Mayor Nutter Serious About Education Reform

Nutter Visits Denver, Says Philly Schools Need to Adapt. Mayor Nutter’s second inaugural speech focused on the city’s school district and the changes that need to be made as a result of the citywide budget crisis. Although he was rather vague, the mayor vocalized his belief that personnel changes might be necessary to ensure that the school district keeps pace. Nutter avoiding naming names, instead deferring to the SRC. Hey, we heard Ackerman’s available. [Inquirer]

Republican Assemblyman Dies in NJ Statehouse. Alex DeCroce—New Jersey’s top-ranking Republican assemblyman—died late last night after collapsing in the men’s room of the statehouse. Governor Chris Christie has postponed his State of the State address and will instead deliver a speech about DeCroce. [CBS 3]

Sixers Win Fifth Straight. The Sixers beat the Pacers 96-86 at the Well last night. It was the team’s fifth consecutive win and opened up a grueling back-to-back-to-back stretch that won’t be entirely uncommon in this condensed NBA season. Tonight it’s the Kings at home and tomorrow it’s the Knicks at the Garden. Oh, and the Sixers are in first place. [The 700 Level]

NJ Legislature Passes Sports Gambling Measure. A bill that would legalize sports betting at racetracks and casinos in New Jersey passed the state Senate and the state Assembly with a total of only two nay votes. It’ll now hit Governor Christie’s desk to be signed into law. Too bad it wasn’t legal sooner—the entire city could have made a fortune by driving to A.C. to take the points in practically every Birds game this year. [Inquirer]

Cops Use Texts to Warn of Burglaries. In 2011, the burglary rate jumped 13 percent (more than any other crime). Now, crooks are hitting the same apartments multiple times and coming back for stuff they might have missed. Philadelphia Police are using text messages and e-mail alerts to warn people of problem areas and to remind them to lock doors and windows. [FOX 29]

10 Rittenhouse Auction Sale. Philly’s new sheriff will oversee his first foreclosure auction today. The item up for bid is 129 units in the 10 Rittenhouse condo complex. The units will be sold in four portfolios. All of this, and a controlling stake in the building itself, can be yours if the price is right. [Philadelphia Business Journal]