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Court dismisses Philly’s lawsuit to make stronger gun laws

A week after mass shootings in New York and Texas, Pa. Commonwealth Court dismissed Philadelphia’s lawsuit to allow tighter gun regulations in the city.

• At issue are Pennsylvania’s “preemption” statutes, which prevent cities from enacting gun laws stricter than what’s on the books statewide. Judges maintained this power rests with the Pa. General Assembly.

It’s not the first time Philly has sued over this issue, Asha Prihar reports, and the case is likely now headed to the state Supreme Court.

Philly’s blind bowlers leagues striking out on recruitment

Did you know Philly has had two blind bowlers leagues since the 1970s? The competitions run like standard bowling tournaments, no bumpers needed.

• The Delaware Valley and Philadelphia Area leagues used to boast a hundred members each. But even though they’re struggling to field enough players, they still sent teams to nationals last weekend.

“In 10 years, there may not even be blind bowling,” Delaware Valley league president Mike Patterson told Lisa Bryant, reporting for Billy Penn.

March On: The Fight for Pride

New podcast by Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg
Out now: Ep.1: “Kiss the ring”  | Next up: Episode 2, tomorrow

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Like more than half of large U.S. cities, Philly’s population shrunk in 2021. New census data shows it lost nearly 25,000 residents year over year, though it’s still the No. 6 most populous city in the nation, following Phoenix, Arizona. [WHYY/Census Bureau]
• Philadelphia is moving ahead with a plan to issue digital vaccination cards, even though fewer establishments are requiring it. [Inquirer$]
• City public schools were dismissed early yesterday because of the heat. Most classrooms in the district are not air conditioned, and students as young as fourth grade have gone straight to the school board to ask for relief. [CBS3/Inquirer$/KYW]
• Lia Thomas, the transgender Penn swimmer who was under intense scrutiny as she competed last season, gave an exclusive interview over the weekend, explaining that she transitioned “to be happy,” not to have any kind of competitive advantage. [Billy Penn/ESPN]
• The Philadelphia Orchestra puts on its first-ever Pride concert tomorrow, with a chorus and drag queen joining the program of LGBTQ composers. Tickets are free. [Billy Penn]

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. 

• A new coalition of concerned children is asking officials to take action on gun violence so they no longer have to live in fear. Last week students staged school walkouts, and at City Hall yesterday they presented data from a survey of young Philadelphians. [WHYY/CBS3/Inquirer$]
• Philadelphian Oronde McClain interviews victims of gun violence about what it’s like to be fighting to recover when you feel like a forgotten statistic. He knows, having been shot in the head at 10 years old. [PGCVR]
• McClain gives a talk Friday in Bala Cynwyd alongside a Johns Hopkins professor of public health. Registration is $36, in-person or virtual. [JFCS Philly]
• In an April statewide poll, 55% of Pennsylvanians said they believe federal gun laws should be “stronger.” [Giffords PDF]
• Led by captain Alejandro Bedoya, the Philadelphia Union wore orange t-shirts saying “END GUN VIOLENCE” before their match this weekend. [NBC10]

By the numbers in Philadelphia

• 61: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 59 the week prior [PPD Google Drive]
• 911: Shooting victims this year, up 6% from last year [PCGVR]
• 209: Year-to-date homicides, down 3% from last year; up 60% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Kenney starts the day with opening remarks at the 2022 Microgrid Conference, which tries to educate people about how microgrids can change energy use and affect climate change (8:30 a.m.). Kenney heads back to City Hall to help kick off Immigrant Heritage Month (10:30 a.m.), then swing by the Penn’s Landing Hilton to congratulate apprentices graduating from the Carpenters Training Center (12:30 p.m.).

ON THE CALENDAR

? Tonight! Bands supporting Billy Penn: We’re emceeing a music show at The Fire, the woman-owned indie music venue and bar on Girard Avenue. Come hang at our table as you check out local bands with sounds ranging from blues-rock to surf-goth. Tickets are $15, and a portion of sales benefit BP’s journalism. (8 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday, June 1)

? Cutting through the Budget BS: Join Billy Penn at Parks on Tap for a happy hour chat with Controller Rebecca Rhynhart about how Philly spends taxpayer money — and who gets a say in the process. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8)

?️ Cheer on local high schoolers at Drexel as they race model solar-powered cars they built with their own hands in the Philadelphia Jr. Solar Sprint. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4)

? Fulfill your childhood dreams of running off to join the circus with an afternoon of free workshops at La Peg on basic aerial acrobatics, juggling, and even plate spinning. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4)