Trash competition, government shutdown, November elections, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Block by Block launches citywide cleanup competition with Chicago. Neighborhood cleanup group Block by Block Philly is launching a month-long cleanup competition against Cleanup Club Chicago to see who can pick up the most trash. The challenge will take place throughout the month of October and asks community members to submit photos of trash bags after cleaning up their blocks.

Government shutdown begins. The Senate failed to pass a budget on Tuesday night, sending the federal government into a shutdown. Locally, a shutdown will cause historic parks like the Independence Mall to close or have reduced hours. Federal workers’ jobs are also at stake, and social services such as SNAP could run out of funding if the shutdown is prolonged. NBC 10 Philadelphia

Ben Franklin Parkway redesign revealed. Known as one of the most dangerous roads in Philadelphia for traffic crashes, the Ben Franklin Parkway has been undergoing a redesign process for over five years to make the area safer, greener, and more walkable. Design Workshop will release their “Parkway to Park” plan this Fall. Philadelphia Magazine

Bike safety VS. parking showdown. Debate over legislation for safer bicycle lanes dominated a 5-hour City Council hearing on Monday. Opponents to the bike lanes want parking and to remove loading zones, which are safer for cyclists. City Council advanced two measures allowing the Streets Department to add loading zones on Pine, Spruce, and 47th streets. A third proposal, to create a bike lane around City Hall, was set aside for now. Metro Philly

Register to vote in November 4th elections. The last day to register to vote in the Pennsylvania general elections is October 20th. Positions up for election (Philadelphia-specific) include: City Comptroller, City District Attorney, as well as several judicial seats, all the way from the municipal to the state Supreme Court level. This interactive guide explains who is on the ballot and what their positions do. Committee of Seventy

Cover photo: Vote stickers on peoples’ hands. Courtesy of Mikhail Nilov from Pexels