Scientific basis for laws on marijuana, driving questioned

Ex-US Rep. Mel Reynolds wants to plead guilty in tax case

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia is planning to upgrade its emergency radio system and buy some new helmets for its motorcycle unit with some of the money it's getting to host the Democratic National Convention. The city says its federal grant will total $43 million. The mayor's office said Tuesday its initial spending plan includes over $8 million for personnel; over $9.6 million for supplies like batteries for smartphones and motorcycle helmets; and $7.7 million for bigger equipment purchases including 800 megahertz public safety radios. The Office of Emergency Management would not provide a breakdown of how many radios or helmets or other emergency equipment it is buying. It says that's for security reasons. A spokesman says the new helmets "will support dignitary transport." The July 25-28 convention is expected to draw 50,000 visitors.

Philadelphia upgrading radios, helmets with convention grant