Yo, Philly in the News

• "A Philadelphia parents' group sharply criticized the city school district and the USDA yesterday for not acting earlier to recall possibly tainted beef served to children in school cafeterias."
• The latest poll in Pennsylvania shows Hillary Clinton's lead against Obama shrinking, and also suggests that regardless of which candidate wins the Democratic primary, he or she will have a close, tough fight against John McCain. Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Democratic Committee is meeting tonight to choose candidates for the April 22nd primary, and they just might endorse a presidential candidate, too.
• Sources told the Inquirer that Major League Soccer has tentatively set February 28 as the date to announce—at a news conference in the city of Chester—that a new expansion team would be awarded to the Philadelphia region.
• A report released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have made significant progress toward meeting federal emergency preparedness goals but still have some room for improvement.
• "Police are investigating a series of apparently random attacks on SEPTA's Broad Street line in the last week during which gangs of youths—some wearing school uniforms—have pounced on young passengers in the after-school hours."
• The city's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs voted yesterday to send an interesting piece of legislation to the full Council for a vote. It would require tour guides to pay $25 to take a written test to be certified for two years and to wear a badge proving they passed. Tour companies could be fined for failing to comply and their business-privilege license could be revoked for repeated violations. After a two-year test in Center City, the legislation could be expanded for the entire city.

Image Credit: Flickr user PBoGS