Pot arrests soar in Philly suburbs, South Jersey; annual Philly Trans March returns | Morning Newsletter
It may rain tonight, but don’t forget to enjoy this nicer weather while it lasts. My colleague Anthony Wood tells us winter weather predictions are already out, and February is looking mighty cold. But we’ve got plenty of time until then and plenty of news to read. First up, we’ve got a report on how marijuana possession arrests are soaring in our region, even though acceptance of the drug, both legally and culturally, is on the up and up. We’ve also got a look at the Philly Trans March returning this Saturday, including interviews with its founder.
— Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com)
P.S. Need a guide through the weird and wild world of politics ahead of next month’s midterm elections? This Friday we’re launching a new newsletter from award-winning reporter Holly Otterbein to keep you informed about your government — and you can sign up right now.
Despite marijuana’s increasing legalization and acceptance, arrests soar
In Philadelphia, marijuana possession has essentially been decriminalized. Instead of arresting thousands a year for pot, police now issue a similar number of $25 civil citations.
As acceptance has grown across the country, other swaths of Pennsylvania, like Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, have relaxed enforcement, too.
But if you’re in the Philadelphia suburbs and South Jersey, it’s a different story. In those parts, pot arrests are actually rising and African Americans are making up an increasing share of those busted.
Pa. Senate passes bill tightening gun rules in domestic violence cases
For the first time in years, Pennsylvania legislators passed new restrictions on gun possession Wednesday. State senators overwhelmingly approved a bill that would tighten gun access to those convicted of some domestic violence crimes.
The bill will require people it covers to surrender their guns within 24 hours of a court ruling in their cases.
Gov. Wolf said he will swiftly sign the bill into law.
Philly Trans March wants people to know about Shantee Tucker’s unsolved murder
This Saturday, Philly’s transgender community and allies will gather for the eighth-annual Philly Trans March. The event comes on the heels of the death of Shantee Tucker, a transgender woman of color fatally shot last month.
Police continue to search for her killer and, though the march will address a variety of issues, unsolved murders will be one focus this year.
Learn more about the march and its goals with a new video interview with activists including founder Christian Lovehall.
What you need to know today
The Senate received the FBI’s report on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh late Wednesday and set an initial vote on his nomination for tomorrow. It remains to be seen how much, if any, of the FBI report will become public.
A new study published Wednesday has found that women who experience sexual harassment or assault often suffer physical, in addition to mental, health consequences that can last for years.
On Wednesday, Mayor Kenney declared a disaster in Kensington in response to the opioid epidemic. The city’s new rescue plan includes opening up an emergency operations center away from City Hall.
For weeks over the summer, residents posted on Facebook and alerted police about a man in Northern Liberties trying to open neighbors’ doors, peering into windows, and harassing women. Now he’s been arrested on suspicion of attempting to rape a woman and neighbors are calling him “a ticking time bomb.”
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is in the spotlight, but not (at least right now) for the team’s poor performance. The FBI and Department of Justice are investigating the Dodgers’ player recruitment during his tenure with the team.
Feeling lucky? Pennsylvania’s first two sports-betting licenses have been approved for Parx Casino in Bensalem and Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County.
There’s a new apartment building proposed for the heart of the Italian Market, at the current location of Anastasi Seafood. And it’s looking to expand to eight stories and twice as many dwellings as previously anticipated.
Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly
Couldn’t agree more, @mcjw13.
Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!
That’s Interesting
As shiny and pretty as Philly’s glass skyline can be, it’s not so friendly to the bird population. To keep flying friends safe, a new Fairmount Park building found a clever work-around.
For years Philadelphia has been working to get more of its children reading on grade level. Now a new initiative is turning small businesses like barbershops into neighborhood libraries.
This Sunday the Eagles face off against the Minnesota Vikings, so you’re going to want your tailgate on point. Luckily some of Philly’s top chefs are sharing top-notch food you can actually make in a parking lot.
The Flyers season begins tonight in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in thanks to Gritty, here’s what you need to know before the team hits the ice.
As retirement communities prepare for the wave of baby boomers coming their way, the industry is learning how to help LGBT seniors as discrimination against gay elders continues.
When we asked Inquirer readers about our decades-old map of Philadelphia neighborhoods, we expected a ton of feedback, and you did not disappoint. We’ve rounded it all up to show off the most disputed names and some great origin stories.
The Sixers are playing two away (like, really away) games in China tomorrow and Monday. Sure, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are popular here, but they’re also very popular in China. “Faces on bottles of iced tea” popular.
Opinions
“Every resident should engage with each other, keep an eye on the actions of elected officials, and make use of existing source to become better informed.” — New Jersey Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco on why the public must make their voices heard over the state’s cost of living.
After learning about 7-year-old Alivia Whitaker, whose lemonade stand will help needy kids take SEPTA to school, columnist Ronnie Polaneczky writes, “Alivia Whitaker for City Council!”
Steve Bannon’s new mission is to make Europe more Trumpian than the United States, and Americans should be concerned, writes columnist Trudy Rubin.
What we’re reading
For your morning inspiration: WHYY took a look at the many stories that came together to create the new Octavius V. Catto mural in Graduate Hospital.
Next City did a lovely dive into how worker co-ops are gaining popularity across Philadelphia, in industries from video and design to bookkeeping.
A year ago the U.S. military was shielding the details of its involvement in Syria, but as BuzzFeed News now reports, they’re acknowledging the mission has expanded and is semipermanent.
I know I say this often, but you actually need to set aside time for the New York Times’ investigation accusing President Trump of helping his parents dodge taxes because it is extremely long. (But if the 13,000-plus word story is too much, there are shorter interactive and recap versions, too.)
