Marco Cerino

Philadelphia

General Assignment Reporter at Philadelphia Tribune

City Hall and Political Reporter for @Phillytrib. All opinions mine. RTs/Likes not endorsements. [email protected] if you got something to share.

Articles

Philly Council members offer SEPTA suggestions to help with anticipated budget shortfall

1 week ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

As SEPTA faces a potential “death spiral” of service cuts and fare increases, some City Council members offered suggestions Wednesday on ways to increase money to help fill an anticipated $213 million operating deficit. The transit authority’s leadership testified before the Committee of the Whole in Council chambers, in the final budget hearing before the break for Easter.
Embattled Philly sheriff Bilal responds to critics with first-term report

1 week ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

With increasing calls to dissolve the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office from public and private voices, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal unveiled a report of her accomplishments during her first term in office. The report handed out Monday morning said over 5,000 warrants were served from January 2020 to December 2023, an increase of 35%. High-priority apprehensions went up to 85%, and the office was able to capture seven of the 10 “most wanted” fugitives.
Embattled Philly sheriff responds to critics with term report

1 week ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

With increasing calls to dissolve the Sheriff's Office from public and private voices, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal unveiled a report of her accomplishments during her first term in office. The report handed out on Monday morning boasts over 5,000 warrants were served from January 2020 to December 2023, an increase of 35%. High-priority apprehensions went up to 85%, and the office was able to capture seven of the 10 “Most Wanted” fugitives.
Transit crisis: Leaders rally outside City Hall to urge Harrisburg for help with SEPTA's doomsday budget scenario

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

One day after SEPTA announced a budget that would cut service by nearly half, legislators, labor leaders and transit advocates united to share a singular message: Republicans in the state Senate need to pass a budget that funds transit.
Transit crisis: Leaders rally outside City Hall to urge Harrisburg for help with SEPTA's dooms day budget scenario.

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

One day after SEPTA announced a budget that would cut service by nearly half, legislators, labor leaders and transit advocates united to share a singular message: Republicans in the state Senate need to pass a budget that funds transit.
Council approves resolution urging Harrisburg for a bipartisan budget to help SEPTA

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

After SEPTA announced Thursday its plans to slash services and raise fares if a $213 million deficit isn't filled by July, City Council passed a resolution urging the General Assembly to pass a bipartisan budget that would provide sustainable funding. Failing to meet the deficit will start a “death spiral,” resulting in ending 50 bus routes, five regional rail lines and the Broad-Ridge Spur.
Prison reform advocates rally at City Hall in support of ballot question

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

City Council Minority Whip Nicolas O'Rourke recently visited a Philadelphia prison and saw an inmate wheeled out during a medical emergency. The bedsheets stained with the person's blood stayed with him and is a reason he supports the ballot question to create oversight over the city's jails. Philadelphia voters can decide if the city should create an Office of Prison Oversight and Independent Prison Community Oversight Board as part of the May 20 primary election.
Police improvements highlighted in Council budget hearing

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel heralded his department's success in reducing crime across the city while executing Mayor Cherelle Parker's vision of more community engagement. He told City Council's Committee of the Whole that the collaborative efforts and investments have created better results and improved morale among officers. The PPD have proposed a fiscal year 2026 appropriation just over $872 million.
Mobile speed cameras for Philly school zones advance at Council

2 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

A bill that would introduce mobile speed cameras to school zones across Philadelphia passed through committee Monday afternoon, earning a favorable recommendation from all four members voting. The proposed bill would create a pilot program allowing five speed camera units to rotate among seven pre-determined schools to enforce safe driving. Drivers going at least 11 miles per hour over the school zone speed limit, or 26 miles per hour, would receive tickets after a time of warnings.
Council will seek to increase millage rate for Philly schools

3 weeks ago | phillytrib.com | Marco Cerino

The city's Education Committee Chair Isaiah Thomas, D-At Large, said Friday that City Council will try to move the city's millage rate to 56.5% this budget cycle, as opposed to waiting until fiscal year 2030. Thomas cochaired a special committee in Council Chambers to investigate the addition of a “Chief of Joy” to the School District of Philadelphia.

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Marco Cerino @CerinoRoyale

11 Apr 25

Nice to see my reporting being referenced. Thanks for supporting local, community-supported media!

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas @CMThomasPHL

Yes, SEPTA could be cleaner and safer. That does NOT discount how vital this system is to the health of our city. Transit drives our city and regional economy, and Southeastern PA is the economic engine of the Commonwealth. @PASenateGOP must pass a permanent funding solution. https://t.co/fBPgOYLoiF

Marco Cerino @CerinoRoyale

10 Apr 25

Take the Black Horse Pike like you're going to AC. It's on the way. Delightful visit for those with small children. Lots of fond memories as a kid.

Philadelphia Inquirer Sports @phillysport

Phil and Phillis didn’t last long as the original Phillies mascots. But they live on at Storybook Land. https://t.co/r1ZbxcyGML

Marco Cerino @CerinoRoyale

9 Apr 25

I dont care political leaning or sacred causes. If you don't think James Carville is funny, that's not cool.

Nick Timiraos @NickTimiraos

“I used to think that if there was reincarnation, I wanted to come back as the President or the Pope or as a .400 baseball hitter. But now I would want to come back as the bond market. You can intimidate everybody.” — James Carville