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Eugene Sonn

@eugenesonn.bsky.social
511 followers 448 following 81 posts

Program Manager for the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative at Temple University. When not doing journalism, raising two boys, biking and homebrewing beer.

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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
resolvephilly.org/gih/philly-s...
resolvephilly.org
As Philadelphia Weighs New School Closings, Advocates Ask: Does Shuttering a School Impact Neighborhood Violence? - Resolve Philly
As Philly weighs school closures, neighbors warn past shutdowns hurt disinvested areas and may have raised nearby violence.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Yes that is true that people form LLC’s for properties, but this research helped link LLC’s through their filing info to help ID properties that have common ownership even if names are different.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
This new report shows how Philly's high homeownership rates are under stress. Growing investor purchase of homes, especially in Germantown, Cobbs Creek, Brewerytown. whyy.org/articles/phi...
whyy.org
What Philly’s corporate investors mean for renters and homebuyers
A new study finds investors are snapping up properties in neighborhoods like Germantown and Cobbs Creek — and it could change who can afford to live there.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
If you need a moment of beauty and community togetherness, look at the AMAZING photos here from Sol Valerio for @kensingtonvoice.bsky.social www.kensingtonvoice.com/photos-of-ke...
kensingtonvoice.com
Photos of Kensington: Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center showcases student performances
Students of all ages closed out their Bomba and Plena classes with a recital in North Philadelphia organized by the Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
As journalism lays off more and more people, this story really gets about how this is yes a loss of income, but so much more. generocity.org/philly/2025/...
generocity.org
Job Seekers Need More Than Jobs: Addressing the Grief of Unemployment - Generocity
Declining belief in the American Dream as job loss, rising costs, and student debt impact young people. Unemployment rate soars, affecting stability.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I know there is a ton to choose from in Philly Fringe Fest, but I have had the chance to meet and speak with Daisie a few times and expect this to be powerful. Thanks to @kensingtonvoice.bsky.social for the story. www.kensingtonvoice.com/fringe-festi...
kensingtonvoice.com
Fringe Festival performance ‘Ashes and Iron’ captures Kensington’s heartbreak and resilience
Daisie Cardon'a performance 'Ashes and Iron' is part of the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and portrays both the struggle and resilience of Kensington.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Great service journalism from Germantown Info Hub resolvephilly.org/gih/snap-cut...
resolvephilly.org
SNAP cuts incoming and could affect you. See if you qualify for an exemption. - Resolve Philly
SNAP cuts hit in September. Learn how Germantown neighbors can see if they qualify for exemptions.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Germantown is rallying around a restaurant owner facing deportation. resolvephilly.org/gih/das-good...
resolvephilly.org
Das Good owner, Anou, has called the U.S. home for 45 years. Now he’s facing deportation. - Resolve Philly
Das Good owner Anou Vongbandith as he faces deportation to a Laos, a country he barely knows, after 45 years in the United States.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Thankful to @kensingtonvoice.bsky.social and ‪@vickydiazcamacho.bsky.social for this story on Norris Sq. www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/rising-co...
kensingtonvoice.com
Rising costs threaten Latino cultural fabric in Norris Square, new community survey finds
Correction: The original version of this story misspelled the last name of Eliezer Vila. Pat De Carlo is known as the “lady who lives in the big house.” It’s a three-story brick row home on the North...
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
“In work settings, I’m expected to know Spanish to translate,” Alfaro said. “That makes things difficult because it makes me feel like a failure as a Latina not being able to speak Spanish. It’s disheartening to be expected to translate and not be able to.” metrophiladelphia.com/philadelphia...
metrophiladelphia.com
Why the terms “second-generation” and “third-generation” matter for Philadelphia’s Latine communities – Metro Philadelphia
Philadelphia has never been more diverse, and Latine families play a central role in that transformation.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
The Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, formed in 1969 and performs, teaches and celebrates the culture of African drum and dance. It’s one of the many groups profiled by Love Now Media, Fun Times Magazine, and WURD for Black Music Month. lovenowmedia.com/phillys-afri...
lovenowmedia.com
Philly's African Drum Tradition as Resistance and Ritual​
African drum and dance are the heart of Black Music Philadelphia - from ‘tangin’ at block parties to the drum circles at Malcolm X Park. They are acts of memory and resistance, carrying the spirit of ...
