Shapiro introduces Harris, Walz at raucous Temple rally
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was passed over for the vice presidential spot in the 2024 election, but that didn’t stop him from delivering a rousing introduction to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at an enthusiastic Democratic rally at the Liacouras Center Tuesday event. The event also served as an introduction of sorts to Walz, the relatively unknown Minnesota governor who was announced as part of the Democratic ticket Tuesday morning.
Earlier in the day, Republican vice presidential candidate, Sen. JD Vance, made an appearance at a smaller event in South Philly, where he attacked Harris’ record. Supporters expressed relief that Harris hadn’t selected Shapiro, saying the choice confirmed she was leaning into her progressive past.
The Shorti Center? Gritty’s Playhouse? Free-dome?
When it was announced that banking giant Wells Fargo was not renewing its naming rights contract with Comcast Spectacor for the current home of the Sixers, Flyers and Wings indoor lacrosse team, we asked you what the new name should be.
Readers engaged with our poll and left suggestions in our social media (thanks to most of you for not being too crude). We got around 200 responses, most of which fell into some broad buckets — Philly businesses, sports legends and culture. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The top election officials from Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington urged Elon Musk to fix X’s AI chatbot, Grok, writing that it produced false information about state ballot deadlines after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. [AP]
• The average homeowner in Philadelphia will see their property tax bill go up by $330 on average in 2025. Mayor Parker touted the property reassessment as boosting schools revenue by $115 million over five years. [WHYY/Chalkbeat]
• The Barnes Foundation and St. Joseph’s University are launching an online graduate degree program in museum education. The unique program will leverage the museum’s expertise and the university’s resources. [WHYY]
• In Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, residents are putting money toward the needs of their community through the process of participatory grant-making to fund local initiatives. [Next City]
• Philadelphia physician Dr. Ala Stanford published a memoir on overcoming adversity and the health care system, drawing on her work as a pediatric surgeon, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, and regional health director under the Biden administration. [WHYY]
• Quinta Brunson will star in a movie that she’s co-writing with “Abbott Elementary” collaborator Justin Tan. Titled “Par for the Course,” the film also will star Stephanie Hsu of “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Mural Arts unveiled the first of six youth anti-violence mural projects. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia officials asked for help finding 47 homicide suspects. They aren’t sure how many they’ve caught. [The Trace]
• An estimated 67,393 guns were sold last month in Pennsylvania, up 4% from the previous month as well as from the same month last year. [The Trace]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 16: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 3 fatalities, vs. 27 with 6 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 668: Shooting victims as of August 4 were down 39% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 160: Year-to-date homicides, down 37% vs. last year’s pace; down 17% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
💕 Thursday, August 8: Pitch-A-Friend
Just listen, or sign up yourself to deliver a 3-5 minute PowerPoint presentation about your fantastic single friends at local breweries, bars, and restaurants! This installment is at the Boozy Mutt in Fairmount. Free to attend; sign up here to present a single friend: https://pitch-a-friend.com/philly/signup. (7 p.m.)
🎒 Friday, August 9: Back-to-School Fashion Show, Parade, Deals!
Head to the Fashion District Mall’s 9th Street entrance for free backpacks and school supplies, Parent Portal help, free vaccines, educational activities, raffles, games, and even a parade and fashion show! (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
💃🏽 Friday, August 9: Salsa at the Square
Join neighbors on the dance floor at Norris Square Park for a fun night with Estilo Dance Studio and Jimmy Jorge & the Latin Express. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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