Russia vs Ukraine, Israel vs Hamas, and America and Iranians tangling too?

In the headline for my column today, I mentioned two wars and what could turn into something nasty--directly involving the United States.

Delaware County District Attorney scores Success with Gun Violence

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stoll-steimer’s approach to tackling the gun violence epidemic that plagued Chester was insightful and innovative, so much so that Philadelphia sent a delegation of City Council members to Chester to find out the city managed a 63% drop in gun violence.

Social Security: Understanding overpayments and our process

Social Security works to ensure that we pay the right person the right amount at the right time, and our payment accuracy rates are high. Given the magnitude of the benefits we pay each year—$1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 70 million people—and the complexity of the programs we administer, overpayments can happen.

Still Speakerless in our Nation's Capitol

When this whole Speaker of the House Fight came up (Yes, I’m calling it a fight), I thought to myself, “This won’t last but a few days. The United States House of Congress members will figure this out.

Governor Shapiro, Mayor Kenney, & Philadelphia Labor Leaders promote job creation, economic benefits of Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub

In Philadelphia, Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council Business Manager Ryan Boyer, Steamfitters Local 420 Business Manager Jim Snell, and Cheyney University President Aaron Walton highlighted the job creation and economic development benefits of the $750 million federal investment the Shapiro Administration helped secure for the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) in Philadelphia. The MACH2 hub will create thousands of good-paying union jobs across the region and ensure that Pennsylvania is a national leader in clean energy for decades to come.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis backs House Speaker Joanna McClinton's legislation to improve Commutations Process

As part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s commitment to making Pennsylvania a place for second chances, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis endorsed House Speaker Joanna McClinton’s constitutional amendment to update the commutations process.

Lawsuit Challenging Virginia Governor's Arbitrary denial of the Right To Vote is a step toward JUSTICE

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be accessible to every eligible resident.

Streets Department launches the 2023 Philly Future Track Program provides job-skill training and work experience to Philadelphia's young adults

The Streets Department launched its 2023 Future Track Program with the largest cohort of trainees in the history of the program, 200 participants.

City unveils Educational Exhibit about 1985 MOVE Bombing at Municipal Services Building

The City of Philadelphia unveiled a new exhibit entitled Remembering MOVE: May 13, 1985, about the history of the 1985 bombing on Osage Avenue.

Blessed are those who live MA'AT

Peace, Love and Respect Recognized

Take a stroll along "Sid Booker Way"

Sid Booker, know that name? Sid Booker is the longtime owner of The Stinger La Pointe Lounge and Nightclub at 4600 North Broad Street in North Philadelphia.

God be with You till we meet again

A white minister who was to become president of a great African-American University picked up a dictionary in his study at the First Congregational Church, Washington, D.C

GoggleWorks breaks ground on Art Park

October 8, 2023 – Amidst the festive atmosphere of Pumpkin Palooza, one of its largest community events, leaders from GoggleWorks Center for the Arts held a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the GoggleWorks Art Park

Proposals would end Pennsylvania's closed primary system by opening it up to unaffiliated voters

Proposals to let independent voters cast ballots in party nomination primaries passed a Pennsylvania House of Representatives committee Tuesday, raising the prospect that changes could pass and take effect in time for next year's presidential contest

Another 9/11 surprise? Why Israel should give peace talks another chance

What? Again? Such was the stunning sense of surprise that rocked the world as the Palestinian militant resistance group Hamas delivered a devastating blow to Israel and the reputation of the nation’s globally respected intelligence services

Breast cancer is deadlier for Black women. A study of mammograms could help close the gap

Are 3D mammograms better than standard 2D imaging for catching advanced cancers?

O God of ALL Chil-

At a moment of unspeakable terror, horror, violence, and despair, Scripture and prayers are often the first words that rise

Sorry for Loss of Police Officer Mendez glad Philly Police have made arrest

There are so many news stories I want to write about that are hot in the news right now, but at the end of the day, I have to take time and give an update on the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and the arrests of the suspects accused of taking his life and attempting to take the life of his partner, Officer Raul Ortiz

The horrors in Gaza will only get worse

The grim horror in Israel and Gaza is about to get worse. The terrorist attacks by Hamas that killed a reported 1,400 Israelis, wounded over 3,500 more, and kidnapped nearly 200

Four questions about Social Security that can help you plan your retirement

For 88 years, Social Security has provided inprotection millions of retirees, people with disabilities, dependents, and families that lose a wage earner. This year, we will administer more than $1.3 trillion in benefits and payments to more than 70 million beneficiaries. In addition, we issue millions of Social Security numbers each year, maintain wage records, and more. We are proud to serve the American people every day.

Community updates and encouragement

Jennifer Hudson & Oprah Winfrey (left) shown at a premier years before the 2021 segment of OWN when Oprah and Jennifer Hudson sit down to discuss the Aretha Franklin movie “RESPECT.”

Reelblack films celebrates 20th anniversary

As fall has borne its face it's never too late for a little jazz in the park and family fun. This past weekend, Sharon Hill Arts and Culture Commission held its Annual Delaware County Jazz and Arts in the Park at Sharon Hill Memorial Park, 1201 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA.

Cops and Kids at Smithsonian

The 12th Police District’s Cops and Kids 101 program visited the Smithsonian’s National African American Museum of History and Culture on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

GEICO and Faulkner Collision Team with NABC to Gift a Vehicle through the NABC Recycled Rides® Program

On September 20, 2023, a deserving Philadelphia area recipient, Savannah Wilson, experienced a life-changing event with the presentation of a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and care for her family. Thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor GEICO and collision repair partner Faulkner Collision Center of South Philadelphia.

Annual Sickle Cell Walk at West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School

The West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School (WPACES) recently held its annual Sickle Cell Walk, continuing the school’s tradition of raising awareness and demonstrating solidarity with those affected by the disease.

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia repairs 10 homes in one weekend

On Friday, October 6, 2023, Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and Wells Fargo teamed up to revitalize homes on the 200 block of N. Hobart Street in the Haddington neighborhood of West Philadelphia.

1400 Block of Vernon Road renamed John F. White, Jr. Way

People turned out, even though the weather forecast for October 7 was dismal, with rain and heavy winds expected. That didn’t deter more than 200 people from turning out to witness the unveiling of a street sign renaming the 1400-1500 blocks of Vernon Road in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia after a political leader turned successful private businessman. John White, Jr.

Public education is vital to a democracy

America owes much of its prominence and prosperity to the fact that it has led the world in popular education. Even without a public school system, we had the highest literacy in the world in the 19th century. We were among the first to provide public school to the young through the 12th grade. We were the first to open the doors of colleges and universities - significantly through the GI Bill after World War II - to children from all levels of income.

The latest on safe injection sites for Philadelphia

Safe Injection Sites in Philadelphia, I don’t like the concept. Who in their right mind would want a safe injection facility in their neighborhood? Let’s just start there.

A Measure of Leadership

As some members of Congress showed they were willing to bring the federal government to the brink of a shutdown, with demands that include deep cuts to services children and families rely on.