Philly Power Research
@researchphilly.bsky.social
PPR is a group of volunteer researchers investigating our city's most powerful people, corporations, and organizations.
"Defeating Communism" SuperPAC pissing off PA GOP legislators via attack ads criticizing GOP for considering taxes on "skill games" gambling. Sen. Bartolotta: "[Skills game lobby is] acting like criminals. And I don't know what in the world they think this is going to do to engender our support" 🍿
New: Skill games, or any gaming policy, was not included in the state's recent budget deal despite the need for new tax revenue. Why? A wave of negative ads, as well as threats of more to come, tell part of the story. Via @spotlightpa.org
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Why gaming changes didn’t make it into PA’s 2025 budget
A dispute over the level of taxation and accusations of retribution derailed another attempt to regulate slot-like skill games in Pennsylvania.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
"Defeating Communism" SuperPAC pissing off PA GOP legislators via attack ads criticizing GOP for considering taxes on "skill games" gambling. Sen. Bartolotta: "[Skills game lobby is] acting like criminals. And I don't know what in the world they think this is going to do to engender our support" 🍿
Reposted by Philly Power Research
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
A little too on the nose that this cyber charter school CEO complaining about the new cyber charter accountability measures in the PA state budget is converting a 219-year-old public library into his private home.
November 21, 2025 at 12:40 AM
A little too on the nose that this cyber charter school CEO complaining about the new cyber charter accountability measures in the PA state budget is converting a 219-year-old public library into his private home.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
NEW: The Philadelphia Housing Authority is planning sweeping layoffs that will affect more than 300 of the agency’s 1,200 employees.
Instead of directly employing union electricians, carpenters and other workers, beginning next year, the agency will contract out for those jobs as needed.
Instead of directly employing union electricians, carpenters and other workers, beginning next year, the agency will contract out for those jobs as needed.
Philly Housing Authority plans to lay off more than 300 workers in 2026
The layoffs come as the authority is pursuing an ambitious expansion plan.
www.inquirer.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
NEW: The Philadelphia Housing Authority is planning sweeping layoffs that will affect more than 300 of the agency’s 1,200 employees.
Instead of directly employing union electricians, carpenters and other workers, beginning next year, the agency will contract out for those jobs as needed.
Instead of directly employing union electricians, carpenters and other workers, beginning next year, the agency will contract out for those jobs as needed.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Peter Greene on Forbes: Pennsylvania Budget Cuts Cyber Charter Funding, Adds Accountability
www.forbes.com/sites/peterg...
www.forbes.com/sites/peterg...
Pennsylvania Budget Cuts Cyber Charter Funding, Adds Accountability
After years of attempts, Pennsylvania’s legislature has finally made some changes to the rules governing cyber charter schools.
www.forbes.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Peter Greene on Forbes: Pennsylvania Budget Cuts Cyber Charter Funding, Adds Accountability
www.forbes.com/sites/peterg...
www.forbes.com/sites/peterg...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Nashid Akil, 46, the former captain in North Philadelphia’s 22nd Police District, turned himself in at police headquarters, along with the others, according to a well-placed source familiar with the case.
Former Philadelphia police captain and five other officers charged with conspiracy, theft
The theft and conspiracy charges are tied to the 'Guns Down, Gloves Up' anti-violence program founded by former Capt. Nashid Akil. More charges are expected next week.
www.inquirer.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Nashid Akil, 46, the former captain in North Philadelphia’s 22nd Police District, turned himself in at police headquarters, along with the others, according to a well-placed source familiar with the case.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Billionaire Marc Rowan wrote Trump's "Academic Compact" loyalty oath in order to, in his words, destroy universities the way seen in Europe in the 30's and 40's.
His private equity firm Apollo also owns the University of Phoenix, the country's biggest creator of student debt.
His private equity firm Apollo also owns the University of Phoenix, the country's biggest creator of student debt.
November 6, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Billionaire Marc Rowan wrote Trump's "Academic Compact" loyalty oath in order to, in his words, destroy universities the way seen in Europe in the 30's and 40's.
His private equity firm Apollo also owns the University of Phoenix, the country's biggest creator of student debt.
His private equity firm Apollo also owns the University of Phoenix, the country's biggest creator of student debt.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Billionaire Jeffrey Yass named as donor to Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom keystonenewsroom.com/2025/10/27/b...
