Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D) offered to cover $15 million of the debt accrued by Hahnemann hospital, according to a joint statement released Monday. They’re looking for matching funds from the federal government.
 
The Center City hospital is slated to close later this year, with owners claiming $300 million in debt, including $40 million to the city and state combined. The closure would cost over 2,500 jobs and create a major loss of coverage just north of City Hall.

Some citizens want to see legislatures pass bills with widespread partisan support in rapid fashion to target acknowledged problems. In the case of House Bill 1614, it might be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” 
 
The General Assembly passed a bill that offers “concurrent jurisdiction” in Philadelphia to address the rising gun violence problem in less than a month. Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) introduced the bill on June 11, received only one “nay” vote in both chambers, and was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf (D) on July 2.

Medical professionals told members of the House Democratic Policy Committee and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus that the quality of health care available to citizens often depends upon their income and zip code.
 
The joint hearing took place Wednesday afternoon in Einstein Medical Center in North Philadelphia. Located in the Olney section off North Broad, this hospital offers health care to many lower-income citizens and will likely see more with the closure of Hahnemann Hospital later this year.

Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting has been designated the temporary manager of Hahnemann and St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia by the owners, Pennsylvania Academic Health Systems (PAHS), according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Health last week.
 
PAHS voluntarily agreed to be temporary manager after announcing it will close the Center City-based Hahnemann in late June due to millions in losses since acquiring the facilities from Tenet in 2017. The company filed for bankruptcy as well.

Parx Casino and Rivers Casino launched their online sports books Thursday, following testing during the week.  
 
Joining PlaySugarHouse.com which launched at the end of May, this brings the total of digital sports betting options in the state to three. Pennsylvania has featured only brick-and-mortar books since the first one opened at Hollywood Park in November 2018.