City Cast Philly
🇺🇲 Harris underperforms in Philly & loses election
November 6, 2024 · — Ava Wojnowski
Good morning, Philadelphia. President-elect Donald Trump won about 20% of the vote in Philly, a higher margin here than in his last two elections, on the road to victory in the presidential race. And Republican challenger Dave McCormick, a former hedge fund executive, leads Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey in a too-close-to-call Pennsylvania senate race. Our City Cast Philly team is dropping a podcast early this morning with the latest news and analysis about the election from our view in Philly:
What's CITY Talking About?
🗳️ Election Day in Philly
- Election returns so far show Harris at just 78% among Philly voters. That’s a weaker showing compared to how Democratic presidential candidates have done in the city in recent years. Trump’s better-than-expected performance was achieved in part by “running up his vote share in Philadelphia’s majority Latino wards.” [🔒The Inquirer]
- Voter turnout was high early on in Philadelphia. There were wraparound lines at polling stations throughout the city. [Insider NJ]
- Bomb threats were sent to 10 polling places in Philly as people were voting. Authorities said this was a hoax, and they suspected the Russian government was behind it. There were temporary evacuations at some locations. [🔒The Inquirer]
🪧 SEPTA’s Looming Strike
SEPTA’s largest union is preparing for a potential strike if demands for increased safety precautions are not met. TWU Local 234, which represents various bus, subway, and trolley employees with SEPTA, is made up of over 5,000 members. The strike would begin on Friday if a deal is not reached. [FOX29]
🏢 Severe Staffing Shortages in Philly Jails
More than 100 detainees have been released from Philadelphia jails due to staffing shortages. Officials are prioritizing those who have charges that would allow pre-trial release. [FOX29]
- Related: Learn more about Philly’s initiative that helps people after prison. [ 🎧City Cast Philly]
What To Do
Wednesday, Nov. 6
- 🌱 Seed Collectors | 10–11:30 a.m. | $12 | Southwest Philly
- 🧶 Fiber Friends | 2 p.m. | Free | Germantown
- 🎤 Don Toliver | 7:30 p.m. | $72+ | The Liacouras Center
- 🎶 Leon Bridges | 7:30 p.m. | $82.80 | The Met Philadelphia
Thursday, Nov. 7
- 📽️ Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (First Day) | Various Times | $17+ | Various Locations
- 🧺 Sankofa Farm Stand | 3–6 p.m. | Pay As You Go | Southwest Philly
- 🍸 Philly Magazine’s Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festivals | 6:30–9 p.m. | $55 + | Lincoln Financial Field
- 🥂 Drink & Tuft | 5–9 p.m. | $150 | South Philly
- 🎶 Leon Bridges | 7:30 p.m. | $82.80 | The Met Philadelphia
Thanks for reading today’s newsletter. We’ll see you tomorrow with more news about the election, events, and rules for all Philadelphians to live by. 📝
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