RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Undecided voters will determine mayoral race
With days remaining before the primary that’ll determine Philly’s 100th mayor, nearly 1 in 7 voters are still undecided, per the latest independent poll, which shows a statistical tie. Gym (21%) slightly leads Parker and Rhynhart (18%). Parker wins among older voters and Black voters, Gym leads for younger voters and Asian and Latino voters. Influencing all this: a raft of super PACs that’ve spent $7M+ to support — or detract from — certain candidates.
[Emerson College/Billy Penn]
• MOVE buys back property that was bombed
On the 38th anniversary of Philadelphia officials dropping a bomb in West Philly, lighting up an entire city block in an attempt to oust the Black liberation group known as MOVE, descendants of the group’s founders announced they’d bought back the original property. Mike Africa Jr. plans to use 6221 Osage Ave. as the locus of a community healing campaign called “Reclaim Osage.”
[BP x 2/Guardian/@misskstrong]
• Zagar mural knocked down in Bella Vista
Artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaics are renowned across Philly. But like all public murals, the work is not necessarily permanent; new development in the city covers an average of three a year. Last week a construction on a long vacant lot in Bella Vista led to demolition of one of Zagar’s classic alley works. The outcry by some Philadelphians echoes a preservation fight over the fate of his work at the Painted Bride in Old City.
[BP 2018/@WillforPA/@StreetsDept/Billy Penn]
• Taylor Swift, the Eagles fan
Swifties poured into South Philly, dressing up in their best outfits (photo gallery here) to see Taylor Swift perform at the Linc. Thousands who didn’t get tickets lined Darien Street, where they could hear the music from inside. One of the things they heard: the pop star confirming her Pa. roots by settling a fan controversy over a lyric that references an “Eagles” shirt. “I love the band Eagles. But guys come on, I’m from Philly,” Swift said. “Of course it’s the team.” (Yeah, she’s from Reading, not Philadelphia. But we’ll take it.)
[Billy Penn/@mole72/@TheSwiftSociety/@philadelphiaeagles/Billy Penn]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Election night coverage from Billy Penn
Oh hey, did you know there’s an election this week? If you’re heading to the polls, don’t forget to take our Procrastinator’s Guide with you for easy reference. On election night, our reporters will contribute to WHYY-FM’s live radio coverage, which you can also stream online. We’ll track results for the mayoral primary on our website homepage, courtesy of Decision Desk HQ, and we’ll announce the winners via email as soon as they’re known.
[Billy Penn x 2/WHYY]
• Delco race could determine Pa. House majority
Democrat Heather Boyd and Republican Katie Ford are running to fill a vacant seat in the Pa. House, after its previous occupant resigned following sexual harassment allegations. Why is this a big deal? Democrats hold the majority by the slimmest of margins — a single seat — so if the GOP wins this one, the balance of power shifts sides.
[WHYY/Spotlight PA/AP]
• Grease pole climbing at the Italian Market Festival
Among all the great spring street fests in Philly, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival has one very unique attraction: the annual grease pole climbing competition. Happening both Saturday and Sunday, it’ll be complemented by lots of vendors selling food and arts and crafts, plus live music and other events — new this year is a Cheesesteak of the Year contest.
[BP 2022/IM Festival]
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