One week before Christmas, and the ongoing stories of Pennsylvania continue to get more tangled. The budget still hasn’t been finished, and the porny email scandal is getting a lot crazier. At least SEPTA Key got an estimated completion date! Billy Penn summarizes these stories and more from this week’s news and combines them with music as part of the #BillyPennPlaylist (Spotify link is here).
“Back at the Start,” Viceroy feat. K-Flay
The porny email saga has now enveloped an unlikely person (or perhaps given the state of politics in Pennsylvania, an obvious person): Kathleen Kane. It was revealed this week that Kane’s sister Ellen Granahan received and sent emails similar to those people like Frank Fina and Marc Costanzo have been held under scrutiny for. Kane received at least one email forwarded from her sister.
“Ether,” Nas
Comedian Margaret Cho had some strong words for alleged gay basher Kathryn Knott, tweeting, “I’m talking about getting Kathryn Knott off the streets.Her dad is a police chief so she’ll kill next time.”
“After All These Years,” Journey
SEPTA Key finally has an official release date. Philly transit’s long-awaited step into the late 20th century is coming in April.
“Stand By Your Man,” Tammy Wynette
Nicki Minaj made an appearance in Philadelphia on Thursday at her boyfriend Meek Mill’s probation hearing. Mill got some bad news. He violated his parole and will be sentenced in February.
“Clearest Blue,” Chvrches
Somebody snapped an exceptionally clear photo of a thief running through Center City a few months ago. We helped share it on Instagram. The thief was convicted this week.
“Come Together,” Beatles
One of the oddest partnerships in city history was announced Thursday. Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University have merged together. In about three years, Philadelphia University will have to alter its name so that it’s more affiliated with Jefferson.
“All Black Everything,” Lupe Fiasco
Uber Black drivers, as well as cabbies, turned against UberX and the PPA on Wednesday. They parked their cars around City Hall and on Market Street, snarling traffic for hours. This is why Uber Black and UberX drivers don’t exactly get along.
“12 Days of Philly Christmas,” Billy Penn
No audio. Just enjoy the lyrics. It’s the “12 Days of Christmas” but with all Philly references relevant from the last year.
