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RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Oz and Fetterman face off in person
In a debate filled with attacks, some issue stances came through: both of Pa.’s Senate candidates support fracking. They diverge on minimum wage — Fetterman thinks it should be raised to $15/hr.; Oz does not — and abortion access (Fetterman wants federal protections, Oz says “local political leaders” should decide). Also different: where they campaigned this weekend. Fetterman was all over Philadelphia proper, including a reception with Biden, while Oz stayed in the collar counties of Bucks and Montco. [BBC/WHYY/Guardian/@JohnFetterman/@DrOz]
• Another mayoral candidate enters the race
She won’t appear on a ballot until the May primary, but former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart chose two weeks before the November election to resign her position and formally declare candidacy for Philly’s next mayor. Whoever gets the job will have to work with a radically changed City Council, since so many members resigned to run for it. Four newcomers will be on the November ballot, including Anthony Phillips, a youth organizer looking to replace Cherelle Parker. [BP X 3]
• Progress on Roosevelt Boulevard Subway?
The stop-and-start effort to create a subway line along Roosevelt Boulevard got a boost at a meeting convened by Pa. Rep. Solomon, who has been backing the push for public transit connecting Center City to Northeast Philly. A rep from PennDOT said the agency would include the train line as a potential option in its “Route for Change” study, which has been examining how to reinvent the 12-lane roadway, one of the city’s most dangerous roads. [Billy Penn/WHYY/@BlvdSubway/Phila Gov/BP 2017]
• Phillies, Phillies, Phillies, Phillies
Phillies fever surged through the region, bringing smiles to a city in need of a positive jolt. The postseason magic led to a surge in interest for local amateur leagues, and the team’s ball girls are having the time of their life. Team anthem “Dancing on My Own” got covers from the orchestra and Snacktime, and Etsy sellers are overflowing with fun merch. After splitting the games at Minute Maid Park — thanks for the free tacos, Kyle Schwarber — the Fightins return to Philadelphia with home field advantage. [BP x 2/WHYY/BP x 2]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Two new curfew centers open for teens out late
The city on Monday opens two new community evening resource centers, doubling the number of these spaces that welcome teens picked up past the city’s 10 p.m. curfew. Open through 2 a.m., the centers offer homework support, yoga, cooking classes, movies, and mentoring — and are meant as an anti-violence measure. The new openings mean the centers will serve kids in Northwest, Southwest, South, and North Central Philly. [Phila Gov/WHYY]
• Mail ballot application deadline
Want to vote via mail ballot? Tuesday at 5 p.m. is the deadline to apply. You can do that online, but at this late date it’s better to do it in person at your local Board of Elections office (in Philly, Room 140 of City Hall). Have your ballot already? Follow these steps to make sure you fill it out correctly, then find the drop off spot nearest you using our map. Processing begins at 7 a.m. on Election Day — here’s how the Roosevelt Boulevard ballot center works. [Pa. Gov/Phila Gov/BP x 3]
• Honeysuckle Provisions launches cafe
After more than two years in planning, this will be the first full week of business for West Philly’s highly anticipated Honeysuckle Provisions, a market and cafe from husband-and-wife chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate that aims to forward Black culture. Expect groceries, hoagies, salads, grain bowls, and burgers (both plant and meat based), with everything coming from local and family-run farms. [Billy Penn/Honeysuckle/West Philly Local]
• Even more sports and games for Philadelphia
Before three more World Series tilts shake the city, the 6-0 Eagles take on the Steelers and the Union plays NYCFC in the MLS Cup Conference Finals. When the Phillies do return to Citizens Bank Park, ticketholders and tailgating fans (including inside the Wells Fargo Center) can look for free rides home on the Broad Street Line. Not a sports fan? Get on the bandwagon with our guide, or concentrate on Jeopardy — look for Philadelphian Ryan Long on the gameshow’s Tournament of Champions this week. [ESPN/Eagles/Wells Fargo/PhillyVoice/BP x 2]
