Federal officials in Philadelphia announced the takedown of 32 internet domains said to be linked to Russian government-led disinformation campaigns meant to influence the 2024 presidential election.
Three Russian-backed companies “cybersquatted” multiple domains to appear as legitimate U.S. news media in order to share Russian propaganda, according to an unsealed FBI affidavit filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The misinformation also focused on reducing international support for Ukraine and “bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests,” according to the DOJ. Continue reading…
The Eagles are in Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo Friday night, in the NFL’s first-ever game in South America. You can still get a taste of the South American nation this weekend, at Philly’s annual Brazilian Day celebration at Spruce Street Harbor Park and other events. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Former GOP Sen. Pat Toomey says he won’t be voting for Trump a third time. [PennLive]
• Fringe Festival announces new CEO as it launches this year’s events. [WHYY]
• Philly-area health experts are seeing a shift in attitudes on vaccination in the “post-COVID” era, fueled by misinformation, distrust in medical providers, politics, and pandemic experiences. [WHYY]
• “It isn’t just Chinatown”: a citywide poll shows little support for the Sixers arena proposal as the team seeks politicians’ green light to move forward with demolition and construction. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Mayor Parker suspended campaign spokesperson Mustafa Rashed over domestic violence allegations that his lawyer calls “untrue.” [Inquirer$]
• Penn Chief of Police Gary Williams left his role with the Division of Public Safety after less than two years, and will now serve as the director of community outreach and engagement, university officials announced. [TheDP.com]
• Montco native and former “Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei is joining ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” cast for its 33rd season. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled today.
Parker did comment on New Jersey’s offer to Sixers team owners to bring their arena plans to Camden, saying that “it is a priority” for her to keep the Philly team within the city of Philly.
ON THE CALENDAR
💃🏽 Friday, Sept. 6: Salsa at the Square
Norris Square Park hosts this free outdoor dance night with Estilo Dance Studio and Jimmy Jorge & the Latin Express! (6 to 9 p.m.)
⌚ Saturday to Sunday, Sept. 7-8: Philly Watch Fair
Watch enthusiasts, unite! The Center for Architecture hosts this gathering of independent and microbrand watch makers and watch fans. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
🪘 Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8: Brazil Day at the Hawthorne Cultural Center
PHonk!Philly marks a year of providing free cultural programming to the neighborhood with this parade and pogode party, samba and traditional West African and Afro-Brazilian dance workshops. (Saturday 12 to 5 p.m. & Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m.)
🥳 Saturday, Sept. 7: Nostalgia Fest: A Throwback Block Party
Party through the decades with Evil Genius Beer Co., a food truck, beer, games, retro vendors, and a DJ playing ’90s and ’00s hits! (12 to 6 p.m.)
🪦 Sunday, Sept. 8: Auld Lang Syne: Scots of Laurel Hill East
This tour will acquaint you with famous and infamous Scots of days gone by like the cantankerous signer of the Declaration of Independence, Bonny Prince Charlie’s surgeon who became the hero of the Battle of Princeton, the craftsman responsible for George Washington’s tomb at Mt. Vernon, and many more. Tickets are $17 teens and adults, $15 seniors/students, $8:50 ages 6-12. (1 to 3 p.m.)
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