“The Kensington market is the most toxic thing I have seen in my career,” one of the nation’s top academic experts on open-air illegal drug markets and how to shut them down told Billy Penn.
BP’s Meir Rinde talked to experts from around the country about the ongoing effort to intervene. It’s an endeavor they say will require the city to dedicate officers and other city personnel to the effort for years, likely at a substantial cost, they said. Continue reading…
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Brian Burrows, the former president of a Philadelphia labor union, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in what federal prosecutors said was embezzlement of more than $600,000 of union funds.
Burrows, 64, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was also ordered to forfeit almost $136,000 and to pay an amount of restitution to be determined later.
Burrows and John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty, the union’s longtime business manager, were convicted in December. Prosecutors said they used the money for items including home renovations, concerts, groceries and even a cookie tray for the christening of a relative’s baby. Dougherty is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. Continue reading…
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RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Sen. John Fetterman traveled to Israel and met with Netanyahu despite blowback on the left and said progressives who refuse to vote for President Biden over his handling of the war in Gaza could cost Democrats the election. [WHYY]
• Officials in Upper Merion Township begin second phase of single-use plastic ban as public establishments within the Montgomery County township will no longer be allowed to offer plastic utensils. [WHYY/6ABC]
• How Philadelphia became obsessed with Twisted Tea: “It just ran like wildfire.” [PhillyMag]
• Philly Councilmember Donna Reed Miller, who worked to improve the quality of life in Philadelphia, especially in the 8th Councilmanic District, dies at 77. [WHYY]
• Andre Drummond is set to sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN. [ESPN]
MAYOR WATCH
At 10 a.m., Mayor Parker will announce details of the city’s renewal of its franchise agreement with Verizon to provide cable service to residents and other services at city rec centers.
ON THE CALENDAR
🇺🇸 Tuesday, July 2: Red, White and Blue To-Do
A brand-new family-oriented patriotic celebration with a parade, free concerts, restaurant deals and extended museum hours is coming to Old City this year. Full details of the day-long celebration are available at the Philadelphia Visitors Center website.
🎖️ Wednesday, July 3: Salute to Service
The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus alongside LeAnn Rimes presents “America the Beautiful” in concert at 7 p.m. at Independence Mall Historical Park. Bring chairs or a blanket to enjoy this performance in honor of veterans of every generation.
🎆 Thursday, July 4: Philly Welcomes America
Kick off the Fourth of July with what organizers call the “country’s largest Independence Day procession” at the Salute to Independence Parade starting at 11 a.m. along East Market Street between 2nd Street and City Hall. Cap off the night with live music featuring NE-YO and Kesha along the Ben Franklin Parkway followed by fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Concert starts at 7 p.m.
Catch up on the previous week
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