AltWeeklies Wire
Skinheads, KKK, Antifa -- What's Going on in Northeast Philly?new

Stemming from a car accident and recent KKK activity, tensions rise between Neo-Nazis and anti-fascist groups in one Northeast Philly neighborhood.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Randy LoBasso |
09-19-2014 |
Crime & Justice
Inside the Lockdown at Community College of Philadelphianew

PW reporter Randy LoBasso teamed with Community College of Philadelphia student Zach Mentzer to write about what it was like yesterday after reports of a gunman on campus locked down the school.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Randy LoBasso and Zach Mentzer |
05-29-2014 |
Crime & Justice
Activist Sued by "American Indian Patriot" Doesn't Accept Court's Rulingnew

A local Philly anarchist helped break up a white-pride event in 2010; almost four years later, one of the event's speakers -- a so-called "Native American Patriot" -- successfully sued him in an Oklahoma court.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Randy LoBasso |
02-26-2014 |
Crime & Justice
Mumia supporters liken his imprisonment to Mandela'snew

About 100 youth activists from across Philadelphia gathered at this weekend’s Youth on the Move Forum with one shared goal: For Mumia Abu-Jamal’s legacy to live on, a new generation of social and political activists need to take the helm and spread his message.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Randy LoBasso |
12-13-2013 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: mumia abu-jamal
GunCrisis in Philadelphia: Another Night in Paradisenew

It's been one year since the solutions-oriented, volunteer journalism project GunCrisis was launched. Tonight, we see a body within two hours.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
04-28-2013 |
Crime & Justice
The Kermit Gosnell Case Show Abortion Isn't a Red or Blue Issue—It's Pinknew

Though abortion as a buzzword is considered a red-state-vs.-blue-state hot-button issue, what the Gosnell media case reveals is that abortion in reality, is neither a red nor blue issue. It's pink.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
04-25-2013 |
Crime & Justice
Abortion Doctor's Defense: Case Is an "Elitist, Racist Prosecution"new

After reminding jurors about the legal presumption of innocence, the attorney for Philadelphia abortion provider Kermit Gosnell revealed his main theme: Gosnell, a black man, is a victim of an "elitist, racist prosecution."
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
03-18-2013 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: Kermit Gosnell
VP Joe Biden Talks Gun Violence Initiatives in Philadelphianew

The Vice President traveled to Philadelphia for a roundtable on gun violence the morning a gunman opened fire killing three in his old stomping grounds in Wilmington, Del., where his son is Attorney General.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
02-12-2013 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: Gun Violence
How PA Republicans Blocked an Investigation into Gov. Corbett's Handling of Sandusky Casenew
PA House Republicans buried a resolution to investigate the Governor for allegedly slow-walking the Sandusky case by: playing possum, sticking fingers into ears, calling for arcade rules and canceling sessions at the last second.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
10-17-2012 |
Crime & Justice
How Two Photojournalists Are Taking On Philly's Gun Crisisnew

A new-media project, GunCrisis.org, uses old-school journalism tactics to study Philly's homicides.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
04-26-2012 |
Crime & Justice
Pushing the Limitnew

Advocates say the biggest opposition to abolishing statute of limitation on child sex abuse in Pa. is the Catholic Church.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
02-08-2012 |
Crime & Justice
Penn State Tragedy Inspires New Lawnew

The introduction of the Pennsylvania Attorney General Mandated Reporter Law in early December has explosive implications: Supporters allege that the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office is sitting on thousands of leads on child sex abusers, collecting the data on their possible whereabouts but not trying to find them.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
12-29-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Backward Expert-Witness Law Creates Advantage for Jerry Sanduskynew
Though the grand jury report outlining allegations that former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky routinely raped young boys entrusted in his care is damning, when it comes to the trial, Sandusky and his lawyer Joe Amendola have a few home-court advantages here in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
12-15-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Mob Attacks Terrorize Philadelphia Neighborhood, Retaliation Threatenednew

About an hour after police disperse kids after a fight some say was racially motivated in a Philadelphia park, a mob of 50 - 75 teens crossed paths with 37-year-old Mark Lavelle. He says one kid swung a gun in his face, as others kicked in his door and beat him with pipe in front of his wife and kids. The next day, another mob--possibly the parents-threatened him. That night, more assaults that end with a cop shooting a man.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
09-14-2011 |
Crime & Justice
Sister Pact: Finding Strength After Convictionnew

With just charm, drive, nickels and dimes, reformed ex-on Michelle Simmons has mustered up a program that is accomplishing what the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections—with its bloated budget of $1.8 billion—states as its No. 1 goal: reduce the recidivism rate of ex-offenders.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Tara Murtha |
08-11-2011 |
Crime & Justice