Brian A. Saunders, PhillyVoice

Brian A. Saunders

PhillyVoice

Philadelphia, PA, United States

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Recent:
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Past:
  • PhillyVoice

Past articles by Brian:

Hershey's plant-based Reese's Peanut Butter Cups lack milk – but that doesn't make them healthy

Hershey's is selling plant-based Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and will release a similar almond chocolate bar in April. It's all part of an effort to reach vegans and people with milk allergies. But the absence of milk does not mean the chocolates are healthier, cautioned nutritionist Braeden Yacobucci. The products still contain added sugars and other artificial ingredients. → Read More

Man dead, woman injured following police-involved shooting in Delaware

A Delaware police officer shot two people Monday night, killing a man. The woman is facing non-life-threatening injuries. Police were conducting a drug investigation when the officer fired shots outside of a Wilmington 7-Eleven. The officer has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation continues. → Read More

Rita Bellew, was charged with ethnic intimidation and harassment after video of her racial tirade towards Amy's Family Pizzeria

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner announced charges for a woman who went viral on social media for a racist rant toward Amy's Family Pizzeria employees. Rita Bellew, a 55-year-from Hatboro, was charged with ethnic intimidation and harassment. → Read More

Mayor Kenney's budget proposal would include additional seats for 950 pre-K students

Mayor Jim Kenney shared his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024 on Thursday. The $6.1 billion budget includes $282 million for the School District of Philadelphia, a $12 million increase from the previous year. The proposal includes adding space for 950 more pre-K students. → Read More

Philly school district adopts new calender; first day of classes will begin after labor day this fall

The School District of Philadelphia has approved a calendar that will start next year after Labor Day this fall. The new calendar will also eliminate multiple out-of-school holidays, replacing them with days dedicated to learning and reflection in the classroom. → Read More

Jason Kelce and wife Kylie announce birth of third daughter Bennett Llewellyn

Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie announced the birth of their third daughter Bennett Llewellyn. The baby was born on Thursday. Kylie, who was 38 weeks pregnant during the week of the Super Bowl brought her OB-GYN to the big game. → Read More

New SEPTA trolleys will be more spacious and accessible to people with disabilities

SEPTA is replacing its trolley cars with a modern fleet that will be longer, more spacious and wheelchair accessible. The SEPTA Board released renderings of the new trolleys after approving a $714 million order for Alstom Transportation to build 130 cars that will have lower floors, wider pathways and areas for riders with bikes or strollers. → Read More

Philly bike share program Indego aims to increase ridership among low-income residents, teens, people of color

Philadelphia's Indego Bike Share has unveiled a five-year equity plan. The strategy includes efforts to improve transportation throughout the city by increasing access to bike stations, especially in underrepresented communities. The plan also aims to address affordability with its pricing structure and integrate more e-bikes. → Read More

Manayunk's Pizza Jawn plans expansion to second Main Street location with Bar Jawn

Pizza Jawn owners David and Ana Lee are purchasing Manayunk Tavern and renaming it Bar Jawn, a sister restaurant. The tavern will slowly transition into Bar Jawn without closing. Patrons will see subtle changes, such as new cocktails and menu updates. → Read More

Temple police officer shooting: Philly cop's response led investigators to Miles Pfeffer, the Bucks County man accused of killing Christopher Fitzgerald

Miles Pfeffer, the 18-year-old Bucks County man accused of killing Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald on Saturday, allegedly threatened to kill another person during a carjacking that followed the shooting, investigators said Tuesday. They also credited Philly police Corporal Theresa Brooks for taking action that led to Pfeffer's quick arrest. → Read More

Off-duty FBI agent shoots and kills dog to break up fight near Center City apartment building

An FBI agent who was walking their dog shot another dog after the canines began to fight. The dog was reportedly aggressive when the officer opened fire. A joint investigation by the Philadelphia Police and FBI is underway. The dog later died, police confirmed. → Read More

Cherry Hill residents are being targeted by an FBI phone scam

The FBI's Philadelphia regional agency is warning South New Jersey residents about a scam impersonating the law enforcement bureau to get money. The caller often knows the name, background, and personal cell phone number of the intended victim → Read More

Pliny the Younger Day fundraiser returns to Monk's Café for first time since before pandemic

On Feb. 20, Monk's Café is hosting the Younger Day fundraiser, with 100% of its draft beer sales will benefit Alex's Lemonade Foundation. From noon to 5 p.m., all draft sales are cash only. The fundraiser marks the return of the popular California-brewed Pliny the Younger triple IPA. → Read More

Tyrese Maxey featured in commercial for Pepsi's new Starry lemon lime soda

Philadelphia 76er Tyrese Maxey will be in a television ad for Pepsi's Starry lemon-lime soda during the NBA's All-Star 3-point shootout Saturday night. Starry is a new product the soft drink manufacturer is producing after it announced it would stop making Sierra Mist. → Read More

Temple and striking graduate students reached a tentative agreement on a new contract

Temple University announced an unofficial agreement between the school and striking graduate students on a new contract. Grad students began striking on Jan. 31 for a 50% wage increase and other benefits. Temple University Graduate Students Association members say the strike is not over until a contract is ratified. → Read More

Philly Pops postpones 'Get Up, Stand Up' concerts at The Met

The Philly Pops has postponed its two concerts that were scheduled at The Met on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. New dates and locations for "Get Up, Stand Up: The Encyclopedia of Soul" have not been announced. The cash-strapped orchestra had moved the shows from Verizon Hall after it was evicted from the Kimmel Cultural Center earlier this year. → Read More

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman checks into Walter Reed Medical Center for clinical depression

The lawmaker was advised to seek inpatient treatment after being evaluated Monday by a doctor, his office said → Read More

Death penalty in Pennsylvania: Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to abolish capital punishment

Gov. Josh Shapiro said he will not sign execution warrants while in office and called on state lawmakers to pen legislation that would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania only has executed three people since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976. The last, Gary Heidnik, was executed via lethal injection in 1999. → Read More

Wet Palette Supper Club is hosting a five-course dinner at Martha in Kensington for Valentine's Day

Wet Palette Supper Club, which describes itself as the 'anti-supper supper club,' is bringing people together to host dinners at different restaurants across the city by fusing art and food together. Aubrié Costello from The Erotic Project, Tevon Tyrell of Hummingbird Island, and Andrew Magee of Kensington restaurant Martha curated a five-course anti-Valentine's Day dinner. → Read More

Temple forcing picketing graduate student to be full spring semester tuition

As members of The Temple University Graduate Students’ Association union continue to strike for increased pay and more benefits, the school has cut tuition remission for picketing members. The striking grad students must pay the full spring semester by March 9. → Read More