Pa. Supreme Court issues opinion on abortion funding in state
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave pro-choice advocates a win over a state law that prohibits the use of Medicaid funds for abortions, issuing an opinion that the right to reproductive autonomy is “fundamental.”
The key — and unanimous — finding was that patients and abortion providers could challenge the state’s 1982 Abortion Control Act, which prohibits the use of Medicaid to cover funding for abortions, and which the Court described as “presumptively unconstitutional” on the basis of sex discrimination. Continue reading…
Catstravaganza brings feline joy, competition to Philly region
Bengal, ragdoll, sphynx and Scottish fold were among the breeds vying for top titles at the second annual Philadelphia Catstravaganza.
Besides the competition, the event also featured stands and adoption stations by local organizations, as BP reporter Ali Mohsen discovered. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• After five years, the State Library of Pennsylvania and its 4.5 million large collection is back in business. [PennLive]
– After the 2016 outbreak, Penn State researchers collected samples from 26 potato fields in Pennsylvania to study the disease, finally finding out what caused the devastation. [WHYY]
• Renovation work is expected to start this summer at the Cecil B. Moore Library, which serves Sharswood, Strawberry Mansion and Brewerytown. [WHYY]
• The Eagles announced new hires for both offensive and defensive coordinators, and here are some things to know about Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio. [NBC Sports]
• The rare, colorful painted bunting is drawing bird watchers from across the region to Bartram’s Garden after one male has made an uncommon visit from warmer climes. [PhillyVoice]
• Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has restored searches for Taylor Swift after temporarily blocking users from seeing some results as pornographic deepfake images of the singer circulated online. [AP]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker is expected to join Philly schools Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. as he delivers his first State of Education address Tuesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏠 Bridging Blocks: Moving in or pushed out? Join a conversation about housing access with fellow citizens and housing justice advocates. Free at Cecil B. Moore Library. (5:30 to 7:30 p..m. Tuesday, Jan. 30)
📷 “Today We Are Possible“: This photo exhibit at the Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement at Parkway Central Library is a collaboration with WOMEN’S WAY and the Mayor’s Office of Engagement for Women. (Opening reception Wed., Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
🎶 Enjoy a classical concert with a casual vibe at Orchestra After 5: Strings and Tango. Tickets are $25 to $90. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1)
Catch up on the previous week
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