Philly Cops Plan to Crack Down on Bicyclists

Plus: Gore Vidal dies at 86, another water main break, the Phillies decide to show up, and more of what the city is buzzing about today.

Cops Crack Down on Cyclists. The cops in PPD’s 3rd District have announced their intention to crack down on bicyclists who don’t obey the rules of the road. They’ll be issuing warnings until Labor Day and then citations from then on. [Daily News]

Gore Vidal, Dead at 86. Author and playwright Gore Vidal died on Tuesday, at the age of 86, due to complications with pneumonia. [Washington Post]

Phillies Decided to Show Up. Remember when everyone hoped that the looming trade deadline would inspire the Phillies to right the ship and take it to the Braves? Welp, looks like they were a few days late as the new-look Phils romped the Nats on Tuesday by a score of 8-0. [Phillies]

Another Water Main Break. This one happened Wednesday morning at Front and Tioga. [NBC Philadelphia]

Tween Thug Threatens Reporter. A boy—estimated to be about 12 or 13—has reportedly attempted to rob people, including DN reporter Phillip Lucas, at gunpoint in West Philly at least five times in the past week. Each time the boy has walked away empty-handed. [Daily News]

South Jersey Assemblyman Denies DUI. South Jersey Assemblyman and former Washington Township Mayor Paul Moriarty was asked to submit himself to a field sobriety test and breathalyzer after being pulled over for allegedly cutting an officer off in traffic. Moriarty said he hadn’t been drinking and alleges that the officer who pulled him over had been fired for supposedly being untruthful during an internal affairs investigation, but was later reinstated. [CBS 3]

FEMA to Help Bensalem Firefighters. Firefighters in Bensalem’s Union Fire Company have a boat problem. Mainly, it’s that they’ve been suspended and local government officials want them to find a new owner for their $1 million, 25,000-pound “Bear on the Delaware”—a boat used to fight fires. Don’t worry, though, because FEMA is going to come in and help figure out what to do with it. Councilman Jim Kenney wants it to patrol the Schuylkill. [Inquirer]