The Hours Americans Reclaimed by Sitting Less in Traffic
As the pandemic cut the amount of commuters and other motorists on the road last year, drivers nationwide saved over 3 billion hours compared to 2019, according to new estimates.
Proposed Safe-Injection Site in Philadelphia Found Illegal by Federal Appeals Court
The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 decision that found a plan to open the nation’s first supervised drug injection site violates a federal law passed to shut down crack houses.
A City Looks to Incorporate More, and More Diverse, Input Into Its Budget Process
Philadelphia this week announced a participatory budgeting program for a $1 million pot of money, as well as other initiatives geared toward reducing racial inequities with city spending.
Judge Rules Cities’ Muni Bond Rate-Fixing Lawsuit Against Big Banks Can Proceed
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | One Republican governor says he voted for Joe Biden … Federal judge strikes down “public charge” rule … Oil clean up on Maryland and Delaware beaches.
Supreme Court to Consider LGBTQ Rights and Foster Care the Day After Election
The case, which concerns a taxpayer-funded Catholic adoption agency, could make a big impact on LGBTQ rights and force changes in government contracting practices with religious organizations.
Philadelphia Imposes Curfew, Calls National Guard to Quell Violence Over Police Shooting
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Thousands in Oklahoma City are without power after an autumn ice storm… The Justice Department launches probe of New Jersey veterans’ homes… New study says a flu shot could reduce the risk of catching Covid-19.
Pennsylvania’s New Vote-by-Mail Law Expands Access for Everyone Except the Poor
In America’s poorest big city, language barriers, unstable housing and lack of internet access make voting by mail difficult. So low-income Philadelphia residents will be voting in person, if at all.
State and Local Officials Seek to Reassure Voters about Potential Poll Watcher Intimidation
Following President Trump’s call to his supporters to deploy themselves as poll watchers, state and local government officials are working to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation.
From Jacksonville to Louisville, Confederate Statues Are Coming Down
Calls to remove the statues, denounced as symbols of white supremacy, were reignited in the wake of national protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
Municipal Workers in One City Unite to Call for Higher Taxes Instead of Layoffs
The effort in Philadelphia involves both union and non-union employees and comes as city elected leaders are trying to solve a budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Tear Gas Is Way More Dangerous Than Police Let On—Especially During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In the middle of a respiratory pandemic, law enforcement agencies have used tear gas in especially dangerous ways. The chemical agent also seeps into homes, contaminates food, furniture, skin and surfaces, and can cause long-term lung damage.
What’s Next for Fiscal Oversight in Philadelphia?
COMMENTARY | Experts and officials debate future of agency that has played key role since 1992.
Supreme Court to Hear Dispute Over Same-Sex Foster Parents
Catholic Social Services is fighting Philadelphia’s decision to stop working with the foster agency because it will not place children with same-sex couples.
With Safe Injection Sites, ‘Somebody Has to Go First.’ It Could Be Philadelphia.
Overdose deaths are a daily occurrence in many Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Supervised Injection Site Does Not Violate Federal Drug Law, Judge Rules
The decision could have ramifications throughout the country, as policymakers weigh whether to open facilities where people can take opioids and other illegal drugs.
City Sued Over Sidewalk Accessibility for People With Disabilities
The plaintiffs in the case want Philadelphia to take steps to upgrade ramps and cut down on obstructions.
Explosion at Philadelphia Refinery Isn’t First Time There’s Been Trouble at the Site
The facility has repeatedly raised concerns for worker and local resident safety.
Soda Taxes Lead Some to Cut Down on Sugary Drinks, Fizzle With Others
But the full cost of the taxes does appear to be getting passed to consumers in at least two cities.
A New Legal Battle Over Cash Bail
Civil rights advocates allege defendants are stuck in Philadelphia jails as court officials flout state guidelines.
Philly Mayor Deleted Years of Text Messages
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | W.Va. teachers strike … Alaska cold case leads to arrest in Maine using genetic genealogy … and the Cincinnati City Council’s attendance record.
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