🌱 John's Roast Pork Voted Best Cheesesteak + AIDS Walk Philly

Happy Monday, Philadelphia! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 61 Low: 47.

Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. The latest battle over who makes the best cheesesteak has a new victor. The people of Philadelphia have voted and the winner is John’s Roast Pork in South Philly. The restaurant has been a staple on Snyder Avenue for 91 years. John Bucci previously won a James Beard Award for his sandwiches — and this weekend, he won bragging rights (and a $10,000 prize) in the heated competition. (WHYY)
2. AIDS Walk Philly, the region's largest HIV awareness event, took place on Sunday after months of fundraising. This year's walk started at the Philadelphia Art Museum and moved along the scenic Martin Luther King Drive. Each year, the 5k attracts thousands of people to support the LGBTQ+ community and agencies that provide assistance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to raising awareness, the event also raises funds for securing much-needed safe housing for those affected by HIV. (CBS Philly)
3. Two local nonprofits, Riverfront North Partnership and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, teamed up on Saturday to plant 200 trees along the Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philadelphia. The groups, working with the Arbor Day Foundation, also gave away 150 trees to residents of the city’s Holmesburg and Frankford neighborhoods. Their goal is twofold: to help reduce the amount of rainwater runoff that flows into the Delaware River and to add to the tree canopy in the two communities. (WHYY)
4. A homeless man raped a woman this week on a commuter train in suburban Philadelphia in full view of other passengers — who cops said didn’t lift a finger to help, or even dial 911, reports said. The attack at around 10 p.m. Wednesday was captured on surveillance video that showed other people in the train car, according to Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt of the Upper Darby Police Department. Bernhardt said it was a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) employee who called the cops to report that "something wasn’t right" with a woman aboard the train. SEPTA police waiting at the next stop were able to "apprehend the suspect in the act," an agency spokesman said in a statement. (New York Post)
5. Lane closures along I-95 are scheduled next week for soil borings, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Alternating northbound or southbound single lane and shoulder closures will be in place between Market Street and Christian Street in Philadelphia on Monday, Oct. 25, through Thursday, Oct. 28, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. Motorists should allow extra time for travel through the work areas. All scheduled activities are weather-dependent. (MyChesCo)

Today's Philadelphia Daily is brought to you by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Philadelphia Patch Notebook

• City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs: "Wonderful celebrating the installation of the alter for Dia de Los Muertos at LOVE Park this evening! Please check it out in person! It will be on display until November 2! Congratulations to all the partners involved today." (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs: "Today was a big day for Philadelphia's immigrant communities! Players took to the field in the Philadelphia Unity Cup Championship Game in Liberia vs. Sierra Leone and 20 new individuals swore their oath as our newest U.S. Citizens." (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "If you: ☑️ Are 65 or older. ☑️ Have access or functional needs. ☑️ Need help getting to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Call the Ride Access Hotline at (215) 586-3006 to schedule a ride today." (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "Do you need digital or internet support? Digital Navigators are available at 6 locations by phone and email to help you. Reach out to a Digital Navigator today ⬇️" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "Here's everything you need to know to prepare for Election Day on November 2. #PhillyVotes" (Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "October is LGBTQ History Month! Explore the Free Library's resources, including the renowned Barbara Gittings Collection at the Independence Branch Free Library." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Valerie Morrison - Psychic Medium — Private Psychic Readings by Telephone or at my Office (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Social Security Seminar (October 18)
• Community Forum with Yossi Klein Halevi (October 18)
• Social Security Seminar (October 19)
• Jazz Bridge presents Trombonist Brent White at Fellowship Hall (October 20)
• Making your home stand out....a home SELLERS workshop! (October 30)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Paul Stein/STEINWAY POOLS (Details)
• VideoTapeTransfers.TV (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Byrant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.