Your Daily Guide

Today law enforcement officers can begin removing "skill games" from businesses across the commonwealth. These casino-style games have proliferated in bars, clubs, gas stations, and stores.

• Why Are They Being Removed? Earlier this year the state's Supreme Court ruled that they are slot machines and must adhere to the same rules as gambling devices in casinos. State lawmakers had a chance to regulate and tax these games, which could have increased state revenue, but have yet to do so despite bipartisan support.
• Small Game, Big Debate. These gaming consoles have garnered major pushback since they began popping up. Now as many as 100,000 of these games are in the state, with some lawmakers and community members arguing that the machines promote gambling and fuel crime. Businesses say they attract customers and help with revenue.
• How They Spread Across PA. While they are now technically categorized as slot machines, before the courts weighed in it was argued that these games have elements that require some skill to win rather than solely relying on chance. This grey area allowed business owners to put them in their establishments while skirting regulations and licensing needed to operate traditional slot machines.
• The Clock Ran Out. The 120-day grace period is up for businesses still operating these machines, and law enforcement has indicated they will begin enforcing this new rule today. Officers can seize the machines, and businesses can face criminal prosecution. Bars still housing these games could have their liquor licenses stripped.
• This Could Be Reversed. While lawmakers have yet to approve legislation to regulate these machines, they may still have an appetite for a new law. Last week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court turned down a last-minute request from lawmakers to extend the grace period on criminalizing the machines. The legislature could still create laws legalizing these games, even after enforcement has begun.
• Too Little, Too Late. While it's still possible to change course on how the state plans to regulate these gaming machines, many businesses have likely already made a call on what to do with the consoles, and law enforcement is set to remove the remaining ones.

Cop Killed in West Philly; Suspect Previously Charged

The man who allegedly shot and killed a 40-year-old Philadelphia police officer on Saturday had been acquitted of murder in a 2023 case that is getting renewed scrutiny. Officer Shane Seiber, a father of two, was shot alongside his partner, who is hospitalized and in stable condition. Eric Lewis is charged with the killing and for shooting at nine additional officers who weren't struck. [NBC 10, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Solving Our Shortage of Nurses

Burnout, an aging workforce, and retention challenges contributed to a shortage of nurses in Pennsylvania, but accelerated degree programs and loan repayment opportunities at local universities are helping bridge the gap. [🔒 The Inquirer]

AI Reports Fake Tip To Philly Police

Claude submitted a phony tip regarding an unsolved murder case, stating: "I recall seeing someone matching the description in the area." The company waited nine days after discovering this misstep to report it to the authorities. [ABC News]

The Weirdest Philly Laws

Hidden inside a 2,000-page document detailing all of Philadelphia's laws is a $5 fine for performing on the street, the nation’s most extensive horse welfare law, and a regulation requiring laundromats to have public phones. And that's just scratching the surface. [The Philadelphia Citizen]

• Related: The state isn't much better at updating antiquated laws. Take its ban on fortune-telling and fishing with dynamite, for example. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

We're back with another "Where Is It?" challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.

Do you know where this mural is?

The search for this street art will be super pleasant with the weather cooling down. Fall walks are so back! While you're out looking, you can also:

• Find a cozy third space to spend the fall in.
• Consider trying Wawa sushi.
• Get the coolest dad hat in town.
• Lock down some solid Halloween plans.

Congratulations to Kelly from Queen Village for being the first person to guess last week's "Where Is It?" challenge correctly. The foliage-themed mural is at the northwest corner of Mario Lanza Park in Queen Village, alongside some of the oldest London Plane trees in the city.