No other city is so loved and hated as is Philadelphia. We are praised as the birthplace of freedom and as the City of Brotherly Love. Yet, we are also seen as backwards and inferior to our bigger companions (Think NYC…). Yet, I proudly proclaim that Philadelphia is the greatest city in the world. It’s time for Philadelphia to be seen as it ought to be. A city of Champions. A city with a culture all its own. A world-class city with the best sports fans in the entire world.

Today US Rep. John Murtha passed away today due to complications resulting from gallbladder surgery. The US House of Representatives and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lost a great leader today. Rest in peace, Mr. Murtha.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35299741/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

Plain and simple: Without the intervention of Congressman Bob Brady SEPTA would still be on strike. I want to take the time to congratulate Brady's efforts in staying cool and making sure the situation worked out best for all Philadelphians.

Excerpts from today's DN story covering the issue:

How the SEPTA deal got made
By DAN GERINGER
Philadelphia Daily News

geringd@phillynews.com 215-854-5961

Friday night on the 11 o'clock live TV news, Gov. Rendell, with U.S. Rep. Bob Brady by his side, announced that the transit strike that had crippled Philadelphia for a week probably would be over by Saturday night - but it wasn't.

"The only people who had met and reached an understanding on two of the remaining issues - pension contributions and health care - were Congressman Brady and [Local 234 President] Willie Brown. Just the two of them. SEPTA and the governor were not involved."

Congratulations to Seth Williams, our new D.A. From the primary through today you ran an excellent campaign and deserved the win you received tonight.

A NEW DAY... A NEW D.A.!!!

Congratulations to Seth Williams on winning the Democratic Primary for DA with over 40% of the votes cast in a five way race. It is a sure sign that the city is ready for a change in the right direction!

Today, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 endorsed Seth Williams for Philadelphia District Attorney.

These brave officers risk their lives everyday, arresting dangerous criminals who terrorize our communities. They should be able to rely on the District Attorney's Office to keep those criminals in jail where they belong, and Seth pledges to work closely with the police to tackle crime on the streets and in the courtroom.

Seth is honored by their support, and if elected, promises to improve teamwork between police and prosecutors.

From the Inquirer:

In a crowded field of six candidates for Philadelphia district attorney, endorsements could be decisive in bringing voters to the polls.

Yesterday, the Guardian Civic League, representing 2,500 active and retired African American Philadelphia police officers, threw its support to Seth Williams, one of five Democrats in the primary race. The group cited his plan to assign prosecutors to police districts so they can follow criminal cases from the beginning, instead of transferring the cases among assistant district attorneys following preliminary hearings.

"From assigning prosecutors to each neighborhood to taking illegal guns off the street," said Bill Mahoney, the league's chairman of retirees, "Seth has the best plans for Philadelphia's future."

From MLB.COM

WASHINGTON -- Long-time Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away Monday afternoon after collapsing in the broadcast booth prior to Philadelphia's game at Washington. He was 73.
Team president David Montgomery announced the death. His voice was cracking as he said that "we have lost our voice."

Kalas, the 2002 Ford C. Frick Award winner, was found by Phillies director of broadcasting Rob Brooks and was immediately taken to George Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had been broadcasting Phillies games since 1971 and was known for his distinctive "Outta here!" home run call.

Before his stint with Philadelphia, Kalas was an original member of the Houston Astros' broadcast team from 1965-70.