Commentary

By cj Have you ever done something in your life without knowing why you did what you did Allow me to use my own experience as an example. Once, I purchased two odd-sized sized trash cans, not knowing why, except that the price was on point for my budget. So have you ever done something…

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Photo: phila.gov When does a piece of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of 750,000 of Philadelphia’s workers get almost totally ignored? When it’s sandwiched between a controversial mobile services provider bill and the 40th Anniversary of the MOVE bombing. By Denise Clay-Murray On Wednesday, the press corps that covers Philadelphia City Council was sent…

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Chances are, you’ve seen the video of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada venting her frustration over her efforts to clean up Kensington during last Thursday’s Council meeting. It was probably no surprise to her colleagues. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada during a heated Council meeting. Photo: phila.gov By Denise Clay-Murray If you’ve watched an episode of any television show…

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Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill governing mobile service providers was amended during the regular Council session on Thursday. But to some, it doesn’t help the problem it’s meant to address. By Denise Clay-Murray You can always tell when we’re nearing the end of a session of Philadelphia City Council. First of all, meetings start late. Despite…

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Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) during the SEPTA budget meeting.Photo: phila.gov During the transit authority’s budget testimony, members of City Council suggested that Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s interim general manager, go to the state’s Republicans to plead his case in person. By Denise Clay-Murray Last week, I wrote about SEPTA’s financial woes and the doomsday scenario…

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A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) bus is driven in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) The Sword of Damocles is once again hanging over SEPTA’s head. Whether or not it gets used is anyone’s guess. By Denise Clay-Murray To get a better understanding of SEPTA’s announcement on Thursday that it would severely…

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North Carolina’s NAACP leader The Rev. William Barber speaks at a news conference on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in Raleigh, N.C., while the national NAACP president Cornell Brooks looks on. The two were announcing the first steps in a national economic boycott of the state over conservative policies including a law limiting LGBT rights. (AP…

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Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s Tax Reform Commission released its interim report last Tuesday and promised “bold action” — whatever that means… By Denise Clay-Murray “Let me tell you how it will be…It’s one for you 19 for me…‘Cause I’m the taxman…Yeah…I’m the taxman…” I always think of this song from The Beatles’ “Revolver” album when…

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Protestors hold signs during a rally for a nationwide economic blackout Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) By A. Bruce Crawley People of virtually every nation on earth had an opportunity to view the ceremonies on the January 20 as Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the…

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Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Curtis Jones Jr. celebrating the Eagles Super Bowl LIX win in Council chambers. Photo: PHLCouncil Now that the Philadelphia Eagles have won Super Bowl LIX, we’ve had our parade, and folks got a look at what perseverance looks like in a city that’s going to need it, it’s time to go…

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