“Shapiro’s Response to Allegations: Clarity and Accountability”

RECAP: Looking back on the week that was

Shapiro addresses allegations against ex-aide

When Mike Vereb resigned abruptly in late September as Gov. Shapiro’s secretary of legislative affairs, there was no mention that the Montco Republican (a longtime Shapiro ally) had been accused of sexual harassment. That info only surfaced thanks to reporting from Spotlight PA. Last week the governor addressed the issue for the first time, saying his administration is led by two women and has “an independent, robust process” for dealing with these kinds of serious complaints.

Biker arrested for windshield stomp

After a video went viral of a biker stomping through a car windshield near City Hall and brandishing a gun at the driver — who got out to confront him because her two kids were with her — police arrested a 26-year-old Frankford man for the road rage incident. Authorities tried to make an example of him (the DA requested $5M bail, though a judge reduced it to $250k) to try to reduce mass rideouts of ATVs and dirt bikes, which have long been part of Philly culture but are illegal on city streets.

Killing of journalist Josh Kruger spurs tributes

The brutal shooting death of Philly journalist and advocate Josh Kruger last Monday brought a stream of emotional tributes and drew notice around the country. Kruger, who contributed to Billy Penn and other media outlets, often wrote about politics and policy related to his experience as an HIV-positive gay man who lived through homelessness and addiction — things with which he continued to struggle. Police have named a suspect in the killing, a 19-year-old they believe Kruger was trying to mentor and help.

OURfest parade marches through Center City

Dancing and cheering filled Center City yesterday as Philadelphia welcomed the inaugural OURfest parade, billed as the country’s first held in honor of National Coming Out Day. Produced by Galaei, the parade and accompanying Sunday festival are intended as more inclusive replacements for OutFest, an autumn event held annually for nearly three decades until the collapse of the organization that hosted it.

VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead

Region reacts to violence in Israel

As fighting between the Israeli army and Hamas escalates, and the death toll rises, expect local reaction on both sides. Elected officials around the region condemned the surprise attacks in Gaza, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said it would hold local gatherings about the situation. Meanwhile, the Philly Palestine Coalition hosts a rally today to show support for the resistance movement.

Election coverage ramps up

There’s less than a month till the general election in Philadelphia. In addition to the city’s 100th mayor, voters will decide who among the many City Council at-large candidates will snag those seats, choose among contested district Council contenders, and decide who wins the battle to fill the empty Pa. Supreme Court position. Our guides start publishing this week — and sign up for our election pop-up newsletter, with weekly dispatches containing everything you need to know in advance of Nov. 7.

City releases annual Vision Zero report

Have Philly’s efforts to make city streets more safe had a noticeable effect? Officials will present in-depth figures and statistics at Tuesday’s release of the 2023 Vision Zero Annual Report. Traffic deaths had spiked during the pandemic, but since then the city has installed some red light cameras (with more on the way) and added speed tables on high-crash corridors.

Phillies playoff tailgate with Hittin’ Season

Thanks to creative pitching management by Rob Thomson and a solid night from Bryce Harper, the Phillies shut out the Braves in the first NLDS game Saturday. They’ve got one more in Atlanta, then they’re back home for Game 3 on Wednesday, when we’re hosting a tailgate at Citizens Bank Park. Join us and the crew from Hittin’ Season for drinks, snacks, and a chance to be on the show — the nation’s No. 8 Sports News podcast last week, according to Apple.

Editorial

The recent allegations against Mike Vereb, Governor Shapiro‘s former secretary of legislative affairs, bring to light the importance of transparency, accountability, and clarity in our political systems. It is disheartening to see that such serious accusations were not disclosed when Vereb resigned, and it took outside reporting to expose them. This lack of transparency raises concerns about whether there may be other cases of harassment or misconduct that have been swept under the rug.

This incident highlights the need for robust processes within administrations to address complaints of harassment and ensure that they are taken seriously. Governor Shapiro‘s acknowledgment of an independent process to deal with such complaints is a step in the right direction. It is crucial that this process provides support and justice to victims, while also holding accountable those who commit these acts.

Moreover, the arrest of a biker for a violent road rage incident showcases the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to illegal ATV and dirt bike riding on city streets. While these activities have been a part of Philly culture for a long time, they pose significant risks to public safety. Authorities must send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and individuals who engage in it will face severe consequences.

The tragic killing of journalist Josh Kruger reminds us of the importance of valuing and protecting journalism, especially when it comes to voices that represent marginalized communities. Kruger’s work as an HIV-positive gay man who experienced homelessness and addiction provided vital perspectives on political and policy issues. His death is a loss not only for the journalism community but for the broader fight for equality and social justice.

Lastly, the OURfest parade held in Center City to celebrate National Coming Out Day signifies a step forward in creating a more inclusive and accepting society. It is heartening to see Philadelphia embracing events that recognize and support the LGBTQ+ community. Our city should continue to prioritize diversity and actively work towards creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

Advice

As we look ahead to the week, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged with local and global issues. The escalating violence in Israel calls for understanding and empathy from the community. Take the time to listen to different perspectives and seek information from reliable sources to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict.

The upcoming general election in Philadelphia presents an opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. Stay informed about the candidates and the issues at stake, and ensure that your voice is heard by casting your vote. Take advantage of local guides and resources, such as the election pop-up newsletter, to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

The release of the Vision Zero Annual Report provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to improve road safety in Philadelphia. Stay informed about the city’s initiatives and progress in reducing traffic deaths. Consider the impact of these efforts on your own behavior as a driver or pedestrian and contribute to creating safer streets for everyone.

Lastly, support the Philadelphia Phillies as they continue their playoff journey. Engage in the city’s sports culture and join the tailgate event at Citizens Bank Park to celebrate our team’s achievements. Sports can be a unifying force, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community pride.