Extra SNAP benefits expiring for 485k Philadelphians
Nearly a third of Philly residents will have less to spend on groceries this month as a pandemic-era assistance program runs out.
- More than 3 in 10 Philadelphians rely on SNAP benefits, and the added emergency allocation has been key in feeding families struggling with added hardship the past three years.
The end feels like “a rug pulled out from underneath you,” but people are finding ways to deal with it. “I’m a strong person and I’ve been through worse,” one mother told Asha Prihar.
→ Hear their stories and find resources
6 notable women in Philly history you might not know
It’s no secret Philadelphia is full of history, or that women have been very much a part of it.
- Throughout the eras, great names ring — but there are lots more who’ve made a mark but aren’t quite household names. They are abolitionists and scientists, artists and athletes.
For International Women’s Day, Asha Prihar took a look at the lives of six notable people whose legacies are connected to Philadelphia.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- In Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget: a half-billion dollar increase for education; new funding for childcare, pre-K programs, food stamps, and mental health services in schools; and expanded tax rebates for renters and homeowners. [WENY]
- The artificial grass at the old Veterans Stadium contained PFAS chemicals, and some former Phillies wonder if that contributed to the brain cancer deaths of six of their teammates. [Inquirer$]
- A new visitor center made of recycled cargo containers opens later this month on the apron of the Art Museum, between the Rocky statue and the steps. [PhillyVoice]
- Can you tell if a text is AI-generated? Test your ability to tell if humans or a computer wrote something with this test from Penn researchers. [Technically/Roft]
- A dog stole the show at a Philadelphia Union match in El Salvador last night, running onto the field and diving straight for the ball. [MLS/@FOXSoccer]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- Expansion for two Philly nonprofits concentrating on youth intervention: The NOMO Foundation just opened its third resource center in West Philly; and the McClain Foundation started a new juvenile justice therapy program in Norris Square. [Fox29/WHYY]
- Philadelphia mom Tashawn Strother created an audio documentary about her family’s journey after her son was shot and critically wounded on NYE 2019. The work is part of the Credible Messenger Reporting Project. [PCGVR x 2]
- The Philly Truce app team hosts a conflict resolution and life skills clinic at Drexel on March 18 and 25, and there’s a free tablet in it for people who qualify. [Citizen/Google Forms]
- Gun violence prevention activist Jamal Johnson will begin his 7th annual “Stop Killing Us” march to Washington at noon Friday. [BP 2021/@JAMAL_SKU]
- What do Philadelphians want to see covered in the media? 70% of residents mentioned crime and safety, per a new Lenfest Institute study that’s full of other interesting insights about news consumption and coverage. [WHYY/Lenfest]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 22: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 30 the week prior. [City Controller via @PCGVR]
- 283: Shooting victims this year so far, down 27% vs. this time last year. [PCGVR]
- 79: Year-to-date homicides, down 17% vs. last year’s pace; up 55% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing on the public schedule for Mayor Kenney today. Yesterday his social media team fired off a rare public jab at the press, starting a Twitter thread with, “The @PhillyInquirer editorial board is tracking who tweets about gun violence, but tweeting doesn’t address the problem… Here’s what we’re doing.”
ON THE CALENDAR
📟 String Theory Schools and the NAACP host a mayoral candidates forum about technology, innovation, and public education. You can attend in person at 1600 Vine St. or watch the livestream here. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9)
⚙️ The East Passyunk BID hosts “Women Mean Business: Rock Your Revenue,” a panel discussion with tips about launching your own biz as a woman in Philly. Tickets are $10. (6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 13)
🪄 Make plans to visit the Museum of Illusions if you want to take advantage of a week of 1-year anniversary specials, like magicians, 20% off tickets, and free goodie bags. (Monday to Friday, March 13-17)
Catch up on the previous week
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