AltWeeklies Wire
The Strange Odyssey of the Ron Paul Tent at Occupy Phillynew

Ron Paul supporters and Occupiers make for strange bedfellows. In Philly, the rift hit a tipping point when an unknown intruder broke into the tent, stole campaign literature, and left a "steaming pile of shit" on the floor.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
11-09-2011 |
#OCCUPY
Mob Attacks Terrorize Philadelphia Neighborhood, Retaliation Threatenednew

About an hour after police disperse kids after a fight some say was racially motivated in a Philadelphia park, a mob of 50 - 75 teens crossed paths with 37-year-old Mark Lavelle. He says one kid swung a gun in his face, as others kicked in his door and beat him with pipe in front of his wife and kids. The next day, another mob--possibly the parents-threatened him. That night, more assaults that end with a cop shooting a man.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
09-14-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Megan's Flaw: When a Sexual Predator Isn't One in the Eyes of the Lawnew

Two and a half years after Derrick Cook almost killed Katrina Mansfield, she sits quietly in a courtroom, alone, awaiting what the justice system considers fair trade for what she calls her life sentence. By any reasonable definition, Cook is a violent sexual predator—except, after a drawn-out and botched hearing to determine the status, in the eyes of the law.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
05-25-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Philadelphia's Soda Fee is Not as Taxing as we Thinknew
To say that Mayor Nutter’s proposed “Healthy Philadelphia Initiative” (the two-cents-per-ounce junk-drink tax) is in disarray would be charitable. City Council grows increasingly hostile toward the plan. A loophole might negate its stated health goals.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Jacob Lambert |
03-29-2010 |
Economy
Maybe it's Time for Philadelphia to Consider Banning Pit Bullsnew

On the weekend of Feb. 19, there were three serious pit bull attacks across Philadelphia. A 52-year-old woman nearly lost her left hand to one of the dogs. Ten-year-old Philip Sheriff was found facedown on a ballfield, his right arm almost severed.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Jacob Lambert |
03-15-2010 |
Animal Issues
Developing a Mathematical Model for Predicting Murders in Philadelphianew
John Toczek is rolling out a project he's calling the Analytics X Prize. It's a contest to develop a mathematical model for predicting murders in Philadelphia, something the Police Department could use to best deploy its resources.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Brian Howard |
01-05-2010 |
Crime & Justice
Recession Diaries: Tales of Philly's Young, Educated and Underemployednew
While the less educated are getting hit the hardest, things are quickly deteriorating for the college-educated work force. Experts say that one in five college graduates say they're overqualified for their current jobs.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Daniel Denvir |
11-30-2009 |
Economy
A Snitch in Time: A Philly Gunshot Victim Defies the Inner-City Code of Silencenew

It's been five months since Maurice Ragland testified against the man he says shot him. In doing so, he broke the cardinal rule of the Philadelphia streets -- Do Not Snitch. That he survived his wounds is amazing enough, but that he testified is just as amazing.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Mike Newall |
10-19-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Elementary School Dropout: Why I Am Giving Up Teachingnew
Many teachers overcome the numerous challenges and serve the children of Philadelphia for decades. But I won't be.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Brenden Beck |
09-21-2009 |
Education
Philly Anarchist Newspaper Keeps Delivering the News Nobody Else Sees Fit to Printnew

The Defenestrator is released quarterly, or as often as finances and personal schedules allow. It is one of the longest-running and few remaining anarchist publications in the U.S., and it began as a photocopied newsletter.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Matt Stroud |
09-15-2009 |
Media
An Eye for a McFlurry: One Terrible Reason to Lose a Body Partnew
Brandon Henderson lost his left eyeball over a McFlurry. On the evening of Feb. 15, authorities say, Khalif Lewis, an 18-year-old cashier at a West Philadelphia McDonald's, attacked the 35-year-old Henderson as he attempted to leave the restaurant after an argument over whether he could substitute a dessert item for french fries.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Mike Newall |
07-20-2009 |
Crime & Justice
The 'Truth' on Taxes: Does Philadelphia Mayor Have Science on His Side?new
When it comes to taxes, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is a man of conviction. We might even call him a man of faith, so strong and unwavering is his belief that Philadelphia must not, cannot, shall not raise its wage and business taxes to help plug the great gaping $2 billion hole in Philadelphia's five-year budget.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Isaiah Thompson |
04-21-2009 |
Policy Issues
Clean and Green Pedi-Cabs Are Poised to Run Amok in Philadelphianew
Pedi-cabs and velo-taxis are passenger bicycles that could be the future of green transportation in Philadelphia, with weary pedestrians hailing them when they need a lift.
Philadelphia City Paper |
A.D. Amorosi |
03-24-2009 |
Transportation
Olney the Lonelynew
Peering through the kaleidoscope of one of Philly's most diverse and overlooked neighborhoods.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Brian Howard |
02-24-2009 |
Housing & Development
Tags: Philadelphia, neighborhoods
A Domestic Violence Refuge in Philadelphia Suffers a Big Hitnew
Last November, $296,268 reserved for Philadelphia's domestic violence shelter - 15 percent of its operating costs — was quietly carved out of the city budget, a cut that went mostly unnoticed in the midst of public outcry over libraries closing and a shortened Mummer’s parade.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
02-09-2009 |
Policy Issues