Billionaire Jeffrey Yass named as donor to Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom
This is the latest in a long history between Jeffrey Yass and President Donald Trump.
keystonenewsroom.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Billionaire Jeffrey Yass named as donor to Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom keystonenewsroom.com/2025/10/27/b...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
After Local Judge Greenlights Bucks County Sheriff-ICE Pact, Voters May Be the Last Hope to Derail It | Democratic candidate for sheriff Danny Ceisler said if elected he vows to “end this deportation partnership once and for all.”
After Local Judge Greenlights Bucks County Sheriff-ICE Pact, Voters May Be the Last Hope to Derail It - Bucks County Beacon
Democratic candidate for sheriff Danny Ceisler said if elected he vows to “end this deportation partnership once and for all.”
buckscountybeacon.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:26 PM
After Local Judge Greenlights Bucks County Sheriff-ICE Pact, Voters May Be the Last Hope to Derail It | Democratic candidate for sheriff Danny Ceisler said if elected he vows to “end this deportation partnership once and for all.”
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Councilmember Landau asks about whether the City is using AI for public safety.
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
October 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Councilmember Landau asks about whether the City is using AI for public safety.
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Preempting the asset manager society in Philadelphia...
"A third bill would ask voters to approve another charter amendment, this one to ban the city from privatizing or otherwise contracting out the ownership or operation of its water supply and sewage systems."
"A third bill would ask voters to approve another charter amendment, this one to ban the city from privatizing or otherwise contracting out the ownership or operation of its water supply and sewage systems."
O’Rourke proposes rent rebate and permanent funding for free SEPTA passes
Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke argues that more public transit aid for low-income residents would show that government can work.
billypenn.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Preempting the asset manager society in Philadelphia...
"A third bill would ask voters to approve another charter amendment, this one to ban the city from privatizing or otherwise contracting out the ownership or operation of its water supply and sewage systems."
"A third bill would ask voters to approve another charter amendment, this one to ban the city from privatizing or otherwise contracting out the ownership or operation of its water supply and sewage systems."
"AI in Philly govt is a black box: There is no public process for communities to review proposed tech & determine if it’s truly safe for us (let alone beneficial)"
Attend the City Council hearing on AI in Philly: Wed. 10/15 10am-1pm @PhillyCAM!
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Attend the City Council hearing on AI in Philly: Wed. 10/15 10am-1pm @PhillyCAM!
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
AI is watching us. We need city officials watching AI. | Opinion
Artificial intelligence in Philly government is a black box: There is no public process for communities to review proposed tech and determine if it’s truly safe for us — let alone beneficial.
www.inquirer.com
October 13, 2025 at 12:02 PM
"AI in Philly govt is a black box: There is no public process for communities to review proposed tech & determine if it’s truly safe for us (let alone beneficial)"
Attend the City Council hearing on AI in Philly: Wed. 10/15 10am-1pm @PhillyCAM!
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Attend the City Council hearing on AI in Philly: Wed. 10/15 10am-1pm @PhillyCAM!
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
During July’s eight-day municipal worker strike, the city spent almost $1.26 million per day on added costs needed to maintain basic services, such as hiring contractors to haul trash from dump sites and paying overtime to some Water Department supervisors, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced Friday.
The Philadelphia city worker strike cost taxpayers $5.4 million, Mayor Cherelle Parker said
The city spent almost $1.26 million per day on added costs for things like hauling trash and overtime during the DC 33 strike.
www.inquirer.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
During July’s eight-day municipal worker strike, the city spent almost $1.26 million per day on added costs needed to maintain basic services, such as hiring contractors to haul trash from dump sites and paying overtime to some Water Department supervisors, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced Friday.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
As City Council struggles to confront skill games, fake weed, and kratom stores--which are regulated (or not) rom Harrisburg and D.C.--local legislators are increasingly using broad brush tools that effect other small businesses too: www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...
New bill would ban new convenience stores and pharmacies from opening in Kensington
The new zoning restrictions on new pharmacies and convenience stores come in the wake of a curfew bill that sought to crack down on "nuisance businesses."
www.inquirer.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
As City Council struggles to confront skill games, fake weed, and kratom stores--which are regulated (or not) rom Harrisburg and D.C.--local legislators are increasingly using broad brush tools that effect other small businesses too: www.inquirer.com/real-estate/...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Dispatch from Pennsylvania on a highly unusual state Supreme Court election—one of the few most consequential matters on the ballot anywhere in the country next month. New from me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/pennsylvania...
