Journalist. Co-host and producer of @HallMonitorWPPM. I happily attend local government meetings so you don't have to. www.hallmonitor.org. He/Him
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Articles by Lawrence McGlynn
Philly Wants To Make Food More Affordable
As more and more Philadelphians struggle to put food on the table, city council president Kenyatta Johnson says it’s time for our local government to step in and help. Johnson is introducing legislation to recognize the importance of food security and access to nutrition for all residents, and to find ways to make food more affordable. He plans to look at food pricing and consumer protection, and the possibility of establishing a city-supported grocery store.
Landau Examines SEPTA Passes for All Students; City-Owned Grocery Store Hearing Upcoming
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities held a hearing “examining the status of transit mobility and access for Philadelphia’s students and the expansion of the SEPTA Student Fare Program.” Councilmember Rue Landau, the author of the resolution, said the city was missing the mark when it came to giving students opportunities to use the public transit system.
Affordability Comes Center Stage; Strange Inconsistency in Public Comment Policy
Before we do our usual discussion of City Council legislation, we must address a troubling situation that occurred at Thursday’s Stated Meeting, the Mayor of Downington, Erica Deuso, who is the first transgender mayor in Pennsylvania history, attended the meeting as a guest of Council.
The Problem With Jalen Hurts’ Donation To Philly High School
Tonight on the Hall Monitor, the team tackles the problem with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts helping Philly’s Northeast High School with a generous $600,000 donation for air conditioning. Larry and Denise also talk to councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke about his plan to make life more affordable for Philadelphians. If you value our independent reporting, please support our work.
Council Continues Fight Against Nuisance Businesses; Recognizes Labor
Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced a resolution “authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold a hearing to examine the implementation and enforcement of laws and regulations governing nuisance businesses, including Stop and Go establishments, signage, and window coverings, and to assess how enforcement practices can improve public safety, strengthen community trust, ensure due process, and reduce neighborhood conflict.” Long a topic of concern for Councilmember Bass, who has...
Will O’Rourke’s Plan Make Philly More Affordable?
Philly councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke has introduced a new plan to make life more affordable in our city. Will it work? The Hall Monitor team takes a deep dive into his proposals and whether they go far enough.
Keep Data Centers Out Of Philly, Protesters Say
Big Tech is targeting Philly with data centers and it has to stop, residents say. “We need a moratorium now,” members of the No Data Centers in Philly coalition said at a rally on Sept. 14. No more big data centers without strict guardrails — and stop fuelling the AI surveillance systems like Flock that over-police us, protesters told city officials.
Council Returns with Trash Legislation, Concerns About Museum Closure
It was a busy first City Council meeting of the fall session, with several important pieces of legislation introduced and, somehow, a bomb scare that delayed the proceedings for over an hour. We were forced to exit the chambers about an hour after the meeting began, and were required to stay outside for over an hour until police had confirmed the issue was a false alarm.
Philly Police’s Heavy-Handed Pride Response
This year’s police response to Philly Pride was heavy-handed and traumatic to the the LGBTQ community, says councilmember Rue Landau. Community members recounted police on motorcycles and horses driving pedestrians out of the way, and officers wearing face masks. “It was a really scary moment,” Landau says. That’s why she demanded answers from the police in a public hearing at council. Landau tells the Hall Monitor what community members want to see change.
City Council Returns with Difficult Problems to Address
Philadelphia City Council will begin its Fall session on Thursday, September 17. Typically, Fall sessions are heavier on new council initiatives and legislation, as council offices have the entire summer to prepare. It would be understandable if this upcoming session is even busier than usual, as several outstanding issues from the Spring remain unresolved, and 2027 is an election year.
How To Get Rid Of Old Electronics Safely In Philly
What do you do with your old devices when you can no longer update them? We asked Penn Environment how to recycle or dispose of your old Kindle and other electronics safely in Philly. Also on tonight’s show: The Philadelphia school board wants you to sit on the committee to guide their upcoming school closures. Nobody wanted these school closures, says education reporter Lisa Haver, but the board is closing 17 schools anyway.
