Activism: Philadelphia’s Wavering Sanctuary City Status
Full of culture and immigrants from around the world, Philadelphia is one of many jurisdictions that serves as a refuge for both documented and undocumented immigrants. In 2017, the United States and much of the world are facing issues in and around immigration based on — but not limited to — concerns of national security […]
Activism: Fighting For Transgender Rights In Philadelphia
During the Obama administration, federal guidelines released called on public schools to allow transgender students to be able to choose the bathroom facility according to their self-professed gender identity. On Feb. 22, 2017, President Trump’s administration notified the U.S. Supreme Court that they would be withdrawing this guidance and felt that this was a focus for state-level governments rather […]
Politics: Republican City Councilman At-Large Al Taubenberger’s Focus is Jobs
If at first you don’t succeed, try five more times. At least that’s what Al Taubenberger did. Taubenberger failed in his five previous runs for office — twice for U.S. representative, once for mayor, once for state representative, and once for city council at-large, losing his last election by a mere 163 votes. But in […]
Logan: Education and Crime Top Issues For Voters
According to community activist Sheila Bellamy, the voting for the primaries is usually low in numbers because many people do not see the importance. “In my district, there are 540-something registered voters, she said yesterday morning at the Birney Preparatory Academy, located at 9th Street and Lindley Avenue. “If we can get 200 today, we’re going […]
Politics: Young Politicians and the Republican Reformation
As the primary election draws closer, the races are beginning to heat up. The local Republican Party is focusing not on the mayoral race, however, but on the contest for two at-large seats on City Council. With seven candidates vying for the two spots dedicated to the minority political party, Philadelphia’s Republicans are spoiled for choice. […]
Arts & Entertainment: The Next Mayor’s Impact on the Arts Community?
A recent study conducted by the William Penn Foundation reported that nearly 70 percent of the nonprofit arts organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region are considered to be in poor financial health. Philadelphia has, statistically, one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the nation, with a 64 percent increase in the number of nonprofit […]
Amateur Sports: Parks and Recreation Looking to Make the City a Better Place
Located at the intersection of S. 32nd and Dickenson streets in Grays Ferry sits Stinger Park. It has the appearance of many neighborhood parks throughout the city – old and worn from decades of use, with a touch of nostalgia. The park has the look and feel of an area that is in constant use. […]
Northeast Philadelphia: With a New Mayor, Comes Hope for Change in Northeast Philadelphia
Northeast Philadelphians had a lot to say when asked about the upcoming mayoral race. Issues such as education, revitalization and prison reform were all topics of discussion. “Right now you have two front runners that are political heavyweights,” said city councilman Bobby Henon of the Northeast’s 6th District. “They have different stories and come from different […]
Northwest: School Funding a Major Issue in Mayor Race
While the race to see who will become Philadelphia’s next mayor revolves around a number of issues facing the city, the issue that appears to be at the forefront is funding for the city’s district and charter schools. Not only is the Northwest section of Philadelphia home to many public and charter schools, like Roxborough […]
Mantua: Residents Seek Stronger Communication with City Hall
Redevelopment, providing accessible fresh food and strengthening communication between politicians and their constituents are all priorities that Mantuans are talking about in regards to the upcoming mayoral election. “I think we had a lot of stuff on the backburner for years and those smaller things are becoming boulders,” said Mantua Civic Association president De’Wayne Drummond. “So […]