RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Dem leaders endorse O’Rourke despite warning
Nicolas O’Rourke, a Working Families Party candidate for City Council, picked up endorsements from a pair of Democratic elected officials: Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and state Sen. Art Haywood. That flies in the face of Philly party chair Bob Brady’s warning that Democrats should not endorse WFP candidates — though they’d only edge out Republicans, since 2 of 7 at-large Philly Council seats are reserved for a minority party. WFP member Kendra Brooks managed a historic win four years ago, and O’Rourke is hoping to join her.
[Inquirer$/Billy Penn/BP 2019]
• Sixers arena battle heats up again
The battle over the Sixers’ plan to build a new home on Market Street returned to the fore. During Council’s first session back after the summer, the carpenter’s union sent out a pro-arena truck blaring “Here Come the Sixers,” while anti-arena organizers reminded Councilmember Squilla of his promise to get community input. 76 Devcorp, however, said it’s pushing back the timeframe for getting required legislation passed. This week also saw a public jab from the Wells Fargo Center, accusing 76 Devcorp leadership of making untrue statements to sway public opinion. And an arena-related article disappeared from the Inquirer’s website without explanation.
[Billy Penn/@anna_orso/PhillyVoice/Inquirer$/Instagram/Philly Mag$]
• Advocate arrested in juvenile court
As part of youth empowerment nonprofit YEAH Philly’s campaign for more transparency in juvenile court, they’ve been sending in advocates to accompany minors accused of crimes. That’s allowed under Pennsylvania code for defendants under 18, but judges have not looked on it kindly — despite the city’s juvenile jail being dangerously overcrowded and understaffed. Last week things came to a head, and YEAH Philly cofounder James Aye was arrested for refusing to leave the courtroom.
[KYW/Pa. Gov./Inquirer$/KYW]
• With Eagles 2-0, Kelce and Hurts reap celeb status
Neither game was pretty, but the Eagles pulled out wins to open this season 2-0, edging out the Patriots in New England and bouncing over the Vikings at home — with help from Philly native running back D’Andre Swift. Expectations are high for the whole team, but none more than QB Jalen Hurts, who last week landed on the Time100 Next list and picked up an endorsement from Beats by Dre. And center Jason Kelce, already king of Philadelphia, became a national fave with the release of a No. 1 Prime documentary about his life.
[Section215/NFL/Time/@beatsbydre/Slate]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Outlaw’s last day
This week brings the changing of the guard at the top of the Philadelphia Police Department, with Commissioner Danielle Outlaw stepping down Friday and First Deputy John Stanford taking up the reins. Though he’ll so far only be interim commissioner, there’s hope Stanford could bring change, thanks to his deep connections both on the force and in the community. A new report from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission shows some progress in police accountability, but recommends new reforms.
[Billy Penn/WHYY]
• $60M in rec center renovations
Three groundbreakings this week usher in $60 million in renovations for West Philly rec centers via Rebuild, Mayor Kenney’s signature program to improve community spaces around the city. Projects getting started include Johnny Sample Rec Center, Myers Rec Center, and Kingsessing Rec Center — which two years ago had to shut down all winter programming because the heating system went kaput.
[Phila Gov/Billy Penn/BP 2022]
• Pulling for Phillies legend Charlie Manuel
Charlie Manuel, the winningest manager in Phillies history who led the franchise to a 2008 World Series win, suffered a stroke on Saturday. Now 79, Manuel was reportedly undergoing a medical procedure in Florida when it happened. The team put out a statement saying “the next 24 hours will be crucial to his recovery.”
[6ABC/@Phillies]
• Dine Latino Restaurant Week
We’re now in Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 thanks to President Reagan, who chose the timeframe because it encompasses eight Latin American independence day celebrations. In Philly, the month brings a variety of commemorations and events, including Dine Latino Restaurant Week. From Sept. 18-22, three dozen area restaurants are offering a free app or dessert for anyone ordering two entrees.
[Sunday Sun/Hispanic Chamber]
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