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Should school district grads get preference for city gov jobs?
Right now, the civil service exam to work in Philadelphia government gives preference to veterans and children of officers who died in the line of duty.
- Graduates of the Career and Technical Education program in the Philly school district would also get an automatic point bonus, albeit a smaller one, if voters greenlight a question on the November ballot.
The proposal is intended to help with the city’s severe understaffing issues, but not everyone is in favor, Jordan Levy reports.
Fans love Phillies’ playoff anthem, but want Robyn to get credit
“Dancing on My Own” is everywhere in Philly right now, after the Phillies adopted the banger as their celebration anthem.
- But it’s not the original version. Playing in the locker room after wins is a Tiësto remix of a Calum Scott cover — and lack of credit to Swedish singer Robyn, who released it in 2012, has some fans crying foul.
The song is about watching your ex dance with someone else, BP deputy editor Beatrice Forman explains, and it has developed a serious cult following.
Procrastinator’s Guide to the November election in Philly
The midterm elections are upon us, and the Billy Penn Procrastinator’s Guide is here to help. Scroll through this cheat sheet to all the candidates and charter change questions, then bookmark it for easy access when you complete your mail ballot or head to the polls on Nov. 8.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Know someone who needs to turn in their Philadelphia mail ballot? The City Commissioners announced a slew of new staffed drop-off events across the city. [Billy Penn]
- Pennsylvania’s new high school graduation requirements take effect this year, and Philly students may need to pursue alternate paths — based on 2019 data, only about 35% would’ve passed based on test scores alone. [PHLed Research/WHYY]
- PennDOT is conducting a safety study of Lincoln Drive, the road that swoops with dangerous, crash-prone curves next to Wissahickon Valley Park. A section will be closed Saturday for a community cleanup. Sign up to participate here. [Inquirer$/WHYY/Friends of Wissahickon]
- Influential Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LaBan is permanently doing away with his bell rating system, and most chefs seem thrilled. [Billy Penn]
- Get ready for a “Philly Special Christmas.” Eagles fan favorites Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata are releasing a dude bro holiday album this December, with proceeds going to charity. [Philly Special Xmas/@ConorBarwin98]
- No guarantee they’ll play “Dancing on My Own,” but there’s a Phillies pep rally in front of MSB today starting at noon. The PPD and city officials are already preparing for potential celebration madness later this weekend — better safe than sorry (no jinx). [Patch/@ericjfink/@FarFarrAway]
The story you didn’t read
? Highlighting good BP articles few people clicked on ?
- Jollibee’s first Philadelphia location has brought mango pies and takeout spaghetti to a new crowd, but for the city’s Filipino population, the fast food chain stems longing for home — and adds a sense of community.
MAYOR WATCH
The Diwali Festival of Lights begins Monday, and Mayor Kenney attends a kickoff event in City Hall cohosted by Philadelphia’s Council of Indian Organizations (4:15 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? Hershey beer brand Troegs — maker of holiday favorite Mad Elf — is taking over the Kite & Key bar in Callowhill for a boozy pumpkin carving contest. Entry is $10, and they include a commemorative pint. (2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22)
? A new exhibition at ~ classy ~ sneaker store Lapstone & Hammer will showcase streetwear-inspired home decor from the brand Paradise Gray as part of Design Philly Week. (6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21)
