Parker proposes $1 rideshare tax to help fund schools
Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed increasing the city’s rideshare tax to $1 per trip to help close a major funding gap in the Philadelphia school district and prevent staffing cuts.
The measure, announced by the mayor during a visit to South Philly’s Delaplaine McDaniel School on 22nd Street, is part of an amendment to the city’s fiscal year 2027 tax plan that would raise the tax from 20 cents to $1 per trip starting Jan. 1, 2027, if approved. Officials estimate it would generate about $24 million in fiscal year 2027 and roughly $48 million annually thereafter.
The school district faces a projected $300 million structural deficit following the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Without additional funding, officials have said about 340 school-based positions — including teachers, counselors and climate staff — could be eliminated.
City officials said the proposed funding would allow the district to restore about 240 positions.
Parker said the plan would provide a stable, recurring local revenue source to preserve recent academic gains, including improvements in attendance, test scores and graduation rates.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said the district has made progress but still faces difficult financial decisions. Board of Education President Reginald Streater said the funding would mark one of the largest increases in local recurring support in more than a decade, while cautioning that long-term needs remain.
The proposal also includes a three-year pilot program to help residents resolve license suspensions tied to unpaid parking tickets.
State addressing problems caused by large AI data centers
The state House has approved legislation aimed at addressing the growing energy demands and environmental impacts of large data centers, sending the measure to the state Senate for consideration.
House Bill 1834 seeks to establish a framework for how high-energy users, including data centers, connect to the electric grid and share associated costs. Lawmakers say the move comes as electricity demand rises rapidly, driven in part by the expansion of data centers across the PJM Interconnection region.
The bill would require data centers to obtain an increasing share of their electricity from new, in-state clean energy sources, starting at 10% in 2027 and rising to 32% by 2035. It also includes provisions to prevent infrastructure costs from being passed on to residential customers and small businesses.
Additional measures call for financial contributions to energy assistance programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and set operational standards intended to reduce grid strain and limit pollution from backup power generation during emergencies.
Supporters say the legislation creates initial safeguards in a sector that has grown quickly with limited oversight. Tom Schuster of the Sierra Club’s Pennsylvania chapter said the bill is a first step toward ensuring reliability and protecting consumers as demand increases.
He added, however, that the proposal does not fully address the scale of the issue and that further action will likely be needed to manage long-term impacts on energy costs, grid reliability and the environment.
Volunteer tree planting in Philadelphia region
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will plant hundreds of trees across the Greater Philadelphia region as part of its annual spring greening effort, scheduled for April 14–19.
The initiative will distribute and plant about 650 trees with the help of volunteers, community groups and the organization’s Tree Tenders network. Tree distribution is set for April 14–17 at the Philabundance Warehouse, where volunteers will unload and sort bare-root trees before they are delivered to neighborhoods. Community planting events will follow April 18–19.
The semiannual program is part of PHS’s broader effort to expand the region’s tree canopy and promote environmental and public health benefits, including improved air quality and reduced urban heat.
“Spring is a season of growth and renewal, and there’s no better way to welcome it than by planting trees across our neighborhoods,” said Dan Preziosi, the organization’s director of trees. “Each tree we plant strengthens the city’s canopy, improves community health and gives neighbors a chance to come together.”
More than 55 Tree Tenders groups are expected to participate in the plantings and ongoing care of the trees. PHS said its plantings have a survival rate exceeding 85 percent, aided by careful site selection and volunteer stewardship.
Volunteers are still being sought for both distribution and planting events. No prior experience is required. Visit https://phsonline.org/
Veterans-themed films
American Veterans Media and the Cape May-based Longest Yarn Committee are presenting a day of veterans-themed documentary screenings on Saturday, May 16, at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St. Films shown will be Edison 64 (11 a.m.), Remember the 27 Crusaders (1:30 p.m.), The Ralph Galati Story (4 p.m.) and the world premiere of The Longest Yarn (6:30 p.m.). Each film will be followed by a Q&A with production crew members and people featured in the films. Tickets cost $20 and include admittance to an individual film screening, museum ticket until 5 p.m. and a $10 parking voucher. No tickets will be sold at the door. To RSVP, visit https://www.americanveteransmedia.org/donate ••
Variety dinner show
The Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike in Bensalem, will present Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show on Saturday, April 25, at 6 p.m. Joey C will sing Sinatra, with Robert Cabella as Dean Martin and Angelo Capone as Jerry Lewis. The cost for the show, buffet-style dinner and one beer or glass of wine is $55. For tickets, call Tom O’Neill at 215-675-9700. For more information, email [email protected]. ••
Ceremony for Sports Hall of Famers
The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Philadelphia City All Star Chapter, will hold its 32nd annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 16, at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. There will be cocktails (cash bar) from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7. The class of 2026 inductees are Tom Bonk (North Catholic), Dom DiSandro (George Washington), Jahri Evans (Frankford), Tom Filer (Archbishop Ryan), Tim Gallagher (Cardinal Dougherty), Chuck Gesing (La Salle), Jayne McGinley (Frankford), Joe Ryan (Cardinal Dougherty), Kathie Beisel-Sims (St. Hubert) and Matt Walsh (Germantown Academy). Tickets are $85 in advance and $90 at the door. Tables of 10 are available. Checks can be made payable to Philadelphia City All Star Chapter, P.O. Box 672, Levittown, PA 19055. Include your name, email, phone number, number of tickets and name of inductee. For more information, contact Steve DiSangro at [email protected] or 215-421-7556. ••
Art exhibition
The Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia will hold its eighth art exhibition on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Roberts Center for Advanced Pediatric Research, 2716 South St.
