Big Tech Victorious Over Mayor Parker, Bike Lanes Back in Court & Pride Controversies
Matt Katz and Abby Fritz are looking back at the week that was on today’s Friday News Roundup. Mayor Parker’s plan to raise taxes on Amazon, Airbnb, and Uber appears to have failed. Why? The plan to protect bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Streets in Center City is back in court. The Pride march and festival this weekend won’t be centered in the gayborhood, and people aren’t happy about that. Plus in our members-only City Cast Philly Neighbors segment, we give you the scoop on jury duty in the city.
Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- Philly City Council rejected Mayor Parker’s proposed taxes on Uber and Airbnb while advancing a $7.1 billion city budget
- Mayor Parker’s proposals to tax tech companies falter as city budget deadline looms
- With Philly budget vote looming, Airbnb launches ad campaign against proposed tax hike on short-term rentals
- City asks court to let it strengthen bike lanes on Pine and Spruce Streets
- Meredith Elementary in South Philadelphia amends Pride celebration after conservative backlash
- Philly Pride365 March and Festival
- Gayborhood bars brace for fallout from Philly Pride move
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