelphia 76ers ended their three-game slide today in Memphis — rookie VJ Edgecombe hit a game-winning three pointer in overtime as Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid combined for 68 points.

The team looks ahead to a New Year's Day game in Dallas against the Mavericks.

If Realmuto does not return to play, he will finish his Phillies career with top-five rankings, thanks to strong offense and defense that earn comparisons to great catchers such as Boone, Daulton, Lieberthal, and Ruiz.

The Philadelphia 76ers will play the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:00 p.m. EST in Memphis on Tuesday night as they try to snap a three-game losing streak on a long road trip, while the shorthanded Grizzlies look for a win & aim to build momentum.

Philadelphia sports teams are charting their 2026 plans as Eagles plan to fix offense issues (improving consistency), Sixers weigh roster moves amid cap constraints, Phillies aim to boost playoff chances, Flyers target more controlled play, and the Union will build on an overachieving season.