sleach@metro.us

A blog covering crime, education, transit and other random musings of Metro staff writer Solomon D. Leach. Solomon has worked for Metro since 2007 and hates writing autobiographical blurbs.

Mayor Michael Nutter unveils $3.6 billion proposed budget

March 08, 2012

Spending plan includes higher property-tax bills for most homeowners, hiring more police, improving city facilities and modest reductions.

Small Philly Pops Parade traveling through Center City

March 06, 2012

Traffic delays and closures on South Broad Street and Walnut Street will be intermittent.

Still no motive in Strawberry Mansion home invasion shooting of husband, wife

March 05, 2012

Investigator have not ruled out a case of mistaken identity in the fatal shooting.

Father killed, wife critical following Strawberry Mansion home invasion

March 05, 2012

Investigators say two children were home at the time, but unharmed.

UPDATES: Black Madam Padge Windslowe accused of holding 'pumping parties' in silicone injection case

March 01, 2012

Padge Victoria Windslowe, wanted in connection with a botched-injection death last year, is accused of illegally injecting another woman almost two weeks ago.

With the month almost over, Gov. Corbett declares February Black History Month in Pa.

February 16, 2012

Someone probably thought this was a politically savvy move.

TSA training instructor accused of bribery

February 16, 2012

The instructor allegedly accepted $200 in exchange for a passing grade on a mandatory exam.

Eighth-grader arrested for assault on teacher at Leeds Middle School

February 13, 2012

A school district spokesperson said the fight erupted over a graded assignment.

Philly goes for the Guinness World Record with a Soul Train Line down the Art Museum steps

February 13, 2012

The real question is will Mayor Nutter be popping and locking?

Jerry Sandusky granted visits with his grandkids

February 13, 2012

A judge also granted him the right to select a local jury, despite opposition from prosecutors.

Police nab alleged rapist in less than four hours

February 10, 2012

The suspect was arrested thanks to a tip police received minutes after an image was sent to the media.

Marcellus Shale impact fee headed to Corbett's desk

February 08, 2012

The state House voted in favor of the bill today by a 101-90 vote.

Valley Forge Resort Casino approved for 50 table games

February 08, 2012

The resort casino will feature poker, blackjack and roulette tables when it opens this spring.

Elderly woman to whiny girl on SEPTA: I'll show you what ghetto I come from

February 08, 2012

This is not your grandmother's SEPTA...unless that is your grandmother.

Mike Vick rated the 'Most Disliked' Athlete in recent poll

February 08, 2012

The Eagles QB tops the list, which also includes playboy Tiger Woods, turncoat LeBron James and prima donna Terrell Owens.

Kensington warehouse destroyed by early-morning blaze

February 08, 2012

No injuries were reported in the raging fire. The cause is under investigation.

Higher ed officials react to Gov. Corbett's proposed cuts

February 07, 2012

Temple University and Penn State would face a 30-percent reduction if the plan is approved.

South Philadelphia man charged in subway assault, robbery

February 06, 2012

A 29-year-old man is accused of robbing a man in the Snyder station.

Former House leader DeWeese convicted of corruption

February 06, 2012

The once-powerful Democrat insisted he will his reelection campaign.

Viewing for Cardinal Bevilacqua begins today

February 06, 2012

A public viewing will begin today at 5:30, followed by another viewing Tuesday at 8 a.m.

SugarHouse sees big surge in January slots revenue

February 02, 2012

Slot machine revenue was up more than 50 percent from the previous year.

Some groundhog with a weird name predicts 6 more weeks of winter, people boo

February 02, 2012

I guess Philadelphians aren't the only ones who boo famous figures.

UPDATE: Suspect busted in Drexel LSD ring is son of antiwar activist Celeste Zappala

January 31, 2012

Five people have been charged, including two Drexel students, in the multimillion dollar ring.

Preliminary hearing continued for man accused of beating Rangers fans outside Geno's

January 31, 2012

Dennis Veteri is charged with aggravated assault and related charges in the Jan. 2 incident.

UGG-style boots outlawed in area school

January 30, 2012

A policy outlawing the comfortable footwear takes effect today in Pottstown Middle School.

Nutter targets "unprecedented" violence with new measures

January 26, 2012

The plan looks to crack down on those possessing illegal guns and encouraging community members to speak up.

Pa. is third in the nation in rate of black murder victims

January 25, 2012

The commonwealth ranks only behind Missouri and Michigan in the annual study.

Jessica Buchanan: Local grad rescued by Navy SEALs who killed bin Laden

January 25, 2012

Jessica Buchanan, 32, attended a small religious school in Chester County.

Center City dentist, daughter charged with bilking insurers

January 18, 2012

The two are behind bars and could face up to 317 years in prison.

New airline coming to Philly with non-stop service to L.A., San Francisco

January 17, 2012

Virgin America, a chic carrier which launched in 2007, will begin service in April.