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RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Heavyweights campaign with all eyes on Pa.
Biden, Obama, and Trump were all in Pennsylvania this weekend to get out the vote for their respective candidates — especially the neck-and-neck Senate race, where Oz has recently gained on Fetterman. Thousands waited in line to see the Democratic Party stars in North Philly, where Obama told the audience “sulking and moping is not an option.” A big Republican crowd showed up in Latrobe, in Western Pa., where Trump told them the U.S. was in danger of turning into a “communist country.” [Politico/WHYY/AP/PennLive]
• Home Depot unionization effort falls short
Home Depot workers trying to make the Roosevelt Boulevard location the chain’s first unionized store fell short last night, with employees voting 165 to 51 against it. It’s a rare defeat in Philly’s surging labor movement, with local coffee shops and Starbucks in the city all unionizing, and a strike at the Philadelphia Museum of Art garnering big changes for employees. [WHYY/Billy Penn/ArtNews]
• Acquitted councilmember gets warm welcome
On his first day back after staying away during his federal bribery trial, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson received what seemed like a hero’s welcome at City Council session, which convened the day after he was acquitted of corruption charges. The legislative body currently has four vacant seats — which will likely be filled in Tuesday’s election by candidates handpicked by Dem party leaders. [Billy Penn/Inquirer$/WHYY/Billy Penn]
• First city to lose two championships in one day
The chip on Philly sports fans’ shoulders got a boost Saturday when the city became the first to lose two major league championships in a single day. After their match went to extra time, the Union came within minutes of winning the MLS Cup Final, but lost on penalty kicks thanks to protection by LAFC’s goalkeeper — Philly native John McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Phillies — who exceeded expectations by just making it to the World Series — never picked up steam, and the Astros walked away with a decisive win. The poles in Houston, however, remained ungreased and unclimbed. [Yahoo/WHYY/@LaSalleUniv/Billy Penn/MLB/@JasonNark]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Mall ballot counts may delay Pa. election results
We may not know results of Pennsylvania’s close races on election night, or even the day after. Nearly 1.5 million Pa. voters requested mail ballots, and while Philadelphia has several fast machines to help count them, but many counties do not, so final tallies could take longer. With several election deniers on the ballot, including gov candidate Mastriano, challenges to some results are expected whether or not the final count is close. [WITF/BP x 2/WESA]
• Did your Philadelphia polling place change?
If you’re voting in person in Philly, note that a number of polling places have shifted locations since prior elections: 54 divisions have moved since this year’s primary, and over 100 are different than in 2020 — the last time any federal seats were up for grabs. You can enter your address on the city’s finder to find yours, and view a map of all 700+ locations here, including the fully accessible ones. [Phila Gov/Billy Penn]
• Volunteer to help clean up Philly parks
Next weekend brings the Love Your Park Fall Service Day, when over 70 parks around Philadelphia host events to prepare the city’s many green spaces for winter. If you want to volunteer, options include raking leaves, planting trees and bulbs, prepping compost, and other activities at pocket parks or trails. [Love Your Park]
• A chicken will be eaten on the waterfront
Philly needs a lift after the disappointing sports showing. Will a man eating a rotisserie chicken provide it? The event, during which a server at Barclay Prime will consume an entire roasted bird for the 40th consecutive day, has become a viral meme, and dozens say they plan to attend. Stay tuned for a recap. [Billy Penn/Twitter]
