Politics
Philadelphia City Controller talks criminal justice reform at Penn Dems event
Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart discussed her responsibilities as city controller, her involvement in criminal justice reform efforts, and her experiences as a woman in politics at the event
Former Phila. Health Commissioner who disposed of MOVE remains appointed as D.C. executive
Farley resigned from his previous position after he admitted to authorizing the disposal without identifying the victims of the MOVE bombing, which killed 11 people.
Penn Wharton Budget Model predicts budget reconciliation bill will increase national deficit
The White House maintains that the bill would reduce national debt over time.
Penn students voted at record-high rate in 2020 election, awarded Best Campus Action Plan
Nearly 77% of eligible Penn students voted in the presidential election — a 9.2 percentage point increase from the 2016 election and a 23.1 percentage point increase from the 2018 midterm election.
Penn students, staff reflect on working for the NBC News Decision Desk on Election Day
Members of Penn’s Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies helped the NBC News Decision Desk call races on Election Day.
Rep. Krajewski announces $99,500 grant for restoration of The Woodlands cemetery
The grant will be used to improve infrastructure for the cemetery, including the re-pavement of roads and refurbishment of the cemetery’s gates.
Student groups criticize Penn for stopping short of divestment in latest climate policy update
Penn administrators announced late last week that the University will halt commitments to private equity vehicles dedicated to investments in fossil fuel production.
Larry Krasner reelected Philadelphia District Attorney
Over one million ballots were requested for this year’s election. As of Tuesday afternoon, 73% of these requested ballots were returned.
Penn students report ‘quick, painless’ voting process on campus this Election Day
In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, City Councilmember Helen Gym stressed the importance of Pennsylvania in national politics, and noted that many reforms college students care about are addressed at the local level.
Senate confirms former Penn Board of Trustees Chair David Cohen as U.S. Ambassador to Canada
Cohen is one of several Biden Administration officials with ties to the University. Biden also nominated President Amy Gutmann to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Germany.
Biden nominates Penn Law graduate to service on Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
Students debate Green New Deal, environmental reform at Penn Political Union event
PPU, which organizes monthly debates on a range of relevant political topics, asked participants to debate the statement: “Implementing a Green New Deal in the United States would be a mistake.”
Penn faces federal complaint for participation in conference discussing Hindu nationalism
Penn community members, including the South Asia Studies Department and some faculty members, disputed the complaint.
Penn survey finds heavy users of conservative media would take unapproved COVID-19 drug
While the drug can treat parasitic conditions in small doses, according to the FDA, current data has not shown that it is safe or effective against COVID-19.
Penn faculty call for bolder University climate action and fossil fuel divestment
A Faculty Senate committee, which has an advisory role for Penn administration, released a resolution in an effort to raise more awareness to climate-related issues among faculty and University departments.
Students talk classroom self-censorship, role of Greek life at virtual Penn Paideia event
About 50 students from a variety of local universities — including Penn, Drexel University, and the University of Delaware — attended the virtual event.
Philadelphia bans traffic stops for low-level incidents known to target Black drivers
With the bill, Philadelphia becomes the first big city to ban these traffic stops that disproportionately affect people of color.
Asbestos concerns linger a year after Penn pledged $100 million to Philadelphia schools
Various members of the Penn community, including parents, faculty members, and students, are still hopeful the University's donation can help mitigate the issue of environmental hazards — but worry that it may not be enough.
Wharton prof. Eric Orts suspends U.S. Senate campaign
Orts centered his three-month-long campaign around combating the climate crisis. His exit leaves behind a wide field of candidates in the lead up to May’s Democratic primary.