Procrastinator’s guide to the 2020 general election in Philly

Pennsylvania is poised to play a decisive role in one of the most unprecedented elections in U.S. history. Philly voters will also cast ballots for the three members of Congress, three important statewide offices, a ton of elected officials in the General Assembly, and four city charter questions. No sweat, right? Good news: our annual procrastinator’s guide is here to help. Consider this your cheat sheet to everything you need to know about the 2020 general election.

Philadelphia is suing PA so it can enact stronger gun control laws

Philadelphia filed suit against Pennsylvania yesterday, asking a judge to let it enact stricter measures aimed at curbing gun violence — something currently banned by state law. When Philly last sued Pa. over this, in 2007, the case was dismissed. What's different this time? A big pro bono legal team is helping the city law department, and they're using a new legal strategy. Granted, it’s unclear if the bills local lawmakers want to pass would actually help stop the shooting epidemic, but Philly hasn't yet gotten a chance to try.

Temple shutters largest dining hall as campus residency drops 

Surprising many students and faculty, Temple University has shut down its largest on-campus dining facility. The move comes just over month after a coronavirus outbreak at the school prompted administration to move all classes online, and led to a 60% drop in students living on campus. It's unclear what'll happen to Aramark staff who worked at the cafeteria. What is clear is some students are frustrated — and hoping for a partial meal plan refund.

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RECAP: What else happened?

• Philadelphia is not alone: homicides and shootings spiked across 37 U.S. cities during the pandemic, while other crime dropped below average. [NYT$]
   
• Yes, there are lines when you drop off your ballot at City Hall (cool timelapse), but they move fast. There are six other places to do it in Philly; here's a map. [@KPaynter/Billy Penn]
   
• Philly teachers might vote on Thursday to only work during school hours — no grading at night or over the weekend — to put pressure on the School District to pass a new contract. [Chalkbeat/Inquirer$]
   
• Drexel is now offering an esports major, jumping on board the massive online gaming boom in Philly. [Technical.ly]
   
• Bob and Barbara’s is running its weekly Thursday night drag show outdoors, with performers wearing face shields and strutting in the street. [PGN]
   
• A new Ethiopian coffee shop and grocery store called Alif Brew just opened at 45th and Baltimore. [West Philly Local]
   
• The Philadelphia Union will be the first local team to have fans in stands, welcoming 2,775 to Subaru Park in Chester on Sunday. There will also be fans at this weekend's Eagles-Steelers game in Pittsburgh. [Union/6ABC]
   
• Here's that Gritty-as-mummy bobblehead you wanted. [Bobblehead HOF]

MAYOR WATCH: Oct. 8, 2020

Nothing doing for the mayor today, as far as the public is concerned. 

ON THE CALENDAR

🏆 Billy Penn event: Our Philly Quizzo live trivia night is back! Form a team or play solo, and use your local knowledge to battle for the prize. DJ Bounce Gawd spins between rounds. Free RSVP required. (6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21)

🏳️‍🌈 OutFest is virtual this year, with a 90-minute livestream of performances by musicians and drag queens and speeches from leaders and elected officials. (6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10)