Ballot questions passed; 'I Play Rocky' interview; 1,000th Wedding Wednesday

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Fantastic foliage
(Photo by @gpatomk)

Philly voters give small businesses a boost and the arts office staying power

On Tuesday, Philadelphians voted to give small and local businesses a better shot at city contracts and make the city’s arts and culture office a permanent part of government.

Both ballot questions passed by wide margins in Tuesday’s midterm election, changing Philadelphia’s Home Rule Charter, the document that lays out how the city government operates.

Here’s what voters approved, why the changes were proposed and what happens next. Continue reading…

Tuesday night, Philadelphians voted to give small and local businesses a better shot at city contracts and make the city’s arts and culture office a permanent part of government. (Dan Levy/Billy Penn)

‘I Play Rocky’ filmmakers talk recreating a Philly classic on its home turf

“I Play Rocky,” opening in select theaters Nov. 6, tells the story behind the 1976 film that made Stallone a household name and gave Philadelphia one of its most enduring cultural symbols.

Director Peter Farrelly and stars Anthony Ippolito and AnnaSophia Robb sat down with BP to discuss bringing the story behind “Rocky” to the big screen. Continue reading…

Before portraying Sylvester Stallone in “I Play Rocky,” Anthony Ippolito played a young Al Pacino in Paramount+’s “The Offer” (2022), appeared in Netflix’s “Grand Army” (2020) and starred in the romantic drama “Purple Hearts” (2022). (Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios)

BP Quizzo Question of the Day

For which Rocky movie was the famous statue created?

Goats from the Philly Goat Project visit Temple university on Election day in an effort to encourage students to vote. (Rana Rastegari/WHYY)

POST-ELECTION NEWS

Chris Rabb could bring a new approach to Congress. What does Philly expect? [Billy Penn]

Young Pa. voters weigh in on the issues that brought them to the polls. [WHYY]

A $15 minimum wage, public transit funding and legalized recreational marijuana may be on the table in 2027 after voters reject Republicans. [WHYY]

Democrats swept Pennsylvania’s four most closely watched congressional races in the 2026 midterms. [WHYY]

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• There are no more Republicans representing Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania’s legislature. [WHYY]

• Drexel University halts all student events involving alcohol following fraternity suspensions. [WHYY]

• PHA plans 50 new senior apartments in North Philly as larger redevelopment stalls. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• Philly artist Fabiola Lara has expanded her art vending machines throughout the city. Now, you can keep track of all the mini prints from the machines with a “passport.” [Billy Penn]

• Wedding Wednesdays hit 1,000 ceremonies at Philly’s LOVE Park, marking a milestone for the city’s affordable wedding program. [Billy Penn]

• Broken bones, missed connections: Love leaves a mark at Theatre Exile. [Billy Penn]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.

Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide

In Northeast Philadelphia, a haven for immigrants from Russia, Ukraine and beyond
Bustleton and Somerton are home to a vibrant population of diverse immigrants, and a host of enticing restaurants and markets.
Finding the Forgotten Bottom of Grays Ferry
Once cut off from the Schuylkill by industry, railroads and highways, this secluded corner of Grays Ferry is opening up to the river—even as residents grapple with who gets to shape what comes next.

ON THE CALENDAR

Emo Night Karaoke – With a Live Band (Thursday),
2026 Pierogi Festival at St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Cathedral (Saturday-Sunday),
West Philly Cat Walk (Sunday),
AND MORE!

See the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!