Saturday

10-18-2025 Vol 2117

Philadelphia Drag Queen Launches Unique Telegram Delivery Service; Governor Shapiro Discusses Censorship on Meet the Press

In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia Drag Queen Brittany Lynn, also known as Ian Morrison, has started offering a unique service that combines political expression with local culture.

This new venture involves delivering handwritten anti-Trump telegrams while also bringing along Wawa hoagies, a beloved local staple.

The initiative emerged after a cancelled performance at Popi’s Italian restaurant.

Now, instead of moaning about the setback, Brittany Lynn decided to transform the disappointment into a novel approach to activism.

For a fee of $100 ($150 for those in the suburbs), her service allows clients to send a personalized telegram dressed as a Handmaid.

Each telegram concludes with a bold statement: “Fuck This Administration.”

Clients can choose to send these messages anonymously, providing a discreet yet impactful method for political expression.

For example, if you have a family member like Uncle Alberto, who supports Trump, she can deliver a blunt message while also providing him with a Wawa hoagie, a bag of chips, and a shot of Fireball.

The money raised from this venture will fund her controversial Drag Queen Storytime events.

“This is the thing that upsets them the most,” Brittany Lynn told Philly Mag.

“Arriving stoically with my head down to deliver your telegram ensures your message reaches its intended recipient, while funding the things that contradict their beliefs is quite satisfying.”

In addition to the political telegrams, Brittany Lynn also plans to include friendly greetings, like birthday wishes, as part of her service through November.

“Maybe Wawa will offer me a partnership,” she joked, suggesting a possible collaboration with the popular convenience store.

On another front, Governor Josh Shapiro made headlines after his appearance on Meet the Press, where he discussed freedom of expression in the face of government censorship.

As Donald Trump addressed his supporters at a memorial for Charlie Kirk in Arizona, Governor Shapiro took time to address critical issues affecting media and public discourse.

He commented on the ongoing suspension of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC and articulated its implications for freedom of speech.

Shapiro emphasized the importance of free expression, stating, “To see that being undermined by the long arm of the federal government is extremely dangerous.”

He further criticized the selective firing of individuals based on their viewpoints, stating, “This reflects a dangerous moment where censorship only serves to further divide us.”

During his conversation, he referenced an alarming story from a local Spanish radio program where the host expressed concerns about discussing certain topics due to fears of government retribution.

“Journalists are now fearing to probe elected officials or express opinions, adjusting their views to appease those in power,” Shapiro explained.

He characterized such self-censorship as even more concerning than targeting individual voices, suggesting that society is losing its fundamental freedoms.

Shapiro’s sentiments resonate with broader anxieties surrounding free speech in today’s political climate and emphasize the risks associated with government overreach.

Meanwhile, the weekend also marked another significant cultural development in Philadelphia.

The long-awaited Calder Gardens, a museum and gardens dedicated to sculptor Alexander Calder, officially opened its doors after much anticipation.

While many were eager to explore the new space, reviews from those who attended on opening day varied.

One artist described the experience humorously on social media, noting that “the new Calder museum in Philadelphia is a great museum for people who don’t like art.”

This comment highlights how swiftly visitors could tour the venue, which reportedly takes only 18 minutes to view completely.

The artist also pointed out the lack of informative signage about Calder and his works and noted that most mobiles were not in motion, which some found an odd choice for an exhibition about movement.

However, critics from reputable outlets like Inquirer and The New Yorker have praised Calder Gardens, suggesting that the artistic significance may be present despite differing opinions on the overall experience.

Amid these cultural highlights, Philadelphia’s sports scene continued to thrive as evidenced by the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent successes.

The Eagles have rallied to a 3-0 record following a thrilling game that showcased their resilience as a team.

Their upcoming matchup against the 3-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers promises to be an exciting encounter, occurring this Sunday at 1 PM.

In off-field controversies, Big Dom, the Eagles’ head of security, was fined $75,000 by the NFL for texting from the bench during a preseason game.

Interestingly, this fine exceeds the penalties players face for serious infractions, such as spitting on another player during a game.

On the legislative front, only one Democratic senator crossed party lines to support a Republican-led bill intended to fund the government and prevent a shutdown.

Recognizably, this dissent came from the out-spoken senator known for his casual dress sense—a recognizable figure in Pennsylvania politics.

In a poignant moment, the local sports community mourned the passing of Flyers legend Bernie Parent, who passed away at the age of 80 over the weekend.

Parent was a key player during the Flyers’ only two Stanley Cup victories in the 1970s, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans.

In entertainment news, the upcoming season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is generating buzz with its star-studded lineup for the 51st season, which kicks off on October 4th.

The first episode will feature host Bad Bunny, along with musical guest Doja Cat.

Following that, Amy Poehler will host on October 11th, accompanied by singer-songwriter Role Model, who previously performed under the name Tucker.

Highlighting local talent, Sabrina Carpenter will take the reins as both host and musical guest a week later.

There’s a growing curiosity regarding how the recent controversies surrounding Jimmy Kimmel will influence content on the show.

With the changes in the media landscape, it’s evident that these political and cultural narratives continue to shape Philadelphia’s character in a profound way.

As the city moves forward, it will be interesting to see how these developments will unfold in a space known for its diverse and vibrant community.

image source from:phillymag

Benjamin Clarke