A Philly mayoral debate might not happen. That’s not the norm.
Philadelphia’s mayoral election is just three months away, but voters have yet to see any plans for a debate between Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker and Republican nominee David Oh, whose campaign requested two to five televised exchanges. Parker hasn’t yet responded — to Oh or to reporter questions.
Though Philly disproportionately votes Democrat, general election debates have been the norm, experts tell Fallon Roth, though they agree there may be few upsides for Parker this time around.
Tapster Philadelphia opens with 54 taps and beer by the ounce
Good news for indecisive drinkers: 54 taps and the opportunity to order by the ounce await at Tapster, the new self-service sports bar now open at 16th and Sansom in Rittenhouse. With swing seating and a laid-back vibe, it offers more than just beer — there’s wine, cocktails, kombucha, sodas, juice, and cold brew coffee.
Ali Mohsen stopped by to get details, including food options, pricing, and why the owner chose Philly for the mini-chain’s first East Coast location.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• In advance of the fall session starting mid-September, the Pa. Senate will reconvene on Aug. 30 to try to finalize the state budget. [City & State]
• A $2M lawsuit accuses Council President Clarke of interfering with zoning approvals in an effort to quash a multifamily development at 12th and Girard. Plaintiff Ori Feibush, a developer, previously tussled in court with Councilmember Johnson. [Inquirer$/BP 2017]
• The SEPTA trolley that rolled out of a maintenance area and crashed into a historic house had air brakes disabled for ongoing repairs, per the NTSB report. The worker tasked with moving the trolley wasn’t told, he said. [NTSB/Fox29]
• The NBA fined James Harden $100k for making “public trade demands” when he called Sixers GM Daryl Morey a liar last week and swore to never suit up for an organization Morey is a part of. [Yahoo Sports]
• Ranking Bryce Harper’s top Phillies memes — his shrug after this week’s inside-the-park home run is definitely up there. [Billy Penn]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Two gun regulation bills passed the Pa. House last session, but it’s unclear if they’ll ever get out of committee in the Senate. [WHYY]
• Around 150 motorcyclists rode through different Philly neighborhoods last weekend as part of Philly Bike Fest Ride for Peace, with the mission of consoling families who have lost a loved one to gun violence. [6ABC]
• The family of Eddie Irizarry, shot and killed by police last week in Fairhill, released surveillance video showing the officer fired six bullets within five seconds of pulling up beside the stopped vehicle. Police initially said Irizarry lunged at officers with a knife. [WHYY]
• More than 95,000 school nurses serve millions of students every year, and some of them — including Camden’s Robin Cogan — say they can play a bigger role in preventing violence. [Trace]By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 35: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 38 the week prior. [PCGVR]
- 1,174: Shooting victims this year so far, down 24% vs. this time last year. [PCGVR]
- 280: Year-to-date homicides, down 20% vs. last year’s pace; up 34% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenny first joins PHDC at a Garden Court home to announce the new Rental Improvement Fund for small landlords (10 a.m.). He then meets Commissioner Outlaw at PPD headquarters to give an update on the Eddie Irizarry shooting investigation (1 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Tomorrow! BP Quizzo trivia night lands at the annex. at the Divine Lorraine, in partnership with the North Broad Renaissance. We’ll have happy hour specials and prizes for the winners. A few spots remain, RSVP here. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24)
🏞️ Fans of FDR Park and cultural preservation can learn more about the partnership behind the Southeast Asian Market in a virtual talk. Free. (10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24)
🌭 Poi Dog’s Kiki Aranita returns for a pop-up celebrating National Dog Day, bringing Huli Huli frankfurters to Art in the Age in Old City. (2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26)
📖 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. Tickets are $25. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning
