City Hall
Mayor Kenney To Veto Ban on Supervised Injection Sites
Mayor Jim Kenney plans to veto legislation that would prohibit supervised injection sites in most of the city, saying the bill is “troublingly anti-science and misleading.” The bill was passed by City Council by a 13-1 veto-proof majority earlier this month.
City Council To Investigate 911 Dispatch System Following July Kingsessing Mass Shooting
Nearly three months after Philadelphia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades and a botched 911 response that some believe could have prevented fatalities, the City Council voted to investigate the Philadelphia 911 dispatch system’s “ongoing challenges.” The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Jamir Gauthier (District 3), who represents Kingsessing.
City Council To Convene Gun Violence Summit
This weekend St. Joseph’s University will host the “Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia Crime Summit,” first called for by the City Council in June, to convene local officials, police, and other community leaders and stakeholders to address the city’s ongoing gun violence epidemic.
Election Update
WFP Candidates Out-Raise Republicans for City Council Race
Since the May primary, Philadelphia’s two Working Families Party (WFP) City Council candidates, incumbent Councilmember Kendra Brooks and Rev. Nicolas O’Rourke, have each outraised Republican candidates, small business owner Jim Hasher and civic association leader Drew Murray. The four candidates are competing for two at-large seats that are reserved for members of a minority party.
Around Town
All Charges Against Mark Dial Dismissed in Eddie Irizarry Case
On Tuesday, Municipal Judge Wendy Pew dismissed all charges against Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial, who shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in August. Hundreds of Philadelphians marched in peaceful protest against the decision on Tuesday evening. The District Attorney’s Office has refiled charges.
WFP To Host National Convention in Philadelphia Next Week
The WFP has chosen Philadelphia as the backdrop for its first-ever national convention, which will take place next week. Guests will include high-profile progressive Democrats U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Allegheny) and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The WFP has gained traction in Philadelphia in recent years, with Councilmember At-Large Brooks making history in 2019 as the first third-party candidate to win election in 70 years.
SEPTA Rolls Out Contactless Pay
Beginning Friday, SEPTA riders will be able to use contactless pay, including credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, for their train, bus, and trolley fares. The agency hopes to roll out the feature for regional rail by 2024.
Temple Selects Richard Englert to Serve as Acting President
Following the sudden passing of President JoAnne Epps last week, Temple University tapped former President Richard Englert to fill the position for the remainder of the current academic year as the institution conducts its search for a new president.
Payments to CPOC Commissioners Contributed to Resignation of Third of its Members in May
New details surrounding the “toxic dysfunction” that led to the resignation of a third of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) have come to light. Two commissioners have reportedly billed the agency nearly $11,000 for activities not dictated by city law.
Recent Penn Grads to Skirt SNAP Rules with New Nonprofit Corner Store in Cobbs Creek
Business partners and recent UPenn graduates, Alex Imbot and Eli Moraru are gearing up to open a corner store in Cobbs Creek, intentionally and legally skirting federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, to provide residents with hot, healthy, and affordable meals.