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Things have been kind of quiet about what to do with Market East since the @sixersnba.bsky.social stadium project died. Appreciate this grassroots effort to build a community vision for the area on Monday 5pm at 1218 Arch St. www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-vi...
eventbrite.com
People’s Vision for Market East
Join us in imagining a future for Market East shaped by the voices of Philadelphians and worthy of what makes this city great—the people.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Friday Philly City Council holds hearing on foster care. As @billy-penn.bsky.social and the Philadelphia Journalism Collab report, activists are pushing for action, not more study. billypenn.com/2025/06/05/p...
billypenn.com
Will Philly fix its foster care system for kids and families?
A City Council-driven look into the city’s foster care practices has those invested in change hopeful.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
According to PennDOT, distracted drivers injured 6,000 people and killed 49 last year in Pa. There's more detail here on the tougher hands-free cell phone while driving law taking effect Thursday. www.pa.gov/agencies/pen...
pa.gov
‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Effective June 5
‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Effective June 5
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Philly City Council is promising hearings on foster care system. These Germantown activists says the city already has a plan to improve it. It has to actually do it. Story from Germantown Info Hub and Steve Volk. resolvephilly.org/gih/crossroa...
resolvephilly.org
Germantown Women’s activists push for action over talk
Crossroads Women’s Center urges City Council to act on known solutions to stop poverty-driven family separation in Philly’s foster care system.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Some wisdom from Meet Bernice Rosalind Eugenie Sebastian, who is 111 years old, lives in Germantown. resolvephilly.org/gih/bernice-...
resolvephilly.org
Germantown Neighbors: Meet Bernice Rosalind Eugenie Sebastian, the oldest living Philadelphia resident - Resolve Philly
West Germantown’s Bernice Sebastian is Philadelphia’s oldest resident at 111 — and a former headmistress from Saint Kitts.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
It feels like it can't be 10 years ago that Amtrak train 188 derailed. Appreciate Patrick Murphy's thoughts here on the lasting impact and remembering the 8 lives lost to an utterly preventable crash. thephiladelphiacitizen.org/patrick-murp...
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Guest Commentary: I Survived the Amtrak Crash in Philadelphia
Ten years ago, former Congressman Patrick Murphy survived the Northeast Philly Amtrak train crash that killed eight and injured over 200.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Guess I can’t finish cutting the grass until this bird perches somewhere else.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Had a conversation this week about how pardons in the past have kept longtime immigrants in the US from getting deported by ICE for nonviolent offenses. Made me think about what would @govmurphy.bsky.social have to lose as a lame duck by taking this strategy? Would have to act quickly.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Interesting story on one judicial candidate. More interesting to me is only one of the candidates for Municipal Court endorsed by the Philly Democratic party got rated as "recommended" by the bar association. Seems like the bigger story. www.inquirer.com/politics/phi...
inquirer.com
The Pa. Supreme Court reprimanded him as a lawyer. Philly Democrats want to make him a judge anyway.
Judicial candidates like Shawn Page who win the party’s endorsement almost always triumph in the primary.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
How did a model for making child welfare work better lead to 69 lawsuits, 50 settled for $1million +? The Inquirer and Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative report on how kids removed from their homes were then scalded, burned, beaten. Some died. www.inquirer.com/news/dhs-chi...
inquirer.com
Philly removes neglected children from homes to keep them safe. But they often face worse abuse in foster care placements.
Since the city established Community Umbrella Agencies, or CUAs, they've been sued nearly 70 times for allowing kids in their care to be killed, assaulted, and injured.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
For folks who are interested in hearing directly from the Inquirer's Editor and Senior Vice President Gabriel Escobar about the decision to get rid of the Communities and Engagement desk, you can listen for yourself. He was on the air Friday on WURD. soundcloud.com/onwurd/gabri...
soundcloud.com
Gabriel Escobar - Wake Up With WURD 4.4.25
Gabriel Escobar is editor and Senior Vice President of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He joined Solomon Jones to discuss the communities and engagement desk and more.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Analysis shows a home being built in Phoenix would cost 18% more if done under the new tariffs and without immigrant labor. Would have been better to do this on a more typical home (not a $1.2M one) but good info on housing affordability. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
How Would We Build Homes Without Immigrant Labor and Foreign Materials?
