#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Eyeful in East Germantown
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Her calming videos, with a Philly flavor, are going viral — comedian Betsy Kenney knows why
Have you ever stopped in the middle of Broad Street and opened your ears to the soft sounds of Philly? Does the scraping of a spoon on water ice soothe your soul? Does condensing the question “did you eat?” to a concise “djeet” make the back of your neck tingle? If so, this local comedian’s TikTok page might just be for you.
Betsy Kenney, 38, a North Philly native, has gone viral for a series of Philly-inspired ASMR videos. In the clips, Kenney exaggerates her local vernacular, putting on an accent that Kylie Kelce herself scored “a good 11.” Continue reading …
This app makes recycling work for students, colleges and businesses
Josh Mastromatto’s startup web app Rego has a mission – making zero waste more affordable and accessible. The project started as a way to bring Philly waste to the proper disposal sites.
“My co-founder and I really looked at different parts of the climate and sustainability landscape, and we realized that waste was one of the only things where it actually costs more money to do the right thing,” said the native Philadelphian. This is their solution. Continue reading …
Election Day info
TODAY is Election Day!
The District Attorney’s race and retention of state Supreme Court justices has drawn extraordinary attention this year.
Here is what you need to know.
- Procrastinator’s Guide [Billy Penn]
- What are the ballot questions facing Philly suburban voters? [WHYY]
- Election landing page: whyy.org/election
- WHYY’s Pa. voter guide
- WHYY’s DA voter guide
- Pa. Supreme Court retention guide
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Nearly 75% of 1.1 million mail-in ballots have been returned in today’s municipal election for judges and local officials. [Capital-Star]
• Jeffrey Yass, Pa.’s richest man, donated at least $2.5 million to Trump’s White House ballroom. [Inq$]
• Purported hacker behind Penn’s fraudulent email claims to have grabbed student, alumni and donor data in an attack the school has reported to the FBI. [BP]
• A monthslong investigation targeting the movement of fentanyl between Kensington and the Philly suburbs led to 94 arrests and the seizure of $365,000 in narcotics since September. [PhillyVoice]
• Mt. Airy renters say their landlord illegally collected rent. Now they’re suing. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Are you a fan of Biederman’s? The specialty store is adding a second location in Rittenhouse. [BP2022/Inq$]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, WHYY has produced The Declaration’s Journey, a 10-part series highlighting how the Declaration of Independence has inspired movements around the world. The series was produced in collaboration with Museum of the American Revolution and launches Thursday on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Tuesday, Nov. 4: An Evening With Lawrence Brownlee
Join the internationally-renowned tenor for an evening of arias in the Wanamaker Grand Court, followed by a conversation with Opera Philadelphia General Director and President Anthony Roth Costanzo. Tickets are $11+. (8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition opening reception
The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts the exhibit through December 11. The largest of the year, featuring the work of 46 emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Michelin: Making Its Way to Philly
Join the Culinary Literacy Center in the Free Library’s Skyline Room for a lively panel discussion exploring what Michelin’s arrival could mean for Philadelphia’s food scene, the possibilities, the challenges, and everything in between. Free with registration. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Night Hike: Beaver Moon
Join the Schuylkill Center for an evening hike to see the Beaver Moon, learning a bit about the humble beaver along the way. Meet fellow lunar enthusiasts to chat astronomy, astrology, and nature in the glow of the autumn moon. $5-$10 tickets. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 6: Pinch Pot Happy Hour
A laid-back evening of sculpting pinch pots while sharing drinks and snacks, at the Bok Building. Supplies included; they guide you through fun, beginner-friendly projects like toys, shakers, boxes, or simple cups. $28.52 tickets. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 6: Philly’s Fall Fling
Lunge Run Club Philly and Two Robbers Fishtown invites you to come Pitch-a-Friend OR participate in their live Blindfolded Dating Show amid food, drinks and live music. $23.18 tickets. (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 7: First Friday: Nautical Navigation
Think you have what it takes to survive on the seven seas? Test your skills in a nautical navigation choose-your-own-adventure game at the Science History Institute and Museum, learning innovation across cultures and time. Free. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 7: 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition Opening Cocktail Reception
FRIEDAcommunity has commissioned Madrid-based artist Mariano Martín to create 294 illustrations each capturing a special moment in FRIEDA / FRIEDAcommunity’s 10-year history of cultivating meaningful and memorable connections. Visitors will be able to scan QR codes to discover the inspiration for these works. At 320 Walnut Street. Exhibit through January 18. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 7: The Late(ish) Poetry Show
If the Tonight Show and Def Poetry had a baby that grew up to be your favorite Friday night in Philly, this might be it. Featuring some of Philly’s best poets with poetry, interviews, games and music. $28.52 tickets for guaranteed seating; or $15 at the door, $10 for students. (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7-9: 49th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show
The 2025 Show will welcome a total of 195 talented artists representing 13 diverse categories of craft and design. All work is for sale and the artists receive 100% of their sale proceeds. Events include an interactive scarf/shawl tying presentation (Fit To Be Tied) and a fashion event, Find Your Style. At the Pennsylvania Convention Center. $10-20 for one day, $25 for two days.
Through Nov. 23: American Color Print Society Fall Exhibition
The exhibition will include work in all the traditional print techniques such as etching and lithography, as well as risograph, digital prints, and monotypes. In addition to work by by 52 ACPS members, they are welcoming work by 31 artists. At the Plastic Club. Artist talks Nov. 9 and 16.
The post Philly ASMR videos; Election Day info; Penn’s email breach | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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