Philadelphia

Philly mayor might consider these lessons from NYC before expanding stop-and-frisk

In New York City, stop-and-frisk led to unwanted consequences, such as lawsuits against the city, greater racial disparities in the criminal justice system, citizen unrest and distrust of the police.

  • By Megan Kurlychek, The Conversation

Philadelphia reduced school-based arrests by 91% since 2013—researchers explain the effects of keeping kids out of the legal system

COMMENTARY | Launched in 2014, the city's diversion program looks to prevent youths from being referred to the criminal justice system. In the first five years, it decreased school-based arrests by 84%, and researchers say it saves taxpayers millions of dollars.

  • By Amanda NeMoyer and Naomi Goldstein, The Conversation

City puts accessibility at the forefront of disability data

Philadelphia’s disability map can help policymakers deliver more inclusive and accessible services for those living with disabilities.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Five Takeaways from Tuesday’s Elections

Women make history, Republicans lose ground and crime concerns take center stage. Here's what you might've missed in the dozens of city and statewide races Tuesday night.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Who’s Running for Mayor in Philadelphia?

In one of the most anticipated mayoral races in years, several of Philadelphia’s highest-profile politicos are resigning from their current positions and throwing their hats in the ring.

  • By Harrison Cann

Two Legislators Want to Audit Their State's Professional Sports Stadiums

They say the move would reveal the true value of the facilities and teams for taxpayers.

  • By Harrison Cann

Transit Agency Pilots Gun Detection Tech

Philadelphia’s SEPTA will test an AI-based video analytics solution that aims to reduce gun-related violence on train platforms.

  • By Chris Teale

Philadelphia Mayor's Ban on Guns in Parks and Rec Centers Criticized as ‘Meaningless’

Critics question whether Mayor Jim Kenney's executive order can be effective given state firearms laws. It comes after a parks and recreation worker was struck by a stray bullet and killed.

  • By Harrison Cann

Philadelphia Mayor Sparks Outrage With Comments About a Shooting

Some City Council members have called for his resignation.

  • By Harrison Cann

Philadelphia's Mayor Opens Up About His Proudest Moments in Office – and His Biggest Mistakes

In an exclusive interview, Mayor Jim Kenney talks about the city's soda tax, gun violence, Covid-19 and his plans for the future.

  • By Justin Sweitzer

In Pennsylvania, GOP State Lawmakers Look to Impeach Philadelphia District Attorney

Republicans in Harrisburg say crime goes “unchecked” under Larry Krasner, the city’s progressive top prosecutor

  • By Harrison Cann

The Rise of Tiny House Villages in the Fight Against Homelessness

More cities are turning to the small-sized structures as an alternative to group shelters. But critics have likened them to "sheds" that fall well short of permanent affordable housing.

  • By Jared Brey
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67% of Cities Plan to Use ARPA for Lost Revenue

Cities are more likely to use money to replace lost tax revenues than to spend on infrastructure, according to a National League of Cities report.

  • By Andrea Noble

Why States Have Been Slow Paying Out Billions in Federal Rental Aid

Congress approved over $46 billion to help cover overdue rent. Struggling households and frustrated landlords are still waiting on the money.

  • By Jacob Fischler

Major US Cities Face Challenging Budget Shortfalls, Report Shows

The Pew Charitable Trusts studied 13 major cities and found they face fiscal 2021 budget shortfalls of up to 17%, and they are using creative methods to try to balance their budgets.

  • By Brent Woodie

Pandemic-Paused Plastic Bag Bans Ripped Anew by Critics

Philadelphia’s bag ban was delayed due to the pandemic, which has derailed similar bans across the country. Eight states have anti-plastic bag laws on the books.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

The Hours Americans Reclaimed by Sitting Less in Traffic

As the pandemic cut the amount of commuters and other motorists on the road last year, drivers nationwide saved over 3 billion hours compared to 2019, according to new estimates.

  • By Brent Woodie

Proposed Safe-Injection Site in Philadelphia Found Illegal by Federal Appeals Court

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 decision that found a plan to open the nation’s first supervised drug injection site violates a federal law passed to shut down crack houses.

  • By Andrea Noble

A City Looks to Incorporate More, and More Diverse, Input Into Its Budget Process

Philadelphia this week announced a participatory budgeting program for a $1 million pot of money, as well as other initiatives geared toward reducing racial inequities with city spending.

  • By Bill Lucia

Judge Rules Cities’ Muni Bond Rate-Fixing Lawsuit Against Big Banks Can Proceed

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | One Republican governor says he voted for Joe Biden … Federal judge strikes down “public charge” rule … Oil clean up on Maryland and Delaware beaches.

  • By Bill Lucia and Laura Maggi

Supreme Court to Consider LGBTQ Rights and Foster Care the Day After Election

The case, which concerns a taxpayer-funded Catholic adoption agency, could make a big impact on LGBTQ rights and force changes in government contracting practices with religious organizations.

  • By Emma Coleman