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Progressive councilmembers intro ‘Philly Wealth Tax’

Councilmember Kendra Brooks is reintroducing her push for what she has dubbed the Philly Wealth Tax.

  • The tax would be on stocks and bonds, which are owned by about 15% of Americans, usually the richest. Pa. had a similar levy on the books in the 20th century, but it wasn’t often enforced.

Brooks may not have broad support among colleagues, Jordan Levy reports, but she hopes the effort advances the conversation during budget season.

Kismet Bagels is about to open a Fishtown cafe

The husband-and-wife partners behind popular Kismet Bagels are planning an April launch for their first storefront.

  • The petite Fishtown cafe will offer bagels by the dozen, plus breakfast sandwiches, coffee, pastries, sourdough loaves, and housemade spreads, with plans to be open daily.

Late night hours are also a possibility, since the shop is close to all the bars, Alisha Miranda reports for Billy Penn.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled 

  • Action News and Eyewitness News were birthed in Philadelphia to capture attention and eyeballs without regard to individuals or community. As the format spread across the nation, local TV news was instrumental in deepening racial tensions and reinforcing stereotypes. [Inquirer$]
  • Once abused and sent to the foster system, Mackenzie Fierceton graduated from Penn with honors and became a Rhodes Scholar — but her story has been challenged by her alleged former abusers, and now the university is withholding her graduate degree. [New Yorker]
  • A 1774 printing of a searing rebuke of slavery by 18th century Black poet Phillis Wheatley is now on display at the Museum of the American Revolution. [AmRev Museum]
  • Later this spring, Love Park will host a weekend pop-up market featuring local Black and brown vendors. Want in? Spaces are still available; cost to set up a table is $100-$300. [PhillyVoice/Eventbrite]
  • OG Birds fans rejoice: Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed the team is bringing back Kelly green uniforms, although they won’t be ready until the 2023-24 season. [Bleeding Green/@Eagles]

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting at the Community College of Philadelphia. 

By the numbers in Philadelphia

  • 43: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 44 the week prior [PPD Google Drive]
  • 495: Shooting victims this year, up 2% from last year [PCGVR]
  • 121: Year-to-date homicides, up 2% from last year [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Kenney joins the city’s biweekly briefing on the city’s gun violence response (1 p.m.), which you can hear live on WURD Radio 900 AM / 96.1 FM or watch on Facebook. He then speaks at the 2022 High-Speed Rail Conference taking place at the Marriott in Center City (3:30 p.m.).

ON THE CALENDAR

? The Philly Pigeon hosts a night of live poetry at PhilaMOCA in the Spring Arts District (fka Eraserhood). Tickets are $10-$30. (8:30 p.m. Friday, April 1)

?? Taller Puertorriqueño is throwing a Quinceañerx, featuring a panel discussion on rethinking the tradition followed by a free glam dance party. (7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 1)