Philadelphia

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.

  • By Andrea Noble

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.

  • By Bill Lucia

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.

  • By Bill Lucia and Laura Maggi

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.

  • By Emma Coleman

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.

  • By Andrea Noble

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.

  • By Jonathan Lai, Michaelle Bond and Samantha Melamed, ProPublica

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.

  • By Emma Coleman

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.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Bill Lucia

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.

  • By Lisa Song, ProPublica

What’s Next for Fiscal Oversight in Philadelphia?

COMMENTARY | Experts and officials debate future of agency that has played key role since 1992.

  • By The Pew Charitable Trusts

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.

  • By Andrea Noble

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With Safe Injection Sites, ‘Somebody Has to Go First.’ It Could Be Philadelphia.

Overdose deaths are a daily occurrence in many Philadelphia neighborhoods.

  • By Christine Vestal, Stateline

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.

  • By Bill Lucia

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.

  • By Bill Lucia

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.

  • By Emma Coleman

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.

  • By Bill Lucia

A New Legal Battle Over Cash Bail

Civil rights advocates allege defendants are stuck in Philadelphia jails as court officials flout state guidelines.

  • By Bill Lucia

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.

  • By Michael Grass

Feds File Lawsuit to Stop 'Safe Injection' Site for Drug Users

A Philadelphia non-profit, with the support of city leaders, has been moving forward with a plan to open a facility where they said drug users could more safely use heroin and other illegal opioids.

  • By Laura Maggi

‘No Silver Bullet’ for Opioid Crisis in Philadelphia, Other Urban Areas

A mix of education, treatment, and other measures shows promise, experts say.

  • By The Pew Charitable Trusts