? Want this daily digest emailed to you? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and it’ll land in your inbox every morning.

RECAP: Looking back on the week that was

• Zoning battle delays Philly mail ballots

As City Council returned post-summer, a zoning tug-of-war had a cascading effect. Mayor Kenney issued what was only his 2nd direct veto, saying a bill from former Councilmember Parker to regulate “smoke shops” was too broad. With four vacant seats, Council has 13 sitting members — just one more than the 12 needed to override a veto. So Council President Clarke unexpectedly announced two more special elections, saying the legislative body needed to be fully staffed to do its job. That means the City Commissioners can’t print mail ballots until mid-October. [Billy Penn/WHYY/PHL Council/Inquirer$]

• City buildings continue to collapse

Nine years ago, after a tragic collapse of a building at 22nd and Market killed six people and injured 14, local officials vowed to address the problem. But as the Dept. of Licenses and Inspections suffers from an inspector shortage, it’s still happening with frightening regularity. Last week’s examples include a falling facade at an apartment building in Logan, and a Fishtown collapse that destroyed Key Pizza, which has vowed to rebuild — there’s a GoFundMe for the out-of-work staff. [BP x 2/Inquirer$/6ABC/CBS3/GoFundMe]

• Poll workers get a pay raise

Philadelphia needs 8,500 poll workers to staff the Nov. 8 election, and City Commissioners officially voted to boost their pay last week, upping it to around $200 for the day, plus extra for training. Want to sign up? Here’s our guide to how it works. If you need extra motivation, read about four dedicated poll workers and why they love helping their neighbors participate in democracy. [WHYY/CBS3/Billy Penn x 2]

• Philly musicians throw punk show at Sonic Drive-In

A Philly music collective pulled together about 300 punk rockers for a banging hardcore concert in the parking lot of a Sonic in South Jersey. Organizers didn’t get permission from the owners of the fast food franchise, which is reportedly investigating — but they did have a blast, with many fans calling it one of their favorite shows to date. [Billy Penn]

Join us for BP Quizzo on Sept. 27 at The Sidecar Bar & Grille Credit: Sidecar Bar

VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead

• A boost in Center City activity

One reason you can expect Center City to be busier this fall: about 8,000 Comcast employees are back to work at the company’s two downtown office towers. It’s a flexible arrangement, but they’re generally expected to be in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The whole thing started last week and showed immediate effects, including SEPTA ridership up 5% week over week and foot traffic up 24% vs. August. [Technically/Inquirer$]

• Black Cannabis Week conference

DACO, a group trying to destigmatize cannabis use among African Americans — which has been stoked by the over-incarceration of Black people for possession — hosts its fifth annual conference in Philadelphia this week. It starts with three days of virtual sessions you can attend from anywhere. [DACO/Billy Penn/Eventbrite]

• Haunted house returns to Eastern State

After briefly flirting with ending its popular “Terror Behind the Walls” installation, Eastern State Penitentiary brought it back as “Halloween Nights.” This year’s edition kicks off on Friday. Tickets start at $34; the fun fright nights benefit educational programs at the Fairmount Avenue museum. [BP x 2/Eastern State]

• How to tailgate like you mean it

The Eagles take on the Vikings on Monday Night Football in Philadelphia’s home opener, which ushers in a new season of tailgating at the Linc. What does it take to do it right? We talked to diehard ‘gaters to get tips on how to have the best parking lot experience — you don’t have to bring pizza ovens to the stadium, but you might see people who do. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]