RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Philly police commissioner resigns
When Danielle Outlaw became commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, she was just the fourth outsider to assume the role. When she departs later this month after a tumultuous 3.5-year stretch, resigning to purposely take a lower-profile role in NYC, she’ll be at least temporarily replaced by a PPD veteran. First Deputy John M. Stanford Jr. has served on the force for over two decades, and he’s respected enough that his name had already been widely discussed as Outlaw’s permanent replacement.
[BP 2019/BP archives/Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• Judge famous for Meek Mill sentence withdraws
Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley, whose inclination for heavy probation violation sentences was exemplified when she put Philly rapper Meek Mill behind bars for popping a wheelie, has dropped off the November ballot. She’d recently been in a legal battle with superiors at the First Judicial District after they stripped her of criminal cases, but a spokesperson told the Inquirer in June she planned to stand for reelection. Her effective resignation was cheered by criminal justice reform activists, who’d been pressing for it with weekly protests.
[BP 2019/Billy Penn/@StephenJ_Caruso/@kurtcooks]
• Roundhouse closes in on historic designation
The former PPD headquarters at 8th and Race has been sitting empty since the department moved to North Broad in spring 2022. The city conducted a robust community engagement process to help decide the Roundhouse’s future, but things might become more complex. A Philadelphia Historical Commission committee last week voted to include the building — a curvy, cast concrete structure alternately called ugly or an “architectural marvel” — on the historic register. The full commission vote is slated for October.
[BP 2022/WHYY’s PlanPhilly x 3]
• ‘Jawn’ lands in the dictionary
If you’re from here, you might not even realize you’re saying it. Over the past few decades, the word “jawn” spread beyond Black Philly culture and became ubiquitous in many parts and social circles of the city. It’s also recently been co-opted by outsiders trying to ingratiate themselves to sell things or services to Philadelphians. As of last week, it’s also explicitly defined at Dictionary.com — something Philly residents aren’t really sure was necessary.
[BP 2016/BP 2022/Billy Penn]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Debate over murder charges for PPD officer
The week ahead is likely to see debate over the handling of former police officer Mark Dial. On Friday, after being formally charged with the first-degree murder of Eddie Irizarry, Dial was granted bail — unusual for someone facing that charge — and released after the FOP put up the money. Body camera video shows Dial fatally shot Irizarry within five seconds of exiting his cruiser during a traffic stop in Kensington, entirely disproving the PPD’s initial explanation that Irizarry had “lunged” at officers with a knife.
[WHYY/Inquirer$/NBC10]
• Bus Revolution public hearings
SEPTA has finalized plans for its first bus system redesign in decades, and this week begins a series of public hearings to explain the coming changes, listen to feedback, and detail how it’ll all be implemented. The hearings are in Philly and the suburbs (there are a lot of changes coming to Delco, for example). Two of the hearings, both this Wednesday, take place virtually.
[BP 2020/SEPTA/Billy Penn]
• Welcoming Week with ‘Little Amal’
Dozens of events honoring and celebrating immigrants and refugees are planned as Philadelphia celebrates Welcoming Week, a national movement started in 2009. One of the most notable is the local edition of Amal Walks Across America, which will see a 12-foot puppet girl move through the city. Called “Little Amal,” she was created to bring awareness to the plight of Syrian refugees, and various local theater groups are helping stage the events.
[Metro/6ABC/Creative PHL]
• Eagles soar into 2023-24 season
After today’s season opener at Gillette Stadium vs. the Patriots, the Eagles welcome fans back to the Linc on Thursday. It’s the second year in a row in which the home opener is a primetime game against the Minnesota Vikings. Most Philadelphians are Birds fans on some level or another — it’s contagious — but if you’re looking for a cheat sheet to all the major storylines, we’ve got you covered.
[Billy Penn]
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