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Why SEPTA’s most controversial project is moving ahead
Last month, SEPTA invested $390 million in the King of Prussia Rail extension. It’s the first big leap for the agency’s most expensive project to date.
- Many transit advocates are critical of the $2 billion plan, which will build a spur off the Norristown High Speed Line capable of bringing thousands daily to the largest job center in the Philadelphia suburbs.
The project is championed almost exclusively by political and business leaders. How did KOP Rail create such a bizarre dynamic? Alex Davis explains.
Small biz owners turn Eagles gear into one-of-kind fashion
Head to an Eagles tailgate — like the one before yesterday’s romp over the Steelers that brought the Birds to 7-0 — and you might notice a clothing shift.
- Uniquely crafted wear has started to outpace the standard NFL jersey, especially for the many women in attendance, from elastic-hemmed sweatshirts to jackets emblazoned with kelly green patches.
BP contributor Hannah Lonser takes us inside the flourishing aftermarket scene, where thrift-flippers are turning football into fashion.
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. Read the guide in Spanish here.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- The Philadelphia School District is getting $5 million from the EPA to ensure students are drinking lead-free water. A study last winter found over 60% of school water sources tested positive for the heavy metal. [Inquirer$/WHYY]
- At the polls next week, Philadelphians will be able to choose from nine different languages for the iconic “I voted” sticker — which is based on a design by a Temple art student. [KYW/BP 2020]
- After a year in planning, Philadelphia has its first shipping container “shopping mall,” bringing energy and commerce to a formerly empty lot in Parkside. [Axios/@Mr_4thDistrict/Inquirer$]
- Standard Tap, the Northern Liberties pub in a 200-year-old building, used to be considered haunted, but now “it feels like the presence sort of left.” [PhillyVoice]
- The most viral clip from World Series Game 1 was a young Phillies fan giving a Houstonian the business — and each side says the other started it. [Billy Penn]
- Add the Union to the list of Philly sports teams kicking butt. Last night they beat New York City to advance to their first MLS Cup Finals, set for this Saturday in Los Angeles. [NBC10/Guardian/MLS]
The story you didn’t read
? Highlighting good BP articles few people clicked on ?
- Phillies announcer Scott Franzke — whose “Bedlam at the Bank” NLCS call will go down in history — talks about his Texas roots, the best Citizens Bank Park grub, and that time Eagles fans flipped him the bird.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins PPD Commissioner Outlaw at Temple’s McGonigle Hall for a ceremony recognizing recent promotions in the Philadelphia Police Department (10 a.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? The Free Library hosts cookbook author Kardea Brown in conversation with Philly chef Valerie Erwin, formerly of Geechee Girl Cafe, about Gullah and Geechee heritage and food. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1)
?️ “Phriends” mashes up the hit ’90s sitcom with an interactive murder mystery at the Curtis Center. Tickets are $35. (Friday, Saturday, and Sundays through Dec. 18)
