Perception vs. reality: Philly may be safer than people think
Is Philadelphia a safe city to live in and visit? The gun violence crisis is still very real, but shootings are down significantly. Yet you wouldn’t think so from recent news coverage saying Philly “ranks near the bottom” in a Gallup poll about perceived safety in 16 U.S. cities.
The key word here is “perceived.” Dallas and Seattle came out shining, but have homicide rates similar to Philadelphia. What creates the misperception? In part, headlines like the one about the survey, writes Heather Chin.
Philly news + history quiz: How well do you know this city?
One of the most perfect settings for Billy Penn’s monthly trivia night was the Divine Lorraine, where we landed in August thanks to a partnership with the North Broad Renaissance. Why? BP Quizzo tests your knowledge on Philly’s past, present, and future — and the historic building has a place in all of these.
The evening’s competition ended in a tie, with two groups getting 17/24 correct. Now it’s your turn. Without using Google, can you beat their high score?
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker said she was “pissed and angry” with staff after her campaign mistakenly forwarded email messages to a local news outlet that discussed “slow-rolling” them because they’re small. [Billy Penn]
• Per preliminary results released last week, Philadelphia schools saw small gains in standardized test scores vs. last year. Though just a few percentage points, it shows things are moving in the right direction, leaders say. [Chalkbeat]
• If you recently picked up an at-home COVID test in Philadelphia, check the box. The city Health Dept. issued a recall for 105,000 invalid kits. [Billy Penn]
• It took two court battles, including a Supreme Court case, to change the status quo and admit girls to Philly’s Central High School. The latest Headlines of Yore tells the story of how it happened. [Billy Penn]
• Bagel fans will want to get over to Baltimore Avenue, where the just-opened Cleo Bagels is now humming with goods from baker Alex Malamy, known for his Dodo Bagel pop-ups. [West Philly Local]
• Tucked inside the Eagles’ nerve-wracking win in last night’s season opener was a special touchdown celebration by DeVonta Smith, who rocked his football in a cradle. Why? On Saturday, he and his girlfriend welcomed a real-life baby. [PhillyVoice/Tuscaloosanews]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing public on the schedule for Mayor Kenney today. The city does have a 9/11 memorial — today is the 22nd anniversary of those attacks — installed a decade ago on the banks of the Schuylkill River.
ON THE CALENDAR
💐 BP Quizzo at Fitler Club! Our monthly Philly trivia night lands at this gorgeous spot next to the Schuylkill in Center City. We’re doing things a little differently for this one — your $25 ticket includes an all-you-can-eat food buffet. Space is limited, so RSVP today. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20)
🤵🏾♂️ Opera and food trucks make a perfect pair at this free outdoor performance and “Hansel and Gretel” movie screening at Drexel Park. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14)
🍸 Stratus Lounge hosts an end-of-summer sunset soiree, with lawn games, DJs, and liquor tastings on the rooftop bar across from Independence Hall. Free entry or $30 for open bar. (6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15)
📘 Billy Penn is participating in 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)
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