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RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Philly police face challenges in staffing, data collection
An audit requested by City Council found many difficulties faced by the Philadelphia Police Department may stem from understaffing — not due to lack of budgeted positions, but because of difficulty with retention, recruiting, and high rates of disability leave. The report out of the City Controller’s Office also cited a lack of data collection. Operation Pinpoint, for example, was expanded from 8 to 45 areas without any analysis of whether it was successful in reducing crime. [Billy Penn/WHYY’s Radio Times/WHYY]
• Temple won’t give Election Day holiday…this year
Temple University officially negged the idea to cancel classes for the midterm elections — but said they’ll form a working group to explore doing it in the future. Other colleges already do it, including CCP, Drexel, and UArts. The idea isn’t just so students can vote, but so they can help get others to the polls. If you’re voting by mail, you can skip the lines and hit up one of several staffed ballot drop-off events around the city. [BP x 2]
• Restaurant relief: New streetery regulations and no more bells
Restaurants in Philadelphia, still battling back from the pandemic dip, got two pieces of positive news. The city updated requirements to get a permanent streetery license, walking back the demand to remove outdoor dining structures every time there’s a storm; applications open in November. And influential Inquirer critic Craig LaBan announced he’s not bringing back the anxiety-inducing bell rating system — it’s gone for good. [Phila Gov/KYW/Billy Penn]
• Avogeddon proves Philly loves (free) avocados
Hundreds of cars waited in an “Avogeddon” line that stretched from inside FDR Park and down Pattinson Avenue, while others came on bike and foot. News helicopters even circled overhead. The surplus giveaway event by food distribution nonprofit Sharing Excess was such a success that it canceled a planned third day; all the free avocados had already been taken home. [Billy Penn/@sharingexcess]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Krasner expects impeachment kickoff
This could be the week Harrisburg begins formal impeachment proceedings against Larry Krasner, the Philly DA said, noting the Pa. Legislature has few days left before the session breaks for the November election. Though a House panel held hearings on the topic last month, impeachment is rare, and it’s still unclear if state officials actually have jurisdiction to remove a city’s elected district attorney. [AP/City & State/BPx2]
• Two years since Walter Wallace Jr. was killed
This week marks two years since Philly police officers shot and killed Walter Wallace Jr. when the West Philadelphia resident didn’t immediately drop his knife. The city and department promised reforms in how the PPD responds to mental health 911 calls, and as of last year there had been some progress. Stay tuned for a look at how neighbors feel about the situation. [BP x 3]
• Poles are greased for Phillies fever
After turning around what looked like another sagging season and going on a run to make it to the playoffs, the underdog Phils are a game away from winning the pennant for the first time since 2009. Fans are making watch party arrangements, bars and restaurants are exploding with business, Jason Kelce is chugging beers with the Phanatic, and city officials are…greasing the poles. [Billy Penn/Inquirer$/BP x 2]
