PHLOG: Fishtown Fire Aftermath
A 4-alarm fire broke out at a vacant warehouse on the corner of Front and Girard in Fishtown around 2:30 a.m. this morning. It was out at rush hour (firefighters actually had it under control around 4:15 a.m.) but it’s created severe delays on the El train. SEPTA set up a fleet of buses to substitute for the train between Huntington and Spring Garden Streets....
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DAILY GRINDER: SEPTA Violated Federal Lobbying Regulations?
Good job: Federal officials say SEPTA has “repeatedly” violated lobbying regulations with regard to its paying Washington lobbyists over the past five years and could face fines of up to $100,000—“for each instance.” Smell that? A four-alarm fire killed a vacant warehouse at Front and Girard early this morning. The El is down and one firefighter was...
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PHLOG: Lorenzo’s Pizza Burned
As we’re sure you’ve heard by now, a fire broke out at Lorenzo and Sons Pizza –Lorenzo’s, if you will (and you will) — at 3rd and South Streets this morning. The fire, reported at 10:26 a.m., stemmed from an exhaust tube when the shop manager had made a quick trip to the bank. It blazed until for over an hour after firefighters arrived and...
Continue ReadingPA Loves Arson: City Vows Revenge on Playground Firestarter(s)
On Sunday, someone—or someones—torched a playground at FDR park. The playgound included pieces unique to accommodate individuals with physical challenges. Mayor Michael Nutter has vowed to rebuild quickly and with some help. But before that goes down, there’s an $11,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the torcher(s), whom Nutter yesterday...
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DAILY GRINDER: Another Unrelated Incident Leads to Pot Arrest
Philadelphia firefighters responded to a West Philly fire yesterday afternoon and found “at least 100 marijuana plants in the house,” with a growing room taking up the entire second floor. That’s at least three police/fire incidents which have led to the discovery of marijuana growing and/or selling in less than a month. Black Madam news: She allegedly...
Continue ReadingDAILY GRINDER: Former PM Tony Blair Receives Award in Philly…Again
A year-and-a-half after receiving the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center (and getting former President Bill Clinton to fork it over), former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was in town again last night. And again, to receive an award. This time, it was the International Statesman Award from the World Affairs Council. He told the local audience,...
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DAILY GRINDER: Philly Pols Jump in Attorney General Campaign for TV Ad
I endorse candidates for higher office now, too! A new Patrick Murphy for Attorney General Campaign ad touts endorsements from some Philly Phaithful, like Mayor Michael Nutter, District Attorney Seth Williams and former Gov. Ed Rendell. Those are some big endorsements, especially when compared to his opponent, Kathleen Kane, who’s only got the support of…Bill...
Continue ReadingDAILY GRINDER: Former Philly ‘Supercop’ to Head Bahrain Police
Former Philadelphia Police Chief and ‘Supercop’ John Timoney, who presided over brutal police beatings at the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philly and the 2003 Free Trade Area of the Americas summit in Miami (in which the ACLU accused Miami police of using excessive force, unlawfully arresting bystanders, the usual…) has gone on a little tropical...
Continue ReadingDAILY GRINDER: Is Wine Kiosk Nightmare Ending?
The wine kiosk disaster (already called it a nightmare, above; it can be both), which only had one actual location in Philly anyway, may soon be coming to an end. The contractor that owns the ridiculous machines owes the state $1 million, and Rendell, who helped subsidize the whole thing, is no longer the governor, so, uh, who really cares? Those things are lame....
Continue ReadingDAILY GRINDER: Is Acting Sheriff Deeley Valid?
Democrat sheriff candidate Jacque Whaumbush has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Philly homeowner Glenda Sanders seeking an order in U.S. District Court that would declare Acting Sheriff Barbara Deeley “not, and never was, the Sheriff” and therefore, sheriff sales that took place under her reign would be deemed invalid. The point is an interestingly legit one:...
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