Heard in the Hall

The State Supreme Court dealt casinos foes a major defeat yesterday, clearing the way for the construction of the SugarHouse casino in Fishtown. The 6-1 decision concluded that City Council had deliberately delayed acting to stymie construction of the slots parlor, and the opinion stated that the city "ultimately has no discretion to preclude gaming." Casino Free Philadelphia responded by notifying the press and its members of a "week of actions," including a "Practice Run of a SugarHouse Site Occupation." The Daily News take is here.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell may have gotten what she wanted out of the relocation of the Youth Study Center, but she lost the battle to retain her position as council's majority leader. That post will go to Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who moves up from her old majority whip post. That slot will go to Councilman Darrell Clarke, who edged out Councilman Wilson Goode Jr. for the position. Tasco is expected to work closely with Nutter, as the two have been friendly for years. Nutter and Blackwell would have been a more, um, combustible combination.

Elsewhere, the Daily News reports that top Philadelphia Parking Authority execs are taking an immediate six percent pay cut, a move forced by press scrutiny and the parent groups who've been watching the authority like hawks. And Dave Davies has some ethics suggestions for Mayor-elect Nutter.