After taking over George W. Hill prison, the Delaware County Council county intends to run the correctional facility at somewhere between 60 to 70 percent of the prison’s original capacity.
By Todd Shepherd
Zuckerberg-funded 2020 election grants skewed heavily toward PA’s ‘blue’ counties
Approximately $20.8 million in election grants from a Zuckerburg-funded non-profit went to at least 21 Pennsylvania counties. While grant proponents say they went to both “red” and “blue” counties, a B+L analysis shows “red” county grants were a fraction of what was given to “blue” counties.
By Todd Shepherd
Delco’s fiscal watchdog pushes back against pay raise and bonus proposals
With a still uncertain financial situation, Delaware County leaders have been debating and approving various pay hikes and vague payouts to certain government employees. The county controller has raised concerns over perceived unfairness to both county workers who won’t benefit and to taxpayers.
By Todd Shepherd
Inquirer stands by disputed claim that PA has “drastically reduced” school funding
The Inquirer has refused to correct the claim of one of their columnists that state funding for public schools has been reduced in recent decades. A spokesman for Pa. House Republicans said the Inquirer’s assertions were “not based in reality,” and an education researcher urged the paper to stop “peddling this false narrative.”
By Todd Shepherd
Consultant says Delco prison deprivatization is feasible, but operator says the study has errors
A financial assessment of a potential county takeover of the privately run county jail in Delco shows little cost increases. Critics contend that the assessment missed big costs, and doesn’t account for how well-run and safe the prison currently is.
By Todd Shepherd
Krasner’s office failed to prosecute previous charges against suspect in murder of 11-year-old boy
Khaleek Cooper-Baldwin was arraigned in November of last year on assault charges. Four months later, all the charges were dismissed because of a lack of prosecution by the DA. He turned himself in on Friday after cops had said he was the prime suspect in the murder of Harley Belance.
By Todd Shepherd
Bi-partisan bill upping penalties for spitting on cops splits S.E. Dems
Because the bill would make it a misdemeanor to “knowingly” and “intentionally” cause an officer to come into contact with a communicable disease, some Democrats believe it is discriminatory to certain groups.
By Todd Shepherd
Philly Democratic party won’t endorse Krasner
Attendees of the Philadelphia Democratic Party’s Thursday policy committee hearing told Broad + Liberty that rising crime had led to a split over endorsement. One source said, “The kids are not safe, the seniors are not safe. I don’t feel safe letting my kid go down to the 7-11 to get a tank of gas.”
By Todd Shepherd
Delco lawmaker advocates for continued perk of state-supplied vehicles
Rep. Margo Davidson argued that she was a victim of cancel culture due to a proposed bill that would curb lawmaker use of state-owned vehicles. Davidson has been involved in multiple car accidents and incurred other car-related expenses with her government vehicles in recent years.
By Todd Shepherd
Free Speech advocates: St. Joseph’s ignored its own policy by suspending professor over tweets
A Foundation for Individual Rights in Education attorney says that St. Joseph’s University is contradicting its own commitment to constitutionally protected speech.
By Todd Shepherd