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After controversy and a lawsuit, Philly stands by voting machines
Three years ago, Philadelphia bought new voting machines to comply with a statewide standard requiring a paper trail.
- Called the ExpressVote XL, the machines ran into a bunch of tech issues in 2019 and became the subject of an ongoing lawsuit. But they’ve worked just fine in three elections since.
For Democracy Day, Lizzy McLellan Ravitch looks at what other Pa. counties use, and recounts the local controversies around the machines, heist included.

Your guide to Jollibee, from ‘ChickenJoy’ to amazing hand pies
Philly’s first-ever Jollibee is now open on Bustleton Avenue, and the Filipino chain is making good on its cult-favorite reputation.
- Known for its fried chicken, the bee-themed restaurant originally started in Manilla as an ice cream parlor. Now, Jollibee has grown a fanbase so obsessive people camp out at openings.
BP contributor Walden Green checked it out, and recommends ordering the “ChickenJoy” bucket with extra peach mango pies.

RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Whether the Pa. Senate’s more expansive version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill will become law likely depends on who becomes governor. [Spotlight PA]
- In an unexpected move that came after Mayor Kenney enacted a rare veto — to strike a zoning bill intended to reduce the proliferation of “smoke shops” — Council President Clarke declared there WILL be special elections for the two vacant at-large Council seats. He previously only set elections for the two district seats. [Inquirer$/WHYY/Billy Penn]
- The gender pay gap in Philly is smaller than the national average — because income is generally very low. The more money at stake, the larger the discrepancy, Census data show. [Inquirer$/@billy_penn]
- RIP Valencia Prime. The 25-year-old drag performer was in the middle of a show at Gayborhood bar Tabu when she collapsed and died. [NBC News]
- Quinta Brunson appeared on Jimmy Kimmel post-Emmy win, where she interrupted his monologue and collected an apology from the late-night host for his distracting bit during her thankyou speech. [YouTube/AP]
- DYK the City of Philadelphia has a “brand bible,” aka a design style guide? It details no fewer than three shades of “Ben Franklin Blue.” [Philebrity/Phila Gov]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney is one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony for Philly Police Academy Class No. 396, held at the Temple University Performing Arts Center on North Broad (10 a.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? Brian Baumgartner, aka Kevin from “The Office,” visits the Barnes & Noble at Drexel to autograph copies of new cookbook “Seriously Good Chili.” (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17)
? Heads up on free admission at the Academy of Natural Sciences in honor of STEM org Women in Natural Sciences’ 40th anniversary. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18)
? Learn the basics of crafting bespoke floral arrangements at Kensington garden center Close at Hand. Tickets cost $75, but they get you herbs and flowers to take home, a vase, and fancy floral beverages. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18)