Daniel Pearson

When the planes hit the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001, most of us did not realize it was the first step in the dismantling of the world we knew.

Rarely recognized for what they do, poll workers ensure elections run fairly, smoothly, and efficiently.

Before joining The Inquirer, I worked at the Philadelphia City Commissioners investigating voting irregularities. Mistakes happen — but they’re usually found and fixed, despite the president’s claims.

Plus: A new state budget is in view, if not in focus, and legalized gambling makes the state complicit in a problematic industry.

Plus: Did the city overpay for the former Inquirer building? And what happened to those school district job cuts?

Plus: One Council member wants to make it easier for businesses to operate sidewalk cafes, and the problem with magnet admissions.

Plus: Republicans targeted by the skill games and sports betting industry win their primaries, and Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s inconsistent position on affordable housing.

While some may look to New York, Charm City has much more in common with Philadelphia than the Big Apple.

Plus: Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. says the quiet part out loud as he faces an election challenge.

Plus, Narberth’s novel approach to rezoning, SEPTA’s new public safety push, and Mayor Parker’s verbosity.