Al Franken Goes After Comcast & NBC

Michael Meehan Retains Hold On City GOP. But it was a contentious affair, with some opposition ward leaders kicked out of the meeting and 30 protesters standing outside. Upstart Republican leader Al Schmidt, who lost out to Meehan for chairman, nonetheless said it was progress: “I don’t know the last time we had a vote for chairman that was anything but unanimous.” Democracy. What a concept. [Daily News]

Toomey: Credit Default Swaps Invented “Six Years After I Left the Business.” The Senate candidate, who worked on Wall Street 20 years ago, says he had nothing to do with the current financial meltdown. Dems, apparently, beg to disagree. [PoliticsPA]

SEPTA Stars On TV. Apparently not to be outdone by the Parking Authority, which has its own show, SEPTA will be featured on tonight’s World’s Toughest Fixes on the National Geographic Channel. The Scoop never knew municipal services were so fascinating. What’s next: A Showtime drama on the Recorder of Deeds office? [Inquirer]

Al Franken Takes Aim at Comcast-NBC Merger. He grilled a top Justice department official, saying he had an “inherent distrust” of Comcast’s and NBC’s promises, and that “it matters who runs our media companies.” Remember when Al used to be funny? [Multichannel News]

Why Are Health Insurance Rates Skyrocketing? That’s what the Governor wants to know, and he’s asking the state insurance department to investigate some of the “truly exorbitant hikes.” Ed says some insurers may be trying to soak customers before insurance reform kicks in. [Morning Call]

A Third Theatre for Bryn Mawr Film Institute. They’ve gotten a $2.5 million grant from the state to help pay for the $5.5 million in renovations. [Business Journal]

What’s Brian Billick Doing at Eagles Practice? The Super Bowl-winning ex-Ravens coach has been at several of the team’s minicamp sessions this week, leading to some speculation he could be joining Andy Reid’s staff. Or not. [Bleed Green]