Mail-in concerns; Pun preview; Union OKs strike | Morning roundup

City officials urge Philadelphians to return, track, fix mail ballots

Between misinformation, new protocols and a ballooning list of legal challenges to the voting process, it’s fair to say that Pennsylvanians are experiencing some nerves around the voting process. City officials held a press conference Thursday morning to calm some nerves and call attention to solutions for mail-in ballot concerns. Continue reading …

Election 2024 Reminders 

????️ Catch up on what to know in this last week before Election Day here, in our Procrastinator’s Guide. 

????️ Philly has a list of mail ballots that have errors or are undeliverable. As of Thursday, it has more than 3,000 names. Find out if you’re affected and how to fix your ballot.

‘It’s Always Punny in Philly’ indeed

Pun and dad jokes have been around as long as dads. But Aaron Schwartzbomb has been doing something new, growing a competitive, rap-battle style aspect to it around the city. He has a fresh show coming in November. Continue reading …

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Why Philly-area environmental justice activists fear a Trump win. [WHYY] 

• Philly’s largest city workers union votes to authorize strike during rush-hour rally. [PhillyVoice] 

• City Council started the process of authorizing the controversial Sixers’ arena proposal, voting 10-5 to approve a pair of procedural resolutions for the $1.55 billion development. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly] 

• Locals celebrate Diwali as Pennsylvania is first to declare state holiday. [6ABC] 

• 60,000 Wawa-branded tumblers have been recalled because their metal straws can cut customers. [AP] 

• The name “Philly Pops” is bestowed upon the No Name Pops by the family of the late Peter Nero. [WHYY] 

• The first single from the latest Eagles’ Christmas album features the Kelce brothers. [Inquirer$]

• “This Is Fresh Ale” is a special WHYY-themed 70 Shilling Scottish Ale from Attic Brewing, to celebrate WHYY’s 70th anniversary. [Attic Brewing/WHYY] 

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor will join Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer and the Office of Safe Neighborhoods (OSN) to announce the launch of its Group Violence Intervention Juvenile (GVIJ) program, at Beckett Life Center, 1410 N. 16th St. (11 a.m.)

ON THE CALENDAR

????️ Friday, Nov. 1: 8th Annual Souls Shot Portrait Exhibition
Commemorate those who have lost their lives to gun violence with a reception and program at Widener Hall at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. Exhibit on display through Nov. 24. 

???? Through Saturday, Nov. 2: 2nd Annual Mahluk Indonesian Mystical Horror Experience
Gapura at 1612 S. Broad St. celebrates Halloween by highlighting the different mythical creatures in Indonesian folklore across the multiverse! From Kuntilanak, Sundel Bolong, Genderuwo, and Pocong, you may want to grab a friend to see this one-of-a-kind experience. $5 ticket includes snack and drink. (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) 

???????? Saturday, Nov. 2: 15th annual Family Matters Conference
“We Are Family” is the theme of this year’s gathering hosted by Philadelphia Family Pride (PFP), which will take place at Parkway Central Library. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

???? Saturday, Nov. 2: Day of the Dead Celebration: Making Music with Miss Cat
The Anna C. Verna Playground in FDR Park will be full of song, dance, and instruments in this bilingual musical program. There will be two 45-minute programs open to the public. (12 to 2 p.m.) 

???? Saturday, Nov. 2: Tails from the Crypt: Animal Lover’s Tour & Dog Walk
Pet-friendly Laurel Hill East encourages the public to bring their animals along for this walking tour featuring stories about one of the first court cases to rule against animal cruelty, pets memorialized in stone, and the woman who bestowed a portion of her will to her dearest dogs. $8.50 to $17 tickets. (12 to 2 p.m.)

???? Saturday, Nov. 2: Hygge House 
Get cozy and unwind with the Danish concept of hygge. Jasper House in Kensington hosts food, soothing music, shopping, and activities designed to promote relaxation and well-being. (2 to 5 p.m.)

???? Saturday, Nov. 2: Dia de los Muertos at Fleisher Art Memorial
Enjoy a children’s fair in Fleisher’s parking lot and a procession at the Sanctuary with the Champion Lowriders. Also: an artisan market, live bands and dances, and two food trucks with Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. The party continues the following Saturday, Nov. 9, with 6 p.m. horror movie screenings. (2 to 9 p.m.) 

???? Sunday, Nov. 3: Family Festival: Dazzling Diwali
Celebrate the Festival of Lights and take a shine to some artworks from South Asia at the PMA. Included with admission. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 

???? Sunday, Nov. 3: Philly Flannel Fest
This second annual event at the Braid Mill in Germantown aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest flannel-wearing gathering! On hand: food, local wine, live music, and a crafts market. Free with registration. (12 to 5 p.m.) 

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