Kids Drinking Lead-Laced Water In Philly Schools
Kids are the most vulnerable to lead contamination, so why is the drinking water in Philly schools still full of lead? In 2018, Pennsylvania passed a statewide law requiring more lead testing, and remediation if lead is detected. But the law was confusing and created loopholes, says David Masur from PennEnvironment. That’s why Masur is pushing for changes to keep our kids safe.
Gov. Shapiro Wants To Cut Methane Pollution In PA
Governor Shapiro isn’t waiting for Trump’s EPA; he’s drafting his own rules to cut methane pollution in Pennsylvania, and environmental advocates are calling it a win. The Philadelphia Hall Monitor spoke with Flora Cardoni from PennEnvironment on July 29, 2026, to learn more about methane, the dangers it poses to our air quality and health, and the new rules being drafted in our state. The new limits are definitely a step in the right direction for air quality in PA, Cardoni says.
Council Questions Police Commissioner Over Police Response at Philly Pride
The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Legislative Oversight held a long-awaited hearing “examining the strategy and tactics deployed by the City of Philadelphia for crowd control” during last June’s Pride Parade. Philadelphia Police were videotaped using aggressive tactics to quell what they claimed was a violent crowd; using tasers, horses, motorcycles, and crowd control implements, and wearing masks to hide their identities, which are strictly prohibited by the Police Department.
Where Are Philly’s ICE Out Laws?
Vanessa Maria Graber is an award-winning bilingual journalist, educator, and community organizer. She is a reporter/producer at the Philadelphia Hall Monitor and leads community engagement efforts. Vanessa Maria also works at the media and technology advocacy organization, Free Press, as the News Voices Director. In this role, she connects local communities and the newsrooms that serve them via public engagement, advocacy campaigns and collaborative projects.
Who’s Out In Mayor Parker’s Strange Cabinet Shakeup
Who’s in and out in Mayor Parker’s cabinet shakeup — and will anyone miss Philly’s previous managing director, Adam Thiel? The Hall Monitor co-hosts break it down in this week’s livestream. Also on this week’s show: Will the school board reconsider its 17 school closures just because some city councilmembers now want them to revisit the plan? Hall Monitor co-hosts Larry McGlynn and Denise Clay-Murray doubt it.
Councilmembers Want School Board to Resume Discussions on School Closings
PECO Workers and their union representatives held a press conference on Thursday announcing their intention to strike if their demands are not met by the…
Why Philadelphia Gets An “F” In Air Quality
Last week’s smoke from Canadian wildfires isn’t the only pollutant choking the air quality in and around Philly. So, why hasn’t city council passed the “Don’t Trash Our Air Act” yet? Hint: Mayor Parker wants to keep sending our trash to Chester for incineration. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier has been pushing to end Philly’s contract with Chester’s trash incinerating company, Reworld, for nearly a year.
Another Unhinged Tirade By The Most Corrupt President in United States History
PLBechly, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons For the umpteenth time, Donald Trump embarrassed the United States on the national stage Thursday night by continuing to peddle conspiracy theories about the results of the 2020 election.
Winners And Losers In PA’s New $51B Budget
Pennsylvania finally passed its new budget, and only 13 days late. The Hall Monitor breaks down what is and isn’t in the state’s new $50.8 billion budget. Schools will get some help but transit lost out, and a lot of questions remain overall. Co-hosts Larry McGlynn and Denise Clay-Murray are here to dig in to this “safe” budget’s winners and losers. “It’s what didn’t get into the budget that stands out to me,” Clay-Murray says.
Forget a Pilot: Basic Income Needed for Those Living in Poverty Now
It is long past time for the city of Philadelphia to implement a guaranteed basic income program for families living below the poverty line. Studies have shown the efficacy of such programs to not only deliver underprivileged and underserved families out of poverty, but to also stimulate local economies via the increased purchasing power of those receiving the benefits.
