Yo, Philly in the News

• Larry Mendte filed lawsuits against two Inquirer columnists and a former Daily News writer as well as the newspapers' owner, Philadelphia Media Holdings. He claims that he was defamed by the papers in their coverage of his relationship with Alycia Lane.
• None of the citizens who brought suspected rapist Jose Carrasquillo to justice will be charged. Said Charles Ramsey, "I don't condone violence. Members of the community were very upset over this, and some may have used more force than a trained police officer."
• New Jersey's gubernatorial race is heating up. Jon Corzine is lashing at republican candidate Christopher Christie as being a George W. Bush cronie. Christie is putting New Jersey's fiscal crisis on Governor Corzine's shoulders.
• The City of Philadelphia is lax in its fine collection. Philly has $20 million in outstanding fines from the last three years according to the City Controller. In addition to the $20 million, the city has ~$34 million in fines that are older than three years.
• The Phillies swept the San Diego Padres yesterday by winning 5-1 at Petco park. J.C. Romero made his triumphant comeback, pitching 1.1 innings and allowing an unearned run. The victory marked the Phillies' sixth straight win.

Image Credit: Flickr user dcJohn