Artists will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 3.
For free tickets or to register, go to
For more information, visit AACOPhilly.org. ••
A video that appeals to all
A new video showcasing the Luvable Characters Family has launched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5GmrbPb5HA
The premise is to connect Philadelphians with cities globally and to reveal a deeper, universal secret that isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about a revelation that changes how people view the world and each other.
Luvable Characters is a Philadelphia-founded initiative dedicated to global storytelling and human connection. By blending local pride with universal themes, they aim to foster empathy and unity across borders with topics and subjects that share a mutual connection to people from all walks of life.
The video features “Blankey and the Bugtoons” and is geared to children, educators and adults of all ages. ••
Looking for senior softball players
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League 68 & over is in search of some experienced players. Games are played Monday and Friday at 10 a.m. All games are played at Crispin Park, at Holme and Convent avenues. Play starts in May and runs through October, with no games in July. All teams will play 24 games, along with playoffs. If interested, call or text Marty King at 215-409-5021 or Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. ••
Come see Elvis
Jeff “Elvis” Krick will be in the building at Bustleton Memorial American Legion Post 810 hall, 9151 Old Newtown Road, on Friday, April 17, from 7-11 p.m. The cost is $30 and includes show and spaghetti dinner with a cash bar., basket raffles and 50/50. All donations benefit veterans and their families. For tickets, call Joan at 215-715-5704. ••
Benefit for suicide awareness
A beef-and-beer benefit for the American Suicide Foundation is taking place on Saturday, April 11, from 3-7 p.m. at the Eddington House, 2813 Hulmeville Road, in Bensalem. The event will be in memory of Ryan Sherman, who died last April at age 35. Sherman was a member of the Morrell Park Town Watch, a volunteer with Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department Station 16 and a marshal with Woodland String Band and Golden Crown New Year’s Brigade. The benefit will feature a DJ, Mummers, vendors, fire trucks, raffles, characters and a moonbounce. The cost is $50 in advance, $60 at the door or $10 for children and will include food, beer, wine, soda and water. For tickets or to make a monetary donation, visit the Eddington House or use Venmo @NSherman913. For more information on tickets, to make a monetary contribution or to donate a raffle item, stop by the Eddington House or email Nicole Fontanetta at [email protected]. ••
LIHEAP applications open
The state 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season will continue through April 10. Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000, based on region, annual income and number of people living in the home.
Apply at compass.state.pa.us
For more information, call 866-857-7095. ••
Sign up for free newsletter
The South Philly Review has returned to its original website, southphillyreview.com.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site also includes a way to read the paper in “flipbook” style.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
Theater performances of Sister Act
The Star Players will present three performances of the musical Sister Act. The show will be performed on June 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available for purchase through Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
Host foreign exchange student
ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. Students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Holly at 800-677-2773, visit asse.com or send an email to [email protected] to request more information or start the application process. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW.
Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Scholarship contest for HS seniors
TruMark Financial® Credit Union is accepting applications for its third annual Difference Makers Scholarship, an award that honors high school seniors who are using their time, talents and compassion to create lasting change in their communities.
The program not only supports students financially but contributes to the nonprofit organizations they partner with.
Top scholarship awards include $7,500 for first place, $4,000 for second and $3,000 for third, with additional $350 scholarships for students placing 4th through 10th. To further encourage community partnerships, a $350 donation will also be made to the nonprofit organization associated with each of the 10 student finalists.
To be eligible for the 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship, applicants must:
• Be high school seniors planning to attend a college, university, trade school or certificate program.
• Have completed a volunteer project, either through a nonprofit organization or one they created independently.
• Have a sponsoring teacher who supports their application.
• Reside in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties.
• Complete required financial education video modules.
Applicants are not required to be members of TruMark Financial at the time of application; however, scholarship recipients will be required to become members before receiving their award.
Students will be evaluated based on the impact and reach of their work, number of verified volunteer hours, scalability of the project and storytelling ability in describing their initiative, along with completion of the required financial education components. A personal essay is also required.
The deadline for applications is April 30. To learn more or submit an application, visit www.trumarkonline.org/difference-makers-scholarship. ••