PECO Workers Stood Up To Philly’s Utility Execs — And Won
When PECO workers, who repair lines in storms and do other dangerous work to keep our electricity flowing, asked for their pensions back, executives from Philadelphia’s profitable electric utility said no. After months of failed negotiations, the workers finally decided to go on strike, union president Larry Anastasi tells the Philadelphia Hall Monitor in this week’s livestream.
PA’s Budget Late Again For 5th Year In A Row
For the fifth year in a row, Pennsylvania has once again missed the deadline for passing its annual state budget. Denise Clay-Murray explains why it matters and who will be most impacted in this week’s Hall Monitor livestream. “Do your job!” she tells Harrisburg legislators. “And your job right now is to pass the budget!” The Philadelphia Hall Monitor has launched a Countdown Clock to see how long it takes for PA’s budget to finally pass. Sign up for our free newsletter to watch the countdown.
PECO Workers Prepared to Strike on July 4th
PECO Workers and their union representatives held a press conference on Thursday announcing their intention to strike if their demands are not met by the company. Lawrence Anastasi, President and Business Manager of Local 614, the union representing the electrical workers who, amongst other things, perform maintenance and repair work on power lines and other electrical infrastructure, said the union would go on strike at 12:01 AM on July 4th if their contractual demands are not met.
Water Rates to Increase for Seventh Straight Year
On September first, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), with the full support of the advocate appointed by the Water Rate Board, the body that sets rates, will raise rates again. This will be the 7th consecutive year that PWD has, without public input, negotiated a rate increase with the rate board’s advocate. The effect is that rates have risen by 52%. Far outpacing inflation and creating an ever-increasing burden on working people in Philadelphia.
Landau Wants to Limit Processing Fees; Call for Hearing on Police Aggression at Pride Events
Councilmember Rue Landau introduced legislation “to establish restrictions on the collection of convenience or processing fees via online payment portals and provide for remedies.” The legislation would regulate so-called “pay-to-pay” fees, which are assessed when a customer makes a payment through a particular online channel, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Who’s Looking Out For Uber Riders And Drivers In Philly?
Mayor Parker’s ride-share tax failed, but that doesn’t mean anybody is protecting Uber drivers and riders in Philly. The failed tax increase is a win for Corporate Uber, not the people who rely on its services or the drivers that provide those services, says consumer reporter Lance Haver. Also on this week’s Hall Monitor livestream: City council promises to help the school board find more funding, and the city recognizes the work of community members who care for Philly’s vacant lots.
Rider Protections Ignored During Battle Over Ride-Share Tax
For anyone who denies the political power of a billion-dollar corporation, consider how Uber was able to persuade people that it was concerned about average workers. Uber does not pay a minimum wage in PA. In Massachusetts, the state had to sue Uber to get the company to agree to pay a minimum wage. But the minimum wage the company says it pays is misleading. Uber and Lyft drivers have to pay for gas, maintenance, their own insurance, and repairs.
Parker Views Final Budget As Defeat; Council Avoids Implementing Ride-share Tax
An unusual budget season came to an end on Thursday, as Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of the Whole favorably recommended the city Operating Budget, the Capital Budget, the Capital Program. Meanwhile, Council rejected Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Rideshare Tax, and the proposed increase on the Hotel Tax, which seemed unlikely to survive a Uniformity challenge, was scuttled by the State Assembly’s unwillingness to approve required authorization legislation.
Hunger Strikers Ask Mayor: Use $1B Surplus To Make Philly More Affordable
Vanessa Maria Graber is an award-winning bilingual journalist, educator, and community organizer. She is a reporter/producer at the Philadelphia Hall Monitor and leads community engagement efforts. Vanessa Maria also works at the media and technology advocacy organization, Free Press, as the News Voices Director. In this role, she connects local communities and the newsrooms that serve them via public engagement, advocacy campaigns and collaborative projects.
