A former 3711 Melon Street resident watches as her old home is demolished in June 2014. Photo: Joshua Albert/The Declaration
Mantua: One year later, community wonders if promise will be kept
Alyssa Cassium and Darian Muka, Philadelphia Neighborhoods
– The White House designated part of West Philadelphia as one of five Promise Zones one year ago this January. The designation will last for another nine years, but while most organizations involved look positively on the first year, some Mantua residents are less impressed.
An alternative currency is set to launch in Philly
Andrew Zaleski, City Paper
– “The person who has official currency can earn money on the money, so they have an advantage over those dealing with goods and services,” says Bob Fishman, ending his impromptu lesson. What Fishman was referring to is the interest-bearing nature of the U.S. dollar, the cornerstone of an American economic system he believes doesn’t do much to benefit local communities.
Eight ways American policing could change this year
Christopher Moraff, Next City
– In 2014, a succession of high-profile officer-involved shootings, a backlash of angry protests and a seeming lack of accountability for police officers accused of wrongdoing focused the nation’s attention on the need to improve U.S. law enforcement, writes Philadelphia-based journalist Christopher Moraff.
Terry Gillen drops out of mayor’s race
Claudia Vargas, The Inquirer
– The Philadelphia mayor’s race is down to three people. Terry Gillen, who was the first candidate to announce a run for mayor, announced Friday she is dropping out.
Three more vie for at-large council seats
Damon C. Williams, The Philadelphia Tribune
– Three candidates have joined veteran politician and former City Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. and George Matysik, director of government affairs and public policy for Philabundance, in announcing intentions to run for an at–large council seat in the 2015 elections.
Wolf faces tall challenges as he takes his oath on January 25th
Peter Jackson, Associated Press
– Gov.-elect Tom Wolf pledged throughout his campaign to provide “a fresh start” for Pennsylvania.
New head of Philadelphia Bar Association stresses importance of public service
Cherri Gregg, CBS Philly
– The Philadelphia Bar Association has a new leader. Al Dandridge will take the reins of the 13,000-member organization this week, with a focus on the community.
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