Publications

One of Philadelphia’s most celebrated bagel shops is expanding from its original Fishtown location, adding a storefront in Old City.

Philly Style Bagels expands, bringing 'best in America' bagels to Old City - On top of Philly news (billypenn.com)

There’s still a major divide when it comes to race and ethnicity of city vaccine recipients.

Philly vaccine map shows some progress in reducing economic gap - On top of Philly news (billypenn.com)

City health officials aren’t endorsing the site, however, because they can’t ensure accuracy.

Vaccinate PA appointment finder expands to Philadelphia - On top of Philly news (billypenn.com)

Paul Brock, who was the founding executive director of the National Association of Black Journalists and had a long career in the news media, public relations and Democratic politics, died March 14 at his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was 89.

Paul Brock, NABJ founding executive director, dies at 89 | Obituaries | phillytrib.com

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A week after a gunman opened fire at spas around Atlanta — killing eight people, six of them women of Asian descent — calls are growing to put a stop to Asian hate.

Leaders take stand against Asian hate at Philly town hall (radio.com)

Pennsylvania has eased its mask mandate to allow people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to gather with other vaccinated people without masks or social distancing, state health officials said Monday.

Pennsylvania eases mask mandate for vaccinated people (fox29.com)

Philadelphia police are investigating a robbery near Rittenhouse Square.

It happened just after midnight at 18th and Chestnut Streets. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will soon begin reimbursing funeral expenses for many who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 during the pandemic.

FEMA will provide financial assistance for coronavirus-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

FEMA to reimburse families for COVID-19-related funeral expenses (fox29.com)

The  Center City Coalition which originated in August 2019 from conversations initiated by CCRA President Maggie Mund  convened  to address quality of life/street ambience issues in the area between Broad St. and 19^th street with a particular focus on the environs of 15^th Street, the locale of the CCC’s charter members.

On January 20, a CCC letter signed by 25 businesses, condos and NGOs addressed to the Administration and City Council made three requests: (1) additional resources to support faster response times (2) a mobile station staffed with police and social service personnel and (3) a social services program to implement solutions for persons affected by homelessness, mental illness and addiction.

The letter has produced an extensive dialogue with both the Administration and Council and  promises of on site action which have yet to be implemented.

As for the dialogue, CCC representatives including CCRA’s Matt Fontana and Steve Huntington, have met virtually with CCRA’s two Councilmembers,  Council President Clarke and Councilmember Johnson and  the four Council members who responded to the January 20 letter, at Large members Allan Domb, Derek  Green and Katharine Gilmore  Richardson as well as First District Council member Mark Squilla who the First District east of Broad Street. Further, CCC representatives Zoomed with department heads/staffers from the Mayor’s office and 10 departments - the offices of the  Managing Director,  Police, Commerce, Health, Homeless Services, Violence Prevention,  Transportation and Infrastructure, Community Life Improvement and the Center City District. This led to a follow up with the Director of the Commerce Department and his assistant.

As for the promises, the Police and Social Services are instituting this Spring  a pilot project featuring  “co responder” teams comprised of representatives from both departments to address street activity between 13^th and 17^th from Arch to Locust. The City has yet to reveal what metrics will be used to evaluate the success or failure of the pilot project. Prospects for the mini station are dim.