'Twas several nights before Christmas when all throughout Philly,

Team Axios was there to wrap the year in Smart Brevity.

Legislators resigned from the council in fits of glee,

In hopes that voters pick one of them to replace Mayor Jim Kenney.

The outgoing leader all too "happy" to split,

From a city that's seen violence on the uptick.

In Harrisburg, DA Larry Krasner, impeached and indignant,

Faces a trial next year in the GOP-controlled Senate.

When out of Citizens Bank Park arose such loud banter,

With one exalted swing of his bat, Bryce Harper delivered the Phillies a National League banner.

Out into the streets fans spilled, climbing greased poles real giddy.

Meanwhile, QB Jalen Hurts kept winning and hitting the Griddy.

On the ice, the crestfallen Flyers are far from successful,

Leaving their fan base and googly eyed mascot rather resentful.

In politics, Shapiro and Fetterman came away ahead on vote ledgers,

Against opponents who dodged the press and bought crudités at "Wegners."

Hey Philly, we're running long, so we must wind this up right,

Happy holidays to all, and to all a good night!

We learned this year that during the pandemic, Philadelphia had one of the largest population drops since 1975.

• The numbers, via the U.S. Census Bureau, gave us the first glimpse at COVID's toll on the city over a full year — between July 2020 and July 2021.

Why it mattered: The loss of residents followed a decade of population growth for the city.

Stephanie Farr took one college journalism class and "absolutely hated it."

• The creative nonfiction major thought to herself, "Why would anyone who writes want to get into this profession? They just suck the creativity out of your soul."

Plot twist: Truth is stranger than fiction. Now the must-follow culture "jawnalist" for the Inquirer, Farr has morphed into the city's ombudswoman of oddities. 

We asked for her help curating some of the curiosities of 2022. Here goes:

1. The most Philly story ever: Phillies super fan Sean Hagan was rescued by fire officials after scaling a light pole and shotgunning beers thrown to him by the crowd after the team's clinching win over the San Diego Padres in the NLCS. Farr's take: "It was one of those only in Philly moments."
2. Politicians Pop Quiz: Inundated by political ads, Farr found inspiration from a Gus the Groundhog lotto commercial and turned it into an offbeat way to gauge candidates' "Pennsylvania-ness." Farr's take: "If you don't know who the second-most famous groundhog in PA is, you probably shouldn't be running for office here."
3. Elon Musk as Robin Hood: The former college girlfriend of the former richest – and perhaps most hated – man in the world made serious coin by auctioning off mementos of their time together, and even said nice things about him during an interview. Farr's take: "I'm pretty sure some of my ex-boyfriends are still doing keg stands in Pittsburgh."

Honorable mentions: WallyGator the emotional support animal, Chicken Man, Avocado mania.

Wanting to end on the weirdest note ever, we asked Farr why she loves the word "weird." Her take: "It starts with we, and we are all weird."

Read the full story

🚨 Philadelphia recorded its 500th homicide Sunday, surpassing that bleak benchmark for the second time in as many years. Black people accounted for 84% of those killed or injured in shootings. (Inquirer)

🏫 Superintendent Tony Watlington announced several personnel shakeups with hopes of improving the city's school system. Among the changes, former chief of schools Evelyn Nuñez is taking on the new role of associate superintendent of elementary schools. (Inquirer)

🏈 Jalen Hurts is still hurting after suffering a sprained shoulder against Chicago last week, but says there's still a "chance" he'll suit up against division rival Dallas on Christmas Eve. (NBC Sports)

🚨 Christopher Williams, who spent three decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted in a triple murder in 1989, was shot to death Friday on the 300 block of West Lehigh Avenue only two years after being released. (NBC Philadelphia)

⚽ The Linc could look different in the coming years. The Eagles will look at widening the field and adding upper-deck press seating to accommodate TV and radio broadcasters ahead of the 2026 men's World Cup. (Inquirer)

💼 See current open positions on our Job Board.

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Thank you for sharing your favorite photos of Philly in 2022. Here are some that stood out: