Politics
All politics is national — Pa. voters driven to engage with local races amid larger polarization
Many who plan to vote in next week’s primary say political lines drawn during the COVID-19 pandemic and protests for racial justice have seeped into local contests.
5 years ago
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Bill would extend N.J. takeover of Atlantic City for four more years
New Jersey is moving to extend the state takeover of Atlantic City for four more years, elongating a saga that Gov. Phil Murphy vowed during his campaign that he would end.
5 years ago
![Asked if his run for DA was a vendetta for being fired, Vega vigorously denied the idea. He had never before wanted to run for office, the former homicide prosecutor said, but the escalating murder rate in the city drove him into the political ring. “I see the numbers of murders that have been happening since [Krasner] took office. Just this past year, 499 murders,” Vega said. “As a father, a single dad, a person of color — we suffer the most. I decided to run for office.” Krasner countered that the rise in gun violence is not related to his policy reforms. “In 50 major U.S. cities last year the increase in gun violence was 42%. The increase in Philly is 40%, which is terrible, but what is happening is not unique to Philly,” Krasner said. “The FOP and their candidate — my opponent — are weaponizing a national tragedy.” Other issues got little air time, and there was little difference in the candidates’ responses. Each tread similar ground when asked about the opioid crisis in the Kensington neighborhood, saying aggressive prosecution of those living with addiction should be a low priority, with the city instead offering social services and diversionary programs to avoid criminal proceedings and jail time. Krasner also said his office has been working with the FBI on wiretapping investigations to identify and arrest major dealers and those involved in drug trafficking, though he declined to elaborate.](https://whyy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/krasner-vega-1-360x280.jpg "krasner-vega")
Final Philly DA debate: Vega touts putting police in prison, Krasner says opponent lied in court
The two Democratic candidates for district attorney traded jabs and accusations during a live broadcast on WURD, Philly’s only Black-owned radio station.
5 years ago
Diversity, residency requirements top issues at Philly police budget hearing
Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed budget would flat-fund the department at $727 million.
5 years ago
Bill to raise income taxes on wealthiest Delawareans stalls
Delawareans with an income of $1 million a year pay taxes at the same rate as someone whose salary is $60,001.
5 years ago
GOP ousts Cheney from leadership over her criticism of Trump
In Tuesday night remarks on the House floor, Cheney pointedly criticized Trump and accused him of fomenting the deadly insurrection.
5 years ago
After hourslong hearing, Delaware handgun permit bill advances
Members of a House committee heard from nearly 100 supporters and opponents before voting forward a measure to require training and a permit to purchase a handgun.
5 years ago
Jeff Yass, the richest man in Pa., is single handedly keeping school choice PACs flush
Montgomery County billionaire Jeff Yass, a professional gambler turned powerful Wall Street trader, has long been a major donor to conservative causes in Pennsylvania.
5 years ago
Philly’s police union and diversity top issues at DA candidate forum
The forum, hosted by the Omega Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, also touched on the city’s gun violence epidemic.
5 years ago
Vega signals he could sue Krasner, activist Shaun King for libel and slander
Vega’s attorney said the forthcoming lawsuit is tied to a string of “untruths” King has posted about him on social media.
5 years ago
N.J. residents give Murphy high marks on job performance, reopening decisions: polls
A collaborative dance and visual art installation at the Cherry Street Pier put the classical dance company in front of audiences again.
5 years ago
Philly’s gun violence epidemic the top issue at Krasner, Vega debate
Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic took center stage during a heated, wide-ranging debate between the two Democrats running to become the city’s next district attorney.
5 years ago
Pa. GOP wants to restore work-search rule for jobless benefits
Lawmakers suspended the work-search requirement through 2020 amid the pandemic last year, and Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, extended the waiver administratively into this year.
5 years ago
Facebook board upholds Trump suspension
The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board has voted to uphold his ban from the platform after his account was suspended four months ago.
5 years ago
Biden to visit Philly today to celebrate Amtrak, promote sweeping infrastructure plan
Biden is pushing a plan to significantly expand the safety net, provide more resources for education, and invest heavily in infrastructure and green energy.
5 years ago