Mom Speaks About Son's Shooting + Simmons Returns To Philly

Welcome back, Philadelphia! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Patchy fog in the morning. High: 77 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Philadelphia:

1. A Philadelphia mother is speaking about the impact of gun violence in the city on her family after her son turned himself in accused of shooting another teen. This is not a moment she could have ever imagined, bringing her 15-year-old son into the Philadelphia Police 15th District accused of shooting and wounding another teen. McPherson says in the weeks leading up to the shooting he wasn’t speaking his mind. His family says they have learned he was dealing with verbal and physical bullying at school, but at home, he wasn’t talking about it. (FOX 29 News Philadelphia)
2. According to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Ben Simmons has arrived in Philly and took a Covid 19 test. Reports came out earlier today that Simmons and the Sixers to get him back to the team. This would be the latest progression in those talks. (975thefanatic.com)
3. Joyce Gibbons died on Sept. 19, following battles with numerous ailments. Gibbons was a longtime Philadelphia teacher, dedicating 43 years of her life to the Philadelphia school system. Gibbons' loved ones say she was a leader and beacon of hope to so many. (Northern Highlands Daily Voice)
4. Starting with its kick-off event this weekend, Philadelphia will once again host Celebración de Día de Muertos (or Day of the Dead) at Love Park. It will feature cultural events, a monumental altar installation, and a community bike ride. The celebration—made possible by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia and the Mexican Cultural Center—will begin with the inauguration of the “Entrance to the Underworld” altar, created by renowned Mexican artist and muralist Cesar Viveros. (Metro US)
5. The Philadelphia Zoo has announced its holiday light show will return this fall to dazzle people of all ages. LumiNature, the zoo's holiday lights show, will run from Nov. 18 through Jan. 9, 2022. The light show features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, creating lively displays around the Zoo. (Philadelphia Patch)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Storytime Online - Yeadon Public Library (10:15 AM)
• Doric Quartet w/ Jonathan Biss, piano (7:30 PM)

Philadelphia Patch Notebook

• School District of Philadelphia: "Congratulations to Frances Williard Principal Diana Garcia, who recently was one of ten Latinas honored at the Powerful Latinas Awards! #phled Read more: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2021/10/07/hispanicheritagelatinaleader/" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "Prenatal vitamins? Prenatal visits? COVID-19 vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccine is prenatal care. Getting the vaccine protects you AND your baby. http://ow.ly/TMme50Gd5g1" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "The City is implementing a racial equity strategy to guide City government and our workforce—developing and instituting strategies that seek to make Philadelphia a more equitable city for all. Learn more ⬇️" (Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "Are you interested in learning more about Rebuild's ongoing and upcoming projects? Check out what's happening in your neighborhood:" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs: "Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at LOVE Park! 💀 Find out how! 👇 " (Facebook)
• Mayor's Office of Public Engagement: "#EngagingPHL October 12, 2021: CEA Learning Series 📝 People with Disabilities Town Hall 📢 Participatory Budget Update 📊 and more! - https://mailchi.mp/phila/engagingphl-october-12" (Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "Start your journey to college at the Free Library!" (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. 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.