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Who’s behind the ‘Stop the Racists’ signs all over Philly?
With a week until Election Day, one political sign has been standing out, catching attention as it pops up all over Philadelphia.
- “STOP THE RACISTS,” the signs say. “VOTE NOV. 8TH.” It’s hard to argue with the signs’ messaging, and strategists think it could even be effective — while also wondering who is behind them.
Lizzy McLellan Ravitch unraveled the thread behind the quirky website and social media of the group calling itself “Philadelphia Votes.”
Why so many Philly people end up on Jeopardy
Answer: Rich with history and obscure trivia nuggets, this city has more than its fair share of Jeopardy stars.
- Question: What is Philadelphia? With strong ties to history and a fun Quizzo culture, Philly has played a starring role in some players’ journeys — to, through, and after the show.
Asha Prihar spoke with eight former contestants from the area, from recent star Ryan Long to Tournament of Champions winner Celeste DiNucci.
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
- If you’re using a mail ballot, be sure to write the date on the back: the Pa. Supreme Court just ruled officials should set aside and not count undated ballots on Election Day. [Spotlight PA]
- The Frankford Elevated Railway debuted 100 years ago this week, linking Center City to Northeast Philly and sparking a development boom. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- Who are the 100 most influential people in Philadelphia? This list has all the movers and shakers. Top 3: gov candidate Josh Shapiro, Comcast’s Brian Roberts, and Sixers arena developer David Adelman. [Philly Mag$]
- It’s been a decade since Meek Mill released hit album “Dreams and Nightmares,” so he’s playing a 10th anniversary concert Thanksgiving weekend at the Wells Fargo Center. [Andscape/6ABC]
- World Series tickets this year are digital only, so if you want to put it in a scrapbook, you’ll have to take a screenshot and print it out. [Inquirer$]
- Two more wins to go, Topper! Here’s that Spotify list of Phillies walk-up songs you wanted. [Phillies Nation]
The story you didn’t read
? Highlighting good BP articles few people clicked on ?
- West Philly goes all out for Halloween, with costumes, parties, and neighborhood love. Here’s our photo essay of the fun.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Kensington resident Shane Claiborne, who’s been turning guns into garden tools for over a decade, has officially opened a storefront for Raw Tools Philly. [BP 2019/Al Día]
- News reports focused on a single shooting event can actually lead audiences to blame the victims of violence for the violence itself, new research shows. [@PCGVR/AHCJ]
- Afea Tucker, new Philadelphia engagement reporter for The Trace, talks about what it was like growing up around gun violence and what she hopes to accomplish with resource guide Up the Block. [Trace/UTB]
- After hearing about shootings on Halloween night, “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson directed people to support teen-led group YEAH Philly, and urged young Philadelphians to attend anti-violence forums in the city. [YEAH Philly/@quintabrunson]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 27: Shooting victims recorded last week so far, vs. 35 the week prior. [City Controller via @PCGVR]
- 2,004: Shooting victims this year, 2% ahead of last year’s pace. [PCGVR]
- 447: Year-to-date homicides, 3% down from last year’s pace but up 67% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH: Nov. 2, 2022
Nada on the public schedule for Mayor Jim F. Kenney.
ON THE CALENDAR
? FDR Park’s boathouse transforms into a big ofrenda for “La Gran Fiesta,” a free Day of the Dead celebration culminating in a light-up bike parade. (6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3)
?️ “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)
☕ Elixir Coffee is launching its “Heart on Your Sleeve” poetry project with a party this weekend, will be printing poems on to-go coffee sleeves throughout the winter and spring. (7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5)