Take a line-by-line look at the estimated costs of building this four-bedroom home in Phoenix, Ariz., under President Trump’s agenda.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Stay tuned, we're expecting another investigation from the Our Kids series in the next few weeks.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
This builds on past reporting Steve and Julie did showing how Philly has been doing this. Despite a City Council law, Philly DHS still does this, but now says it notifies youth or their families. www.inquirer.com/news/foster-...
inquirer.com
Philly took $5 million in foster children’s Social Security payments without telling them
Under this legal but controversial practice, DHS transferred the money into the city’s $5 billion general fund.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Now Steve Volk and Julie Christie have teamed up with @spotlightpa.org to document how Pa. counties have taken at least $15.7 MILLION in Social Security payments owed to youth in foster care. That's just from 2020-2024. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/04...
spotlightpa.org
PA counties divert millions from foster kids' Social Security
Pennsylvania child advocates are calling out counties for using Social Security funds to offset care costs for foster youth, often without their knowledge.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
I missed this last week from @kensingtonvoice.bsky.social on how Mayor Parker is ending community-led opioid settlement grants www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/parker-ad...
kensingtonvoice.com
Parker administration ends community-led opioid settlement grants, leaving Kensington programs in limbo
The Overdose Prevention and Community Healing Fund, or Prevention Fund, used a community-led grantmaking process to distribute $3.1 million to 43 organizations in 2024.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
I was at both Sixers/Celtics games in Philly this year. The one without Embiid or George was a thriller nearly won by Maxey and supporting cast. The other with Embiid wasn't close. If Sixers get a top pick, would it work better to trade Embiid?
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
WURD Radio is holding a Level Up contest for women entrepreneurs. Deadline to apply is 3/21 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
LEVEL UP: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS!
Level Up CONTEST: A Celebration of Black Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators In celebration of Women's History Month, the Level Up contest is back! Each year, we highlight Black women business owners. ...
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
I love how a resident who cared dug through and found proof of where the trash came from....and the city and the property owner who got dumped on won't have to pay for cleaning this up. chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/citi...
chestnuthilllocal.com
Citizen detective tracks illegal dumper - The Chestnut Hill Local
A trail of trash led to accountability this week when a demolition contractor agreed to help clean up illegal dumping behind Valley Greene Apartments.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Twins? Cousins? Never met another dog that looks like her.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Another way the Philly land bank is not functioning. Not bidding on sheriff sales. What a missed opportunity. whyy.org/articles/phi...
whyy.org
Philly Land Bank still not a priority bidder at sheriff sales
The public agency has funding to acquire new parcels for affordable housing and community gardens, but is still not a priority bidder.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Wow impressed by the hearty souls Insee biking home from work in Philly today
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Met a woman in Kensington this week who turns 82 today. She shared this advice. “What do you need to make a good marriage? Two forgiving people.”
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
So what does firing people doing environmental justice work at the EPA look like in Philly region? Story from @greenphilly.bsky.social greenphl.com/news/the-rug...
greenphl.com
"The rug pulled out": Inside the EPA firings in Philadelphia's Region 3 headquarters - Green Philly
Workers terminated for DEI work, leading to fear, confusion, and instability at the EPA Region 3 headquarters in Philadelphia.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
@nextcity.org follows up on how Kensington Corridor Trust is doing 5 years in. nextcity.org/features/fiv...
nextcity.org
Five Years In, Philly’s Kensington Corridor Trust Is Building Momentum
With eight new acquisitions made last year, the Kensington Corridor Trust is growing its roots and capacity.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
I'm happy that you're still here @lassiterjay.bsky.social and wishing you many more years of good health. When some of these treatments started, folks had no idea how long they would keep working. What a hopeful story. whyy.org/articles/phi...
whyy.org
Philadelphians explore aging with HIV as more people survive longer
About half of all people living with HIV today are over the age of 50. By 2030, older survivors could make up as much as 70% of that population.