Phillips Introduces Resolution to Examine Parks Spending
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced a resolution “authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings on the condition of the City’s public park system, including funding, maintenance, infrastructure, staffing, safety, and opportunities to establish sustainable long-term revenue streams to support Philadelphia’s parks, recreation centers, and public green spaces.” According to the resolution, the City of Philadelphia...
Who Voted For Rabb In Philly’s Key Primary?
It’s been a week since Chris Rabb’s surprise victory in Pennsylvania’s 3rd district Primary, and our co-hosts have taken a deep dive into who voted for him and why. Lance, Denise and Larry break down the results ward by ward in our livestream this week. Here’s a hint: the gentrified neighborhoods definitely chose Rabb. The Hall Monitor team also looks at the dismal election turnout, and what that means for these primary results. Also on this week’s show: SEPTA’s new bus revolution.
How Did Rabb Trounce Street In PA’s 3rd District Primary?
The Hall Monitor team unpacked Tuesday’s surprise primary election results in Pennsylvania’s 3rd district, in our livesteam this week on YouTube. Hosts Larry McGlynn, Denise Clay-Murray, and Lance Haver analyzed the primary election results and looked at all the variables that may have contributed to State Rep. Chris Rabb’s victory on May 19, including voter turnout. For more in-depth news and analysis from Philly, watch our weekly livestream every Wednesday at 6pm EST on our YouTube channel.
Who Will Win PA’s Democratic Primary on May 19?
May 19 is a big voting day in Pennsylvania. The state’s 3rd Congressional District has long been represented by Rep. Dwight Evans, but with his retirement, a host of Democratic candidates are now vying for the job. The three major candidates to keep an eye on: State Senator Sharif Street, State Rep. Chris Rabb, and Dr. Ala Stanford. To help the Hall Monitor team preview this tightly contested primary, we’re talking to Philadelphia Tribune reporter Marco Cerino.
How City Council All But Guaranteed Water Rate Increases
At a time when City Council should be doing everything it can to reduce costs for Philadelphians, members instead voted to raise the cost of your monthly water bill by reappointing Water Commissioner Abby Pozefsky, who has consistently voted for rate increases. It is estimated this year’s increase could raise some users’ rate by $35.00. This comes at a time when “affordability” has become a buzz word in political circles, including, ironically enough, Philadelphia City Council.
Thomas Introduces Resolution Examining Composition of School Board
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced a resolution “authorizes the Council Committee on Education to conduct hearings into the governance model of the School Board.” The dispute between City Council and the School Board has reached a fever pitch as of late, with members of Council angrily confronting the School Board at the meeting where the contentious facilities plan, which is slated to close 17 district schools, was passed by a 6-3 vote.
Philly Board Closes 17 Schools Despite Public Opposition
After months of public pushback from students, parents, and even some city councilmembers, the Philadelphia school board voted to pass its new plan at a tense meeting on April 30, 2026. The plan will close 17 schools and impact many others, with mergers, grade-band changes, and catchment-area changes. Our education reporter Lisa Haver was at the meeting and brings us all the details. Who really pushed for this plan, she asks, and why did they ignore public feedback?
Unelected School Board Ignores Public Outcry In Philly
The Philadelphia school board’s unelected leaders look poised to pass their contentious new schools plan, despite significant pushback from parents, students, teachers, and communities, says education reporter Lisa Haver. Has the school district listened to public feedback at all, Haver asks? Despite public opposition, 17 schools are likely to close (down from the originally proposed 20), and many more are likely to see changes to their grades, their catchment areas, or be forced to merge.
Property Reassessments Should Be Mailed By End of May; Council Questions Elements of HOME Plan
City Council Budget Hearings continued with the Office of Property Assessment, the city agency tasked with evaluating property and determining the tax owed on every individual building in the city. James Aros Jr., the director of OPA, said the city would perform a property reassessment this year, but did not expect taxes to increase as substantially as they had during previous reassessments. “We’re on schedule to mail notices around the end of May,” Aros said.
