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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Prominent people in Philadelphia didn’t care who they angered this week. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro went after the fans. Democratic mayoral race runner-up Tony Williams was a no-show at an event for the winner. For the #BillyPennPlaylist, we recap all those stories and more, complete with music (click here for the Spotify list).
“Whiney, Whiney (What Really Drives Me Crazy),” Willi One Blood
Amaro said this week he was sick of all the people who don’t know anything about his team, aka fans, “bitching and complaining.” He later apologized and then admitted he hasn’t been all that good at this rebuilding thing.
“Cute Without the E (Cut from the Team),” Taking Back Sunday
All the Philadelphia ward leaders were invited to a “unity” breakfast to honor Jim Kenney winning the mayor’s race. Tony Williams, whom Kenney drilled in the election, happens to be a ward leader, and he didn’t show up. Was it a power move, or was he just feeling cast aside from the Democratic team?
“Duck Seazon,” Wu Tang Clan
Philly will be getting a giant rubber duck in late June in the Delaware when the Tall Ships festival begins.
“Firework,” Katy Perry
The season of “fireworks or gunshots” is on, and police are playing, too. They’re usually not sure which one it is, either!
“Livin’ On A Prayer,” Bon Jovi
Philly Beer Week will be missing a Belgian brew this year thanks to the ocean. The shipment of the Belgian beer “Leuven on a Prayer,” was destroyed in transit across the Atlantic.
“Bulls on Parade,” Rage Against the Machine
The acquitted narcotics cops’ lawyer, Jimmy Binns, originally said this week he wanted the cops to lead a parade called the Hero Thrill Show in October. As the event’s CEO, Binns could have easily made it happen. But by Thursday, with plenty of complaints given the cops’ removal from the force, he decided to back out of letting them lead the parade.
“Same In the End,” Sublime
Well, it happened. Pennsylvania’s Rick Santorum announced this week that he would run for president again, and it will probably end the same way as last time.
“New Friend Request,” Gym Class Heroes
Tom Wolf wants to increase Pre-K spending, and he’s getting help from some new, unforeseen friends: Republican prosecutors.
“Meet Me Halfway,” Black Eyed Peas
Bicyclists don’t want to get nailed by cars. They want to have protected lanes. So the city decided to meet them halfway: The Northeast is getting protected lanes. The catch? The lanes are protected by parked cars. Watch out for swinging doors.
“Neon Light,” Blake Shelton
Neon is apparently a big deal to some folks in the city. The Philadelphia Historical Commission’s Architectural Committee just rejected switching the PSFS lights from neon to LED, even though the LED version is supposed look the same.
