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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
The Sixers actually won, bed bugs are going hardcore in the city and cars are just catching on fire in Fishtown. Is the apocalypse nigh? Not quite. It’s actually just another week in Philly. And, as always, Billy Penn is recapping all the top stories of the week by matching them with music. Enjoy! (Spotify playlist at bottom).
“Take A Walk,” Passion Pit
Bill Cosby’s fall continues. On Monday, with a meeting about his Temple future on the horizon, Cosby resigned from Temple’s board of trustees. The Navy also removed him from an honorary position.
“Barely Breathing,” Duncan Sheik
It’s not over for Little Pete’s just yet. The bill that would rezone its building has been held, but only until January or February of next year. The good news is maybe that’s enough time for Little Pete’s to last until primary election season, when getting rid of a beloved restaurant will be a tougher task for councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
“Last Resort,” Papa Roach
Amid calls that 2014 has been the worst year for bed bugs ever in Philly, the City Council is starting a Bed Bug Task Force that will hopefully feature people fitted with Ghostbusters style equipment.
“Ain’t With Being Broke,” Geto Boys
Raising the minimum wage in Philadelphia to $15 is a possibility, with City Council members discussing the logistics – albeit during an election year when they’re all trying to score cool points with the electorate.
“Dancing In the Street,” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Meek Mill got released from prison after five months this week. He celebrated by hosting a makeshift block party outside of his house and dancing in the street.
“Colors of the Wind,” Pocahontas
A new paint job for the Commodore Barry Bridge is going to cost $100 million. Just paint it with the wind, man.
“Only Time,” Enya
The #LOLSixers got their first victory of the season on Wednesday. They still probably won’t be favored in a single game the rest of the season so it could be their last. Let the hauntingly melancholic yet refreshing sound of Enya represent the hope that springs for our beloved #LOLSixers.
“Fire Water Burn,” Bloodhound Gang
Seen in Fishtown Tuesday night: A car going up in flames. Heard during the blaze: “You can’t park there. There’s a car on fire.”
“Throw Away Your Television,” Red Hot Chili Peppers
For some reason PHL17 is going to use one of its subchannels to televise old Mummers parades nonstop from now until the end of the year. Cancellations of Comcast subscriptions have skyrocketed since the announcement.
“Changes,” 2Pac
It was another week of civil disobedience in Philadelphia, with students and residents holding protests for grand juries’ decisions not to indict police officers in the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner. On Wednesday, the protests spilled into the City Hall tree lighting ceremony.
Readers’ choice Bonus Track: “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles (h/t Alex Balloon)
At least they’ll always have Paris. Except, they won’t even have that. Mayor Nutter’s relationship with UIL Holdings is officially over. His proposal to sell Philadelphia Gas Works to the private Connecticut company ended with UIL Holdings removing its $1.86 billion offer on Thursday.
