Michael Nutter Saves Christmas

Plus Arlene Ackerman's confession, the latest on Chris Christie's potential VP run, our chances of hosting the World Cup, and more of what Philly is talking about today

A Little Whine With That Holiday Cheese? After two days of hubbub surrounding the removal of the word “Christmas” from the pop-up bazaar near City Hall — including a complaint from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia! — Michael Nutter got fed up with the bickering and changed it back. In related news, Christians begin a movement to canonize Nutter.   [Daily News]

Will Philly Host the World Cup? Nope. Instead, the 2022 World Cup will be hosted in Qatar, home to a soccer team that has never actually qualified to play in a World Cup. [6ABC]

Arlene Ackerman Admits to Contractual Funny Business. Yes, she personally hired minority firm IBS. But wait, so did her deputy Leroy Nunery. The superintendent and School District of Philadelphia representatives continue to bumble through this controversy. [Inquirer]

A Second Bensalem-Based Pharmaceutical Company Closing. Express Scripts Inc. will close in February.  [Philadelphia Business Journal] More than 1,000 workers will be unemployed. [Bucks County Courier Times]

Chris Christie for VP? He says no, but lots of smart people think he’s just keeping his plans under wraps. Had enough of the speculation? Too bad! It’s only just begun. [Garden State Grapevine] Read our story on the New Jersey guv here.

It’s Easier for Kids to Buy Cigarettes in Philly. To remedy the problem, the city has launched a plan involving higher fines and one-on-one chats for business owners selling tobacco to minors. Now, what to do about all the loosies being sold at every El stop in the city? [USA Today]