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If Roe v. Wade falls, eyes turn to Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senator
The leaked decision was just a draft, but Chief Justice Roberts has confirmed a pending Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. FYI: Pa. does not have a “trigger” law that would instantly restrict access when official.
- Dozens of local officials spoke out supporting the right to chose an abortion, and Asha Prihar rounded up all the statements. Hundreds of protesters marched through Philly last night.
A federal law to enshrine reproductive rights stalled in the U.S. Senate, where Pa.’s Bob Casey was one of just two Dems not co-sponsoring the bill, Lizzy McLellan Ravitch reports.
Meet wide receiver A.J. Brown, Philly’s newest sports star
The highlight of last night’s Phillies was the first pitch thrown out by new Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown — who almost went into pro baseball, instead.
- Brown was officially introduced by the Eagles on Monday, four days after Philadelphia traded for him in an acquisition that sent shockwaves through the league and energized the fanbase.
What’s so special about this guy? For one, he’s best friends with the QB. Rashad Grove runs down what to know about Philly’s new NFL superstar.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Polls show Trump follower Doug Mastriano with a large lead in the Republican primary for governor, and GOP insiders are uniting against him. Mastriano has been subpoenaed for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. [City & State/Inquirer$/AP]
- The Philadelphia Parking Authority is dropping its controversial demand that the school district give back $11 million in what the PPA says was an overpayment. Councilmember Gym still wants an investigation. [Chalkbeat/Inquirer$]
- Medical marijuana cardholders are always at risk of DUI citations in Pa., where the definition includes any detectable amount of marijuana in the system, no exceptions. [York Daily Record]
- NJ Transit is reversing its decision to pull five bus lines out of Center City because of changes Greyhound made to the 10th and Filbert bus station. Starting June 25, the buses will instead stop at 10th and Market. [Courier-Post/WHYY]
- Turtles apparently slap each other in the face as part of a courtship ritual? South Philly comedian Jamie Pappas posted a viral video of the highly amusing interaction at Heinz Wildlife Refuge. [6ABC/@jamieamalea]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting at the Community College of Philadelphia.
- Councilmember Domb is calling for an official audit of Philly’s anti-violence community grant program. Some recipients still hadn’t gotten their funds months after awards were announced. [Tribune$/WHYY]
- Youth-led resource center Dimplez 4 Dayz met with Philly officials last week to discuss gun violence after noticing the city’s recent listening tour wasn’t attended by many young folks. [6ABC/Billy Penn]
- Philly hospitals are adding staffers with lived experience to help address the emotional toll of violent crime. [Inquirer$]
- A Germantown group called “Men Who Care” is mentoring students and leading neighborhood peace walks. [CBS3]
- Four Philadelphia moms wrote about losing their sons to gun violence in the latest entries in the “Life Inside” series. [Marshall Project]
- Each fatal shooting in Washington DC costs that city $1.5 million in response efforts, per a new study. [Wash Post]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 39: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 31the week prior [PPD Google Drive]
- 696: Shooting victims this year, up 1% from last year [PCGVR]
- 159: Year-to-date homicides, down 10% from last year [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Gov. Wolf and Mayor Kenney will join other officials and advocates outside Independence Hall to discuss abortion rights in Philly and Pa. (11 a.m.). The mayor then heads to Franklin Square for a ceremony honoring fallen first responders at the Living Flame Memorial (12 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
?️ Billy Penn event: Ahead of the primary election, reporter Jordan Levy will be taking over our Instagram to answer questions about the first ballot question: Should the board that helps enforce Philly’s fair housing laws be made permanent? Submit your Qs here. (12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 6)
? Billy Penn Philly Quizzo: Our monthly trivia event about all things Philly lands at the home of Fishtown Iced Teas. Hosts Danya and Sakeenah are kicking it at the new outdoor patio at Interstate Drafthouse, so start assembling a team. Registration is free. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18).
? Wind down from the work week with puppy yoga at Philadelphia Brewing Company this Thursday, sponsored by Morris Animal Refuge. Each ticket includes a post-workout pint of beer, though we won’t blame you for trying to adopt a pup too. Tickets are $30. (6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5).
? Choose one of 85 parks across Philadelphia to volunteer for Love Your Park Week, an annual cleanup and community gathering celebrating green space across the city. (Sunday to Sunday, May 7-15)