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Reposted by Eugene Sonn
Celeste Headlee @celesteheadlee.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
I’m so excited to be speaking at the Center for Operational Excellence Summit April 8-10! Join me and be part of a community dedicated to exploring the latest best practices in leadership and problem-solving. Register today and get ready to unlock the power of people: go.osu.edu/summit2025
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Redeveloping the Germantown YWCA is facing more delays, but head of PRA doesn't see developer KBK getting another chance. Residents cheer a "fresh start" via Germantown Info Hub resolvephilly.org/gih/pra-germ...
resolvephilly.org
PRA Chair weighs in on KBK’s future with the YWCA: 'I don’t think it’s going to happen' - Resolve Philly
Germantowners pressed the PRA about the YWCA, questioning past decisions and advocating for transparency, revealing a hopeful turning point.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
It's encouraging the employment numbers improve three years after release. Underscores why employers willing to offer formerly incarcerated people their first job after release can make a big impact.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
After working with someone recently released from incarceration, I think the only reason it's 27% is the number of formerly incarcerated people who work jobs they're overqualified for. www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/outo...
prisonpolicy.org
Out of Prison & Out of Work
Report exploring employment outcomes of formerly incarcerated people.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
It's been a busy news time in Philly. If you need to catch up on how Josh Shapiro's budget would affect Philly schools, check out this story from @chalkbeat.org www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia...
chalkbeat.org
What’s in Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for education? Here’s a breakdown.
The governor’s spending plan would provide an increase for Philadelphia schools of over $200 million. There is more state money for special education, free school meals, student-teacher stipends, and ...
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
And our longtime leader and co-founder Jean Friedman-Rudovsky shares a bit more of what she's contemplating after leaving Resolve. resolvephilly.org/succession-s...
resolvephilly.org
Passing the Torch: A Note from our co-founder - Resolve Philly
As Resolve enters it's next chapter, our co-founder offers her reflections on the past, present, and future.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Some exciting news from my job. Sara Shahriari has been our chief programs officer and is in a great position to lead Resolve as our next executive director. resolvephilly.org/new-ed-2025/
resolvephilly.org
Resolve Philly Announces Next Executive Director - Resolve Philly
Resolve Philly re-welcomes Sara Shahriari as its next Executive Director, leading the future of community-centered journalism.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Nice to see Germantown Espresso Bar reopened after a LONG hiatus. resolvephilly.org/gih/espresso...
resolvephilly.org
A grand re-opening: Germantown Espresso Bar reconnects community and coffee in its newly renovated location - Resolve Philly
Germantown Espresso Bar has reopened after two years, bringing back its community-driven coffee culture in a new, larger space.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
“Now that I have added composting, what I find is that when you take all the living things out of your trash, your trash doesn’t smell,” she said. “I have not looked back.” How DC is making composting work for renters and homeowners via @wordinblacknews.bsky.social wordinblack.com/2025/01/comp...
wordinblack.com
Composting Saves Renters, Homeowners Hundreds of Dollars in Trash Bags
One Washington, D.C. resident is using her 25 years of composting experience to help promote the District's new curbside composting program.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Tomorrow's the day. Always a long list of AMAZING authors at the African American Children's Book Fair. I think my fav is Bryan Collier, but always a new author or illustrator to discover. billypenn.com/2025/01/30/a...
billypenn.com
African American Children’s Book Fair marks 33 years of championing literacy
The book fair is meant to inspire the next generation of readers by making books accessible to all while serving the need of Black children.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Sharing this "what to do if ICE shows up at work" guides in 5 languages. www.nelp.org/insights-res...
nelp.org
Employer Guide: What to Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace - National Employment Law Project
Employers can learn about their rights and responsibilities if immigration agents come to a workplace.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Really appreciate @kensingtonvoice.bsky.social following up on what happened to the people arrested on the first day of Philly's wellness court. www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/three-arr...
kensingtonvoice.com
Three arrested during Kensington “wellness court” launch; two diverted to treatment, one jailed
The fast-track court initiative targets people who use drugs by arresting them for summary offenses.
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Eugene Sonn @eugenesonn.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
An exciting new announcement from @pmja.bsky.social It's vital public media represents ALL the people stations strive to serve. PMJA is working on other efforts to help early and mid-career folks advance. So the folks welcomed by "opening doors" have a reason to stay. www.pmja.org/opening-doors
pmja.org
Opening Doors - Public Media Journalists Association
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