Board Disregards the Will of the People
Moffet Elementary first-grader Maximo Cordes, with mother Sarah Cordes, testifies at April 23 Board of Education meeting. (Photo: Lisa Haver) In a democratic society, the will of the people determines public policy. Laws are passed after elected officials hear from their constituents, whose voices can be heard at public hearings and peaceful demonstrations. Under a totalitarian system, the government imposes its will on the people.
Budget Hearings Take Strange Turn; Administration Forced to Admint No Job Losses If Rideshare Tax Not Approved
Budget season took a unique turn on Tuesday when the Administration, in council to testify on the upcoming tax legislation, found itself on the defensive when Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson called for a rare parliamentary maneuver compelling school district officials to immediately testify at the hearing.
SEPTA, Police, and Public Safety Present Budgets; Committee Advances ICE-OUT Legsislation
The Philadelphia City Council Committee of the Whole heard testimony on the package of legislation introduced by Councilmembers Landau and Brooks aimed at curbing the activities of ICE in Philadelphia. Councilmember Rue Landau said this legislation was essential because the 250th Anniversary of the nation meant discussions about freedom, liberty, and the founding ideas of America.
Budget Hearings Focus on Trash Incineration, Affordability
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier questioned Clean and Green Commissioner Carlton Williams about the city’s existing contract with ReWorld, the owners of the trash incinerator housed in Chester, Pennsylvania. Gauthier cited studies showing that burning trash is 69% worse than landfilling and 23 times as harmful across all other public health and environmental measures combined.
O’Rourke’s Landlord/Tenant Bills Approved by Committee; Budget Hearings Continue
For the third time, the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless heard testimony on Bills No. 250329 and 250330. The legislation, which adds new regulations to the city’s landlord and tenant laws, has faced backlash from groups representing property owners and landlords.
Kids ‘Collateral Damage’ In Philly’s New School Plan
18 school closures, 16 redrawn catchment areas, 0 public consultation: The Philadelphia school district’s new facilities plan “makes no sense,” says education reporter Lisa Haver. The district’s plan is based on imaginary funding, and features misinformation, missing enrolment figures, and a lack of data, Haver told the Hall Monitor livestream on April 1, 2026. The district didn’t consult students, teachers or parents, she says, yet it plans to casually kick kids out of of their schools.
First Week of Budget Hearings Focus On HOME Plan, Pensions
Budget season began this week for Philadelphia City Council, as various city departments provided testimony on financial needs and their general operations.
Who Will Have To Pay Philly’s New Rideshare Tax?
Hall Monitor co-hosts Larry McGlynn and Denise Clay-Murray broke down Mayor Cherelle Parker’s new budget for Philadelphia, and especially its proposed new taxes, on the March 25, 2026 livestream. That surprise new rideshare tax and other proposed taxes on retail delivery, hotels, and cell towers? The revenue they’re expected to generate almost equals the money the city lost when it cut wage and business taxes a few years ago, McGlynn points out.
Council Looks at Workforce Development; Landau Introduces Trans Health Hearing Resolution
The Philadelphia City Council Committees on Commerce and Economic Development heard testimony on Resolution No. 260032, “authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to assess the City of Philadelphia’s workforce development efforts and existing barriers to employment, and to evaluate job creation and workforce development as strategies to eliminate poverty for Philadelphians.” The hearing was held at the behest of Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who...
What You Need to Know About Mayor Parker’s New Budget For Philly
From $10 million for work force training to 1,000 new beds for homeless people, Hall Monitor co-hosts Larry McGlynn and Denise Clay-Murray broke down the key points in Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed new budget for Philadelphia, on this week’s livestream. The budget also proposes money for a Pothole Squad, and $211 million from the Opioid Settlement funds to fight addiction in Kensington. How will city council respond to this budget?
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker made her annual budget address before City Council, the third of her first term in office. The proposed 2027 Operating Budget is just over $6.9 billion in spending on revenues of $6.5 billion. The difference between revenue and expenditures will be covered by previous fund balances.
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