Pennsylvania’s ‘fake electors’ keep busy in state politics
In November 2020, a group of Pennsylvania Republicans designated themselves electoral college voters for Donald Trump, as part of his attempt to overturn the election results. While the so-called “fake electors” in some other states face felony charges, Pa.’s alternates took steps to legally protect themselves.
So what are they doing now? Meir Rinde recaps what each of the 20 people are currently up to, from politics to business, and why they’re unlikely to face consequences even as the Trump case unfolds
A look at what isn’t subject to sales tax in Pennsylvania
What’s taxed and what’s not can get complicated. For instance, in Pennsylvania, sunburn treatments are tax-free, but preventative sunblock isn’t. And pumpkins escape sales tax, but only if they’re used for food and not decoration.
Asha Prihar takes a look at many of the hundreds of things in Pennsylvania that aren’t subject to sales tax, from books to utilities and more.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Temple is planning a spate of new security measures, including gunshot detection, surveillance cameras, more bike and foot patrols, and an upgraded safety app. The changes follow the fatal shooting of campus police officer Christopher Fitzgerald in February. [Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• New renderings of the proposed Sixers arena show a huge tower intended as a $250 million, 395-unit mixed-income housing development. The addition comes as developers seek to overcome some strident community opposition. [Crossing Broad/Billy Penn]
• Philadelphia-based Audacy, owner of KYW Newsradio and other stations, is selling off assets in Boston and Phoenix, and says it may file for bankruptcy if negotiations to restructure its $1.9 billion in debt don’t succeed. [Biz Journal$]
• The Philadelphia Folk Festival, formerly the nation’s longest continuously running outdoor musical festival, was canceled this year for financial reasons and organizers aren’t sure it’ll be back in 2024. [BP 2022/Axios]
• To help mark the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026, the city’s big charitable organizations are pooling $9 million for projects put on by nonprofit organizations. [BP 2022/WHYY]
• In his first home start for the Phillies, Michael Lorenzen threw a 124-pitch no-hitter to blank the Nats and electrify the crowd, which included his family. It’s the 14th no-no in franchise history, and the first at home since Halladay’s 2010 playoff gem. [MLB/USA Today]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor’s public schedule is blank today. Kenney did, however, tout a paid public service opportunity with Americorps for Philly’s Community Resource Corps.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Billy Penn event: This month’s BP Quizzo trivia night lands at annex. at the Divine Lorraine, in partnership with the North Broad Renaissance. We’ll have happy hour specials and prizes for the winners. Space is limited, so RSVP today. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24)
🌃 Kids and kids at heart can enjoy a themed Pixar Party at the RiverRink Summerfest during this week’s Philly River Stroll. Dance to a curated playlist and get your own themed balloon art, lemonades (spiked or not), and more. Free. (5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10)
🫖 Love high tea and love drag? Then check out Drag High Tea for the Miss Summer School Pageant featuring an all-star cast, four course mock pageant-themed brunch, themed cocktails, and more. $75. (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13)
📖 Billy Penn is proud to headline the inaugural Philly Story Fest, joining journalists from media outlets around Philadelphia to tell the city’s best stories on stage at the Bok. Early bird tix are $17. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
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