Philly leaders speak at DNC; Pa. delegates cast roll call votes
On Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention, delegates from all 50 states cast votes for Vice President Kamala Harris in a ceremonial roll call, with Pa. Gov. Shapiro among those who did so on the convention floor. The night culminated with speeches from Michelle and Barack Obama.
Pa. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta also spoke on stage, warning about Project 2025, a transition plan crafted by many former Trump White House staffers now employed at right-wing think tanks asa. blueprint to implementing their economic and social policy goals.
Meanwhile, Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson spoke at the Pa. delegation breakfast.
Italian Market cookbook store and community space is coming soon
Binding Agents, a soon-to-open cookbook shop in the Italian Market, ws cooked up by owner Catie Gainor during a literal fever dream. As the 34-year-old lay sick in bed scrolling social media, she came across a Seattle-based shop that she felt would complement Philadelphia’s culinary scene.
Come October, Gainor’s dream will become reality at 908 Catharine Street, where her new shop will offer cookbooks, food-focused fiction and nonfiction, Silent Book Club-style programming, author events, and cooking classes.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Montco Republican Committee voted unanimously to oust an Upper Merion GOP leader for endorsing Kamala Harris. Matthew McCaffery made his endorsement publicly in July, then reported being the victim of “SWATting” prank calls to police. [WHYY/CBS3]
• Public feedback is due by Sept. 2 on proposed health insurance rate increases requested by insurers for 2025 Pa. health insurance plans. Average increases would range from 2.9% to 15.2% on individual plans sold in the ACA marketplace. [WHYY]
• Philly-area teachers and students debate a proposed school cellphone banafter Pa. passed the pilot plan earlier this year. [The Pulse]
• Human remains discovered at an Old City construction site eight years ago have been reburied after years of identification processes, but issues still persist. [WHYY]
• A 75-foot-wide lime green floating observation deck over the Schuylkill River will be installed near Bartram’s Garden after years of delays, and is scheduled to open in 2026. [PhillyVoice]
• The East Germantown basketball league continues to pack the park. [Germantown Info Hub]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Gun violence prevention advocates and community members gathered to discuss efforts during a community Bridging Blocks event. [WHYY]
• Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis entered the spotlight amid Gov. Shapiro’s VP candidacy. He discusses his longtime efforts advocating against gun violence. [Inquirer$]
• A new city task force aims to address parent engagement issues and youth violence. [NBC10]
• The new Association of Gun Violence Reporting has launched and is co-led by Kensington Voice’s Sammy Caiola. [PCGVR]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 698: Shooting victims as of August 15 were down 40% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 172: Year-to-date homicides, down 37% vs. last year’s pace; down 19% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker is in Chicago all week for the Democratic National Convention. She and Council President Kenyatta Johnson spoke at Day 2’s Pa. delegation breakfast.
ON THE CALENDAR
🗳️ Thursday, August 22: Voting Machine Demo
Curious about the new voting machines and how they work? Come to Northeast Regional Library and test it out! Staff from the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office will do a demo and answer pre-submitted, emailed questions about how elections work. (1 to 4 p.m.)
🍨 Friday, August 23: End-of-Summer Library Bash
The Independence Library branch in Old City is hosting a family-friendly celebration with water ice, raffles, pretzels, and, of course, books! (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
💃🏽 Friday, August 23: ¡BAILAR en FDR! Salsa Class + Social Dance
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and DJ Valentin Flores for a one-hour dance lesson followed by a social dance. The lesson is taught by an experienced instructor and aimed at all levels. Free with RSVP. (7:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
🪭 Saturday, August 24: No Arena Drag Show
An all-Asian cast will blend art, performances, heritage, and activism in Callowhill, aimed at raising awareness of the fight over the proposed 76ers arena on the edge of Chinatown. $10-20 sliding scale tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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