Yo, Philly in the News

• Lori Delgado filed documents with the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas yesterday alleging that Vince DeMentri acted threateningly to her and her husband and that she feared for her life. For DeMentri’s part, he described their relationship as a "consensual, mutual romantic affiliation."
• An Upper Darby couple has been charged with a marijuana growing operation. Police were called to their house after they phoned in a report of a robbery. Upon searching the premises the police found $10,000 worth of marijuana, law-enforcement badges, Nazi uniforms, and several weapons, including a loaded AK-47.
• Residents of Fishtown took to the streets yesterday to protest the proposed closing of the library on East Montgomery Avenue near Moyer. The library is located near two public schools and a Catholic school, none of which have libraries of their own.
• SEPTA has issued a call for bids on a “smart card” fare collection system. The system will replace tokens, tickets and magnetic-stripe cards that are used by passengers on busses, subways, trains, and trolleys. If it all works out, all you’ll have to do is wave a card at a sensor and hop on your favorite type of public transportation.
• The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled yesterday that police do not have to give suspected drunk drivers a final warning when they refuse a Breathalyzer test. The ruling was unanimous and overturned a portion of an appellate court decision which said that police must read aloud from the last paragraph of the Motor Vehicle Commission Standard Statement for vehicle operators to anyone who refuses the test.
• City Council President Anna Verna has volunteered for a paycut. With the city facing a daunting budget deficit, she circulated a memo to fellow members of council informing them of her decision. She has not asked other council members to join her, but has asked them to contact her if they are inclined to do the same.

Image Credit: Flickr user Saquan Stimpson/monstershaq2000