Millersville U. REALLY Doesn’t Want Governor to Speak at Graduation

Basically nobody at Millersville University is excited for the Governor of Pennsylvania to deliver their commencement address tomorrow. They blame him for the budget cutbacks that led to the elimination of the men’s cross country and track and field program. They blame him for the reduced hours they can work at their campus jobs. They blame him for the cuts in state support that led to larger class sizes, lost jobs and high tuition. So they are planning to protest the man they hold responsible. Dayum! And how might they do that? Some will actually refuse to listen to the man, by wearing "black...

Here Are the Most Popular Baby Names in Pennsylvania

Today the Social Security Administration has released its list of top baby names for each state in the union. Let's take a gander at Pennsylvania and New Jersey, shall we? PA Boys                                 Girls 1. Mason                           1. Emma 2. Liam                              2. Sophia 3. Jacob                             3. Ava 4. Michael    ...

In Hopes of Securing State Funding, Hite Proposes Ending Teacher Tenure

This ought to boost his popularity with the teachers unions! Philadelphia Public Schools Superintendent William Hite has proposed ending teacher tenure and seniority provisions, in the hopes of receiving $120 million in state funding. (The schools are facing a $300 million deficit, hence the fact that 23 schools are being shut down next month.) House Republicans, who for the most part are not fans of tenure, and teachers unions in general, seemed quite pleased with Hite's plan. "It's stunning and refreshing to hear from a Philadelphia superintendent," [House Republican spokeman Steve] Miskin said. "I think we would definitely be willing to...

Today in Craziness: Toronto Mayor Caught Up in Crack-Smoking Scandal

Last night Gawker published a story called, simply, "Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Smokes Crack." The tale is pretty crazy--and Rob Ford, if you know anything about him, is pretty crazy--so follow along. Gawker editor John Cook received a tip that a group of prominent Toronto drug dealers had a cellphone video of the mayor smoking crack, and made him come to a housing development on the outskirts of town to watch it. This is what he saw: Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto, is the only person visible in the frame. Prior to the trip, I spent a lot of time looking...

Kai the Hitchhiker Arrested for Murder at Philadelphia Greyhound Station [Updated]

Today, Caleb Lawrence McGillvary--a.k.a. Kai the homeless hitchhiker--was arrested at the Greyhound bus terminal in Philadelphia for the murder of a New Jersey lawyer found dead in his home Monday morning. Prosecutors told NBC 10 they believe that the lawyer, 73-year-old Joseph Galfy, brought 24-year-old Kai back to his home after they met Sunday evening in Times Square. They say the two had a sexual encounter before Galfy died of blunt force trauma to the head. A glance at Kai's Facebook page--which is public--reveals what appears to be his own side of the story. Kai's viral fame, of course, originated from an incident in...

The End of an Era (or Two): Le Bec Fin Is Closing

It's been a good run, Bec. As Inquirer writer Michael Klein writes, the storied Walnut Street restaurant was never quite able to shed its "gilded-age, go-for-Baroque legacy," even after famed owner Georges Perrier gave it up last spring. The plan is to close it by Father's Day weekend, in mid-June. Taking its place will be a joint serving "progressive American cuisine" and the new chef will be young Roxborough native Justin Bogle. [Foobooz]

Want to Read the “Benghazi Emails?” Here They Are in A Virtual Inbox

There doesn't appear to be a smoking gun among the infamous "Benghazi emails" the Obama administration released yesterday. (No cover-up of a terrorist attack they all knew about, in other words.) But for your viewing pleasure, Yahoo is compiling them anyways in a user-friendly "inbox," where you can read emails from national security poobahs like Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes. Here's a link to the inbox. [Yahoo!]

An Interview with Johnny Weir, Who’s Visiting Philly This Weekend

Over at G Philly, Josh Middleton interviews figure skater Johnny Weir, who will be in at the Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia this weekend to receive an award at the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund's Annual HEROES Event. Here are some juicy morsels of information to whet your appetite for the entire interview:

Your skin is flawless. Share some beauty secrets? No matter how drunk you get, always wash your face before bed!

 

 

I feel gayest when … I'm having sex.

 

 

Describe what you love about Philadelphia in three words. Sophistication, tradition and cheesesteaks.

Cheesesteaks. Always the cheesesteaks. Check out the full interview here.

Hooray? Roy Halladay’s Shoulder Surgery “Successful”

The Phillies have told us that Roy Halladay's surgery yesterday was a smashing success. Roy had successful shoulder surgery yesterday. He had an arthroscopic evaluation and underwent debridement of his labrum and rotator cuff as well as removal of an inflamed bursa. So it was successful in the sense that it happened. And then you remember that the surgery itself is horrible, horrible news. He’ll begin a progressive rehabilitation program and if all goes well, he may possibly begin a throwing program in 6-8 weeks.” Potentially. Maybe. We don't know. I will now refer you to my recent post "Why Roy Halladay is Doomed,...