Newsletter
The Eagles’ new social justice advocate; Soda tax not paying for pre-K; Fighting for a Sharswood home
Newsletter for Wednesday, Mar 14 2018
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Michael Bennett, new Eagles defensive end, is an advocate for social justice
The Eagles are about to have another outspoken player on their team. Defensive end Michael Bannett, traded from Seattle, is known for being a vocal activist around social justice issues. He was one Colin Kaepernick's staunchest supporters, and has been known to sit through the anthem himself. He also puts his money where his mouth is: He started a foundation that provides education and nutrition to families in need, and donated last year's endorsement money to charity.
So far, Philly has only spent around 26% of soda tax revenue on schools
A new report from Rebecca Rhynhart's City Controller office looked at the money brought in by Philly's soda tax so far — and found the majority of it is not going toward pre-K or community schools. From a total of $85 million collected so far, the report says, only 26 percent went to those educational programs, which were a pillar of Mayor Kenney's argument for enacting the new tariff. So far, at least, most revenue is going to the General Fund. The Mayor's Office has not yet responded to the report.
Fighting to buy the house he calls home in Sharswood
Nearly four years ago, Greg Bullock lost his son to gun violence, from a shooting right outside his house in Philly’s Sharswood neighborhood. After the tragedy, he turned his rowhome at 26th and Master streets into a community hub, providing childcare and activities for area kids. But now, Bullock’s landlord has decided to sell the building, and unless Bullock can find a way to come up with the money — and fast — he might lose his home entirely.
Who's Next: Board members, volunteers, community consultants
The field of public service is a broad one, but here's one common thread: people working in it often don't get the recognition they deserve. We want to shine the light on some of those deserving Philadelphians. If you know an under-40 person who volunteers at their civic association, is on a nonprofit board, works in city government, is on staff at FEMA, spends time canvassing for local politics — or is otherwise in public service, in one way or another — nominate them here. We might include them in our latest Who's Next list, which is presented by the Fels Institute.
Featured Event
Local authors read Ides of March prose
Beware the Ides of March...or don't, since they're bringing this opportunity to catch a trio of local authors reading stories from their works while you sip local beer and eat scratch-made food. Ru Freeman, Emma Eisenberg and Marc Anthony Richardson will be presenting, and their books will be available for sale.
Where: Dock Street Cannery & Lounge at 705 S. 50th St., 19143
When: March 15, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
How much: Pay as you go