Council could ban supervised drug consumption sites in Philly
Harm reduction advocates have been trying to open Philadelphia’s first supervised drug consumption site — aka safe injection site — for over four years. A federal judge ruled in 2020 that the Rendell-backed Safehouse nonprofit could open one, then suspended its launch after residents pushed back; a higher court later upheld the injunction. State lawmakers are also working on a ban.
Today, City Council is expected to vote on a bill prohibiting the sites in most of the city — everywhere but West Philly’s 3rd district. The legislation from Kensington Councilmember Lozada is supported by at least 11 other members, per the Inquirer, enough for it to pass.
Philadelphia has a long history of clowning around
No joke, Philadelphia is a national center for clowns. The history dates back to 1793, when America’s first circus building opened at 12th and Market, and President George Washington attended a show. These days, Philly is teeming with theater artists who specialize not only in slapstick, but also acrobatics, juggling, and trapeze-work.
For evidence, look no further than this year’s Fringe Festival, writes Jane Von Bergen, who talks to performers about why they love clowning around.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A judge ruled against the Philly Ethics Board in its case against a super PAC supporting Jeff Brown, saying coordination with the former mayoral contender wasn’t illegal because it happened before he officially declared his candidacy. [Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• The Pa. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over whether Philly can preempt state law and enact its own stricter gun laws. [WHYY]
• Employees at Good Karma Cafe voted to decertify their union, a rare setback for a local labor movement that saw a number of victories and organizing efforts over the summer. [Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• Philly’s Amanda Shulman, renowned for supper club Her Place and the recently opened My Loup, has been dubbed one of the best new chefs in the country by Food & Wine. [Food & Wine]
• A clip has been making the rounds with actor Mark Wahlberg claiming “honorary Philadelphian” status. Know what? It’s actually true. The Boston native was given the title by former Mayor Mike Nutter after starring in “Invincible.” [Billy Penn]
• Middle Child Clubhouse has a new see-through toilet featuring one of its famous BLTs. [@middlechildclubhouse]
MAYOR WATCH
Gov. Shapiro is in town to join Mayor Kenney at the ribbon cutting for One uCity Square, a 400,000-sq.-ft. building at the center of a new life sciences campus in University City (3:30 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
💐 BP Quizzo at Fitler Club! Our monthly Philly trivia night lands at this sleek spot next to the Schuylkill in Center City. We’re doing things a little differently for this one — your $25 ticket includes an all-you-can-eat food buffet. Space is limited, RSVP today. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20)
📚 Meet and greet Spanish-language authors, visit food trucks, and nerd out on books at the free Hispanic Literacy Festival in Fairhill with Latinos Educando Juntos. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16)
🫂 Join fellow Philadelphians in shared grief and healing at a Peace Day Philly guided workshop for caregivers, service providers, and others. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16)
📘 Billy Penn is participating in Philly Story Fest, joining journalists from media outlets around Philadelphia to tell the city’s best stories on stage at the Bok. Tickets are $25. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
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