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Pa. Republicans may rush through constitutional amendments
Harrisburg Republicans may use their two-month functional majority in the Pa. House to rush through constitutional amendments.
- Amendments must pass in two consecutive sessions to land on the ballot for voters to approve. Though House Dems won a 102-101 majority next session, vacancies mean it won’t immediately be effective.
What might get passed? Voter ID requirements and removal of gubernatorial power — but probably not the anti-abortion measure, per Spotlight PA.
Fighter jets buzzed Philly chasing a civilian plane
People across the Philadelphia region got a jolt Monday morning when a military plane zoomed over the city, roaring loud and flying low.
- Turns out the F-15 was “escorting” a regular plane out of restricted airspace. When Biden is at his Delaware residence, the no-fly zone extends up all the way to South Philly.
Before NORAD confirmed, there was a lot of speculation about what led to the flyover — including a potential tribute to a late veteran who’d helped fellow vets take annual trips to DC.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Harrisburg Republicans may use their two-month functional majority in the Pa. House to rush through constitutional amendments imposing voter ID and taking power away from the governor — but probably not the anti-abortion measure. [Spotlight PA/Lancaster Online/WESA]
- Buying a “starter home” is out of reach for many in Philadelphia, where an analysis found the median income of a renter is 87% of what’s needed to afford a mortgage. [Axios/Point2Homes]
- Weeks before Johnny Doc’s next federal corruption trial, a close ally pleaded guilty. Marita Crawford, who was political director for IBEW Local 98, struck a plea deal on embezzlement charges. [BP/Fox29/Inquirer$]
- Update on the 40 days of chickens artist: Bob Dix closed out his challenge Saturday with three live paintings, and Alexander Tominsky even stopped by. [Billy Penn/@vampirevampireboy]
- That collective groan heard yesterday afternoon in Philadelphia: Jalen Hurts has a shoulder sprain. The injury isn’t long-term, but it takes the Eagles QB out of MVP contention. It also brings up aviators-and-jorts-wearing backup Gardner Minshew for the Christmas Eve showdown vs. Dallas. [PhillyVoice/@AdamSchefter/Billy Penn]
- Good news for fans of South Philly Barbacoa: chef Cristina Martinez’s restaurant is now open Monday through Thursday evenings with a menu of antojitos and quesadillas. [@barbacoachef]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins Police Commissioner Outlaw at City Hall for a recap of public safety initiatives over the past year, and the introduction of a new effort for 2023 that will include “targeted redeployment of police officers to districts with highest rates of gun violence” (3:45 p.m.). You can watch the livestream on Facebook.
ON THE CALENDAR
?️Celebrate Hanukkah with cocktails and bites at YJP Philadelphia’s happy hour at the RiverRink, featuring a latke bar, sufganiyot, a menorah lighting, and plenty of l’chaims. Tickets start at $25. (5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21)
? Extra incentive to take the kids to the Museum of Illusions in Old City over winter break: there’s a special teacher-created holiday scavenger hunt. Tickets are $23 adults, $18 kids. (now through Dec. 31)
? The Weitzman’s annual “Being _____ at Christmas” is for anyone who’s not planning festivities around the tree. Expect live music, dance, crafts for all ages, games, and movies. Admission is $15 for adults, $20 for kids. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25)