Inside the Clunky Elections to Control Pennsylvania's Supreme Court - Bolts
The GOP is making an expensive push to end Democrats’ majority on a court at the center of election lawsuits, sparking a fledging campaign season with little precedent or template.
boltsmag.org
October 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Dispatch from Pennsylvania on a highly unusual state Supreme Court election—one of the few most consequential matters on the ballot anywhere in the country next month. New from me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/pennsylvania...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
We mapped out some of the key oligarchs and billionaire corporations that are profiting from ICE's deportation machine.
More: littlesis.org/news/the-bil...
More: littlesis.org/news/the-bil...
October 8, 2025 at 6:11 PM
We mapped out some of the key oligarchs and billionaire corporations that are profiting from ICE's deportation machine.
More: littlesis.org/news/the-bil...
More: littlesis.org/news/the-bil...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
AI is everywhere in Philly. But where does that data go? Who has access? Who decides how it’s used? How else could we spend that $?
We have a critical window to demand transparency, accountability, & community control over how tech is used in our city.
Join us: phillytechjustice.org/hearing
We have a critical window to demand transparency, accountability, & community control over how tech is used in our city.
Join us: phillytechjustice.org/hearing
October 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
AI is everywhere in Philly. But where does that data go? Who has access? Who decides how it’s used? How else could we spend that $?
We have a critical window to demand transparency, accountability, & community control over how tech is used in our city.
Join us: phillytechjustice.org/hearing
We have a critical window to demand transparency, accountability, & community control over how tech is used in our city.
Join us: phillytechjustice.org/hearing
"Many of the ideas included in the proposal...came from a doc circulated last winter at the behest of Marc Rowan"
"as Penn was mired in acrimony over antisemitism & pro-Palestinian activism in 2023, he wielded his wealth & influence to help oust his alma mater’s pres"
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
"as Penn was mired in acrimony over antisemitism & pro-Palestinian activism in 2023, he wielded his wealth & influence to help oust his alma mater’s pres"
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
The Billionaire Behind Trump’s Deal for Universities
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:24 PM
"Many of the ideas included in the proposal...came from a doc circulated last winter at the behest of Marc Rowan"
"as Penn was mired in acrimony over antisemitism & pro-Palestinian activism in 2023, he wielded his wealth & influence to help oust his alma mater’s pres"
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
"as Penn was mired in acrimony over antisemitism & pro-Palestinian activism in 2023, he wielded his wealth & influence to help oust his alma mater’s pres"
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
The federal shutdown was entirely foreseeable. The current fascist constitutional crisis and resulting instability are all the more reason that it was absurd for the Parker admin to codify 13 years of local tax cuts earlier this year.
www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Philly will have a ‘cash flow problem’ if the federal shutdown and state budget aren’t resolved by December, Parker says
“We have so many challenges that are facing the city of Philadelphia with limited funds in order to address them,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said Thursday.
www.inquirer.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The federal shutdown was entirely foreseeable. The current fascist constitutional crisis and resulting instability are all the more reason that it was absurd for the Parker admin to codify 13 years of local tax cuts earlier this year.
www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
Reposted by Philly Power Research
NEWS: Major unions @nationalnurses.bsky.social and @ueunion.org are publicly demanding that the U.S. immediately halt military aid to Israel, recognize Palestinian sovereignty, and intervene “to put an end to the violence, starvation, and injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people.”
October 2, 2025 at 5:48 PM
NEWS: Major unions @nationalnurses.bsky.social and @ueunion.org are publicly demanding that the U.S. immediately halt military aid to Israel, recognize Palestinian sovereignty, and intervene “to put an end to the violence, starvation, and injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people.”
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Philadelphia Parks & Rec plans to install 32 acres of toxic turf in FDR Park, has claimed it will be recycled after it wears out (after 8–10 years).
That's BS and Parks knows it.
That's BS and Parks knows it.
Recycle company’s bankruptcy leaves tons of discarded artificial turf across the state
The turf, laden with forever chemicals, now faces an uncertain future.
www.inquirer.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Philadelphia Parks & Rec plans to install 32 acres of toxic turf in FDR Park, has claimed it will be recycled after it wears out (after 8–10 years).
That's BS and Parks knows it.
That's BS and Parks knows it.
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Trump Administration Asks Colleges to Sign ‘Compact’ to Get Funding Preference
www.nytimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by Philly Power Research
Apparently true "Christian" nationalism means dropping bombs on random fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico
Hegseth: "As history teaches us, the only people who actually deserve peace and those who are willing to wage war to defend it. That's why pacifism is so naive and dangerous."
September 30, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Apparently true "Christian" nationalism means dropping bombs on random fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico