Newsletter
Where PA stands on gun control; Cali mural in South Philly; SEPTA bus ridership down
Newsletter for Saturday, Mar 24 2018
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Where Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation stands on gun control
Today, students in Philly and nearly a hundred other places across the U.S. will take to the streets to renew and strengthen their calls for a political solution to gun violence. In advance of the March for Our Lives demonstrations inspired by the Parkland school shooting, we asked each of the state's U.S. Senators and Congresspeople where they stood on gun issues. Most of them didn't answer. But we compiled a list anyway, using NRA ratings, official positions, past statements and more. Here's how every member of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation stands on gun control.
This South Philly taqueria has a mural by a famous California street artist
Next time you find yourself near the Italian Market, go straight to the corner of Eighth and Washington and order the tacos de canasta. Not only does Tacos California serve fantastic renditions of the Mexico City street snack, it also features a flashy mural with a West Coast vibe. Here's how the bright Harajuku interpretation of a Cali Chola — painted by a famous California street artist — ended up on a corner taqueria in South Philly.
SEPTA bus ridership is down, and tokens breathe their last gasp
A new federal report shows bus ridership is significantly down in Philly, more than in many other American cities. Locally, the number of riders in 2017 was fewer than in 2002. However, over the long term, SEPTA is retaining more ridership than its East Coast counterparts — all of which are facing big declines. A big SEPTA bus network overhaul is in the works, PMN reports, but there's also talk of creating new express service routes and increasing offpeak frequency. Meanwhile, the authority announced April 30 is the last day of token sales...ever. They'll still be accepted as fare for the foreseeable future.
New Eagle Michael Bennett was charged with a felony in Texas
Defensive end Michael Bennett was recently traded to the Eagles from the Seattle Seahawks. We ran down all the ways he's an outspoken advocate for social justice here. Now comes a twist: Friday, a court in Harris County, Texas, indicted him on a count of "injury of the elderly," which is a felony charge. What's the deal? The case stems from Bennett's actions after the Super Bowl in 2017. Back then, more than a year ago, he allegedly shoved his way onto the field to congratulate his New England Patriot brother — injuring a 66-year-old security guard along the way. The Eagles issued a statement saying they're "aware of the problem."
Featured Event
Make your own ceramic garden markers on the Schuylkill
Join Stefani Threet of Threet Ceramics at this garden by the river in West Philly for a hands-on ceramics session. She'll lead the class through shaping, lettering, firing and glazing, and you'll end up with a set of markers you can take with you to use in your own garden this season.
Where: Bartram's Garden at 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., 19143
When: March 25, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
How much: $35