Procrastinator’s voting guide; Portal in LOVE Park; Shapiro on Musk’s $1M offer | Morning roundup

Procrastinator’s Guide to the 2024 general election in Philly

Here it is, our way to help Philadelphia residents who have avoided thinking about the Nov. 5 election till they absolutely had to. From the presidential election to the question of which political party will control the U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania voters are expected to once again play a critical role in the fate of these races. 

There are also key races at the state level, including Attorney General and an open Pa. state House seat in Northeast Philly. 

To help you figure it all out, we’ve pulled together the candidates Philly voters will see on their ballots, along with guidance on how and where to vote. Continue reading…

Fun and hijinks predicted for Portal video installation in LOVE Park

Philly is getting a Portal, and people are already salivating over the hijinks and destruction expected to ensue.

What is a Portal? It’s an 11.5-foot-tall, 3.5-ton donut-like sculpture with a camera and an 8-foot live-stream video screen in its center that has made appearances in NYC, Dublin, Lithuania, Poland, and Brazil. The Lithuanian artist behind the project calls them “an invitation to meet fellow humans above borders and prejudices and to experience our home – planet Earth – as it really is: united and one.” Continue reading…

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• In election news, Gov. Shapiro suggested law enforcement should look into Elon Musk’s $1M offer to Pennsylvania voters, and Philly’s suburbs will have several ballot questions up for a vote. [NPR/WHYY] 

• Work to reopen PATCO’s Franklin Square Station is expected to wrap up early next year. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]

• A digital archive of Philly artists with disabilities finds physical form at the Painted Bride. [WHYY] 

• Philadelphia sports blog Crossing Broad and the rest of its North American operations are set to be sold to Swiss data company Sportradar for $30 million in cash. [BizJournal$] 

• Meet the activist who fought for American Indians’ voting rights — her face may be on your next quarter made in Philly. [WHYY] 

• Philly tourism and art officials are looking for “real life Rockys” to feature in a mural to be unveiled at RockyFest in December. The submission deadline is this Friday, Oct. 25. [Axios]

MAYOR WATCH

10 a.m.: The city will host a press conference for the installaton and opening of the Portal in Philadelphia, with remarks from Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director, City of Philadelphia; Joseph Callahan and Gar Giles, of portals.org; and philanthropist Martha Snider, at LOVE Park.

ON THE CALENDAR

???? Thursday, Oct. 24: Maze Days – Happy Hour
Dilworth Park is the setting for this free Mix and Mingle hosted by local influencers Penny Gsell (@pennyinphilly) and Lizzy Friedman (@lowermerionfoodie.) Themed cocktails, DJ Adubb, fall vibes, and potential connections. First 10 matches get a pair of ice skating tickets for November. (5 to 7 p.m.) 

????️Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 24-27: Candlelight Ghost Tours
A haunted Fort Mifflin tour described as Philly’s most authentic Halloween event! No decorations. No hype. Just, you, a few candles, and ghosts! Purchase timed tickets in advance ($22 adults/$15 children under 12), with one-hour walking tours every 20 minutes beginning at 7 p.m. 

???? Thursday, Oct. 24: Collaborative Dinner
Fishtown-based Fette Sau partners with Love City Brewing and High West Distillery for a pop-up dinner of pulled beef with collard greens, smoked duck with mushroom hash, house-made pear cobbler, and more. Live music and seasonal libations are also on tap. $75 on Resy. (7 p.m.) 

???? Friday, Oct. 25: Germantown Arts District Block Party
Back for a second year, GAD’s block party falls on October’s Fourth Friday! The streets of Germantown are a festive autumn wonderland, complete with live performances, local vendors, food trucks, and interactive art installations. (5 to 10 p.m.)

????️ Through Sunday, Oct. 27: 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival
This year’s Festival will offer in-person screenings at all PFS venues (Film Society Center, Film Society Bourse, and Film Society East). Tickets and film details are here. 

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