More fallout from the police commissioner’s resignation; Labor unions play a big role in Philly’s Tinder scene | Morning Newsletter
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In comments made yesterday, ex-Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said that it was his decision to resign from his post and that he wasn’t forced out. He admitted that the lawsuit alleging he ignored sexual harassment claims made by one officer regarding another was “the catalyst” for the decision. There is also a separate lawsuit that alleges that his now-former department had a “grossly sexist culture.”
Elsewhere in Philly, Schuylkill Yards may get a new skyscraper that looks like a “tumbling stack of children’s blocks.” And, my colleague swiped deep into Tinder to find out why so many of those who work in building trades list their labor unions on their dating profiles.
— Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
The fallout from ex-Police Commissioner Richard Ross’ abrupt resignation continued yesterday.
Ross spoke with reporters and then with The Inquirer in a phone interview. He refuted claims in a lawsuit that he ignored a police corporal’s complaint of sexual harassment against another officer, in part because the woman had broken off a two-year affair with him. He added that the litigation was “the catalyst” for his departure, but chose to resign and wasn’t forced out.
Mayor Jim Kenney also said it was Ross’ decision to resign. Ultimately, Kenney said, “I think he made the right decision.” His next step is to figure out where his city’s police department goes from here with former Deputy Commissioner Christine Coulter taking over as acting police commissioner.
Potentially complicating things further is a separate federal lawsuit against the Philadelphia Police Department and Ross from a detective who alleges she endured years of sexual harassment and retaliation because the Police Department “maintains a grossly sexist culture.”
Swipe long enough and you’re bound to see them: references to Local 690 or Local 1 Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Philadelphia or Glaziers Local Union 252. Those who work in building trades are proclaiming their Philly locals on their dating profiles.
Inquirer labor reporter Juliana Reyes wanted to know why this was happening. So, she went swiping on Tinder.
A corporate skyscraper is supposed to communicate two main qualities, The Inquirer’s architecture critic Inga Saffron writes. They are: 1) power, and 2) prestige. Not fun, not resembling a children’s toy, not fire-engine red.
But all the usual expectations have been launched out the window when it comes to Brandywine Realty Trust’s designs for Schuylkill Yards. “The change in direction is a welcome relief,” Saffron writes.
What you need to know today
The police shootout that happened last week in North Philadelphia has left neighbors wondering: why did the police make a mess and leave it to them to clean up? As their block remains a crime scene, with damaged property and bullet-ridden cars still impounded for evidence, many residents blame police for what happened just as much as they do the shooting suspect.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are two of the states that are suing to block the Trump Administration from penalizing immigrants who came to the U.S. legally for depending on help from public-assistance programs.
State judicial authorities have moved to suspend a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge, due to an alleged pattern of civil rights violations and her demeanor while presiding over Family Court cases.
Two-and-a-half years in, we looked at how much money Philadelphia’s soda tax has brought in. And, how it has been spent.
An ex-pastor from Downingtown stole from his parishioners for years, according to authorities. In all, he’s charged with stealing almost $100,000 over seven years, using it for, among other things, trips to a beach house and pocketing money congregants donated to honor deceased loved ones.
Hahnemann University Hospital, originally slated to close next month, has a fascinating history that stretches back to 1871 with the opening of the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania to 15 students.
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That’s Interesting
The Philadelphia Orchestra has replaced Plácido Domingo for its opening night performance. Domingo’s invite was rescinded following allegations of sexual misconduct against the opera superstar.
Philadelphia is going to switch over the city’s street lights to “smart” LED lights, a job that should take about three years.
Robert De Niro has a new movie focused on a Philly hit man who claimed he killed Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa. But the alleged hit man once told the Philadelphia Daily News that he didn’t do it.
SEPTA Key cards can now be managed via the transit agency’s official mobile app. You’ll be able to see your ride history and manage your balances. SEPTA also announced yesterday that its general manager will leave at the end of the year.
An Old City apartment building is now under the control of a startup that’s converting residential real estate into visitor accommodations. Residents’ leases will not be renewed, forcing them to move.
The Eagles will play the Ravens tonight in their third preseason game, but, again, many of the team’s usual starters won’t be playing.
Our Eagles coverage team is hosting an exclusive Inquiring Minds event on Sept. 10 at The Inquirer to talk about all things Birds. Our beat writers will be having a conversation moderated by Inquirer sports managing editor Pat McLoone. For tickets and more info, visit Inquirer.com/minds.
Opinions
“The culture of violence — verbal or physical (and yes, groping is violence) — runs so deep in the Police Department that it is impossible to believe that anyone, from rank and file members to top officials, are unaware.” — The Inquirer Editorial Board writes about its priorities for the city’s next police commissioner.
Why is Ohio State University trying to trademark the word “the”? It’s “ludicrous," Jeffrey Barg, a.k.a. The Angry Grammarian, writes.
Solomon Jones writes about the practice of fired police officers being allowed to join other departments.
What we’re reading
Philadelphia magazine profiles a new yoga studio in Manayunk that wants to be a “haven for those in recovery.”
The 43-year-old stepchild of the U.S. military-industrial complex is a massive icebreaker called the Polar Star. The Los Angeles Times profiles the ship, which is filled with issues from rusted hatches to overflowing toilets.
The Guardian reports on a study that found practice doesn’t always make perfect.