News & Brews April 16, 2026
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First cigarettes, now Uber
Do you remember back in 2014 when the Pa. House authorized Philadelphia to pass a $2-per-pack cigarette tax to fund city schools? Then-state Rep. Cherelle Parker supported the tax. (I mean c’mon, start smoking. It’s for the kids!) Well, not surprisingly, the tax didn’t magically make the district more financially responsible. So now, cigarette taxes are SO yesterday. Today? An Uber tax! It’s for the kids! The Inquirer reports that the Philly school district says it “will reverse its plan to eliminate 340 classroom-based jobs if Mayor Cherelle L Parker’s $1-per-trip rideshare tax passes.” I mean, if you really want to help kids you can smoke while riding Uber! (Raise your hand if you think this new tax won’t solve Philly’s problems either.)
Elections? Don’t bet on them!
I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t understand prediction markets. No matter how many times someone explains over/unders to me, I just don’t get it. Grammar? Sure, I can do that. Gambling? No clue. Anyway, Delaware County recently approved a resolution banning poll workers from betting on elections via prediction markets. County Elections Director Jim Allen said, “The last thing we need is the referee in elections being accused of having a financial stake in these so-called prediction markets.” I mean, given the concerns over election integrity, he has a point. Now, can someone explain over/unders to me again?
Chaka Fattah, Jr. says he’s cash-strapped; judge disagrees
The Inquirer reports that Chaka Fattah, Jr., the son of former U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah, is claiming he’s been struggling to pay $1 million in restitution following his 2015 conviction on fraud charges, but prosecutors aren’t buying it. “Not only should his six-figure salary at a communications firm have easily covered his monthly restitution payment of $350, they said, Fattah’s own financial records showed a string of discretionary expenses — including thousands of dollars in deposits at casinos last year, and about $15,000 spent at restaurants across the city.” A federal judge agreed, saying yesterday, “It just boggles the mind for someone to come in [to court] and claim hardship when you are clearly not taking your responsibilities seriously. You just seem to be totally blind to your own financial situation. It just is amazing.” Gee, this sounds a whole lot like Democrat lawmakers and the state budget.
Allegheny County voters to consider term limits
This November, voters in Allegheny County will decide on a ballot measure that would impose term limits on county officials. The Post-Gazette reports that a bill recently approved by the county council “authorizes three separate ballot questions asking whether to establish 12-year term limits for the county executive, council members and row officers, including the controller, district attorney, sheriff and treasurer.” Supporters give their usual term limit reasons, while opponents claim the bill targets specific individuals.
PGH Airbnb hosts see low demand for NFL draft
We’ve been hearing a ton about the upcoming NFL draft in Pittsburgh, but the Post-Gazette reports that local Airbnb hosts aren’t seeing the demand for lodging that many expected. “Occupancy across roughly 2,200 Airbnb listings in the city hovered around 50% for draft week — far below what seasoned hosts say should be around 80% this late in the game. And while bookings are still trickling in, the anticipated last-minute surge hasn’t yet materialized.” One explanation could be simple: “This isn’t a fly-in event. It’s mostly a drive-in one,” with most fans coming from local areas, rather than distances.