Free Talk Live

Just over a year ago, the powers that be in Philadelphia effectively decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana by offering offenders the chance to enroll in a three-hour class that would expunge the offense from their records. Not only did this give Philadelphia police more time and energy to focus on more serious crimes, it has also saved the city a pretty sizable Ziploc bag of green stuff.

Just over a year ago, the powers that be in Philadelphia effectively decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana by offering offenders the chance to enroll in a three-hour class that would expunge the offense from their records. Not only did this give Philadelphia police more time and energy to focus on more serious crimes, it has also saved the city a pretty sizable Ziploc bag of green stuff.

PHILADELPHIA — A kerfuffle over cupcakes in the City of Brotherly Love has dessert lovers sour on Philadelphia's confusing business regulations.

A Swedish man who was arrested after trying to split atoms in his kitchen said Wednesday he was only doing it as a hobby. The 31-year-old Handl said he had tried for months to set up a nuclear reactor at home and kept a blog about his experiments, describing how he created a small meltdown on his stove. Only later did he realize it might not be legal and sent a question to Sweden's Radiation Authority, which answered by sending the police.

There’s some conversation going on in the blogosphere this morning over reports that the City of Philadelphia is telling bloggers that they have to pay a $300 annual fee....

In 2011, the city of Philadelphia paid out $13 million to people alleging harm from police, largely to alleged victims of excessive use of force. Critics say that the city lacks meaningful oversight of police misconduct and, instead of trying to prevent it, treats payments due to the behavior like a cost of doing business. The city, however, doesn’t see a problem, contending that recession-weary Philadelphians and greedy lawyers are suing the city for a paycheck.

The city of Philadelphia has decided to require any blogger who makes money off of advertisements to purchase a business license.

Ceder Falls, Iowa city council voted 6-1 to force all commercial property owner to turn over keys to their buildings under the guise of safety. Many residents showed up to the town meeting in objection to the ordinance. You can also see the blog http://www.nolockbox.org/blog/ for more information and link to news articles.

Packing Heat? You Can Show it in Philadelphia

A police officer spots a citizen on a crowded city street with a handgun proudly strapped to his hip. The officer draws his own gun, and asks the gentleman to kindly get on the ground (using slightly stronger language.) The man insists that he has the right to carry his gun openly. Who’s right?

Open carry legal in Philadelphia with concealed carry permit
Man suing city for civil rights violations after being detained for openly carrying
Laws vary by state; know before you strap on