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Kenney calls Philly students 'underdogs,' Pa. leaders call for rep. accused of misconduct to resign | Morning Newsletter

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Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney asked City Council to raise property taxes by 6 percent during his third budget address to City Council on Thursday March 1, 2018.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney asked City Council to raise property taxes by 6 percent during his third budget address to City Council on Thursday March 1, 2018.Read moreMICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer

Happy Friday. Mayor Jim Kenney's budget pitch to address Philly schools took on an Eagles theme. A state representative is being urged to resign after accusations of sexual and physical assault by two women. Despite the dreary weather, the Philadelphia Flower Show kicks off tomorrow. We have everything to know about "Wonders of Water." There's a lot to get to. Let's get started.

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— Ray Boyd (@RayBoydDigital, morningnewsletter@philly.com)

» READ MORE: Mayor Kenney leans on ‘underdog’ theme to pitch budget, tax increases to City Council

Conjuring up thoughts of the Eagles, Mayor Jim Kenney called Philadelphia students "the real underdogs," as he plans to move $980 million to city schools over five years.

On Thursday, Kenney outlined his gameplan to cover the school district's nearly $1 billion deficit, after taking back control of Philly schools from the School Reform Commission in 2017.

Kenney's playbook includes a property tax increase, an increase of the real estate transfer tax and a slowed-down reduction of the city wage tax. Here's what the changes could mean for you.

» READ MORE: Pa. House leaders urge Rep. Miccarelli to resign following assault allegations

Calls for State Rep. Nick Miccarelli to resign came from Pennsylvania House leaders after he was accused of sexually or physically assaulting two women.

In a statement, house leadership called the accusations "very serious," adding that they should be investigated by law enforcement. They called the motivation for the decision "the integrity of the institution."  

The Delaware County legislator has denied the claims which include one of the accused alleging that Miccarelli brandished a gun and threatened her life while driving at an excessive speed.

» READ MORE: Philadelphia Flower Show starts Saturday: Everything you need to know

Despite what it looks like outside, spring is in full bloom inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, which starts on Saturday.

Reporter Bethany Ao broke down the attractions you don't want to miss, including tons of tropical blooms and water features. Water is the name of the game for this year's show. 

While enjoying the flowery spectacle, people will need to eat. Reporter Michael Klein shared some of the best nearby eateries, including spots inside famed food hall Reading Terminal Market. When it comes to drinks, there will be "boozy events" at the Flower Show as well.

What you need to know today

  1. A former Philadelphia police officer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault in connection to a video that surfaced in 2017 showing him injuring a handcuffed man.

  2. On Thursday, three New Jersey school districts were closed for the day after a series of school shooting threats. Authorities arrested the person they say is responsible … a 10-year-old student.

  3. Philadelphia shifted its policy on complaints against police brought by citizens to post them online to build trust. But it appears some information will be cloaked in anonymity.

  4. West Chester-based QVC, which pioneered TV shopping, has changed its name to Qurate and will emphasize online sales. Growth has been modest so far.

  5. Joseph Kindler was convicted of murder, escaped from prison twice and almost caused an international incident. His colorful legal history likely came to an end Thursday with a decision by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

  6. Kensington resident Ruokai Chen was shocked when the city increased his taxable land assessment in 2016 from $16,300 to over $113,000. He has scored a rare victory contesting it in court.

  7. If you start noticing calls from a 445 area code, remember it's local. The Philadelphia region's newest area code is set to launch on Saturday.

  8. Sixers owner Joshua Harris is involved in a negative report tied to the White House, stemming from Harris and his company's connection to President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

  9. President Trump has appointed a Philadelphia-based federal judge, and Democrat, to a panel that sets federal sentencing guidelines.

  10. Next year, the price tag to attend the University of Pennsylvania is set to rise. The annual cost could eclipse $70,000.

Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly

We want to see what our community looks like through your eyes. Show us the park that your family walks through every weekend with the dog, the block party in your neighborhood or the historic stretch you see every morning on your commute to work.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we'll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

That’s Interesting

  1. Some Philly organizations have taken a small step to make a big impact on gender identity in their workplace culture. It all starts with an email signature.

  2. Philadelphia is launching a bounty program that could pay out thousands of dollars to nonprofits. The target: "We Buy Houses" and other illegal signs.

  3. LeBron James denied rumors that he was in Pennsylvania to tour schools near Philly. Don't worry Sixers fans. Another version of the rumor is still out there.

  4. Last night, the Sixers pulled out a 108-97 win over James and the Cavaliers. If you can't beat them, join them?

  5. Former Eagles coaches Andy Reid and Chip Kelly both opened up about what it was like to watch their former team and players win the Super Bowl.

  6. Philly is losing Maori Karmael Holmes, the founder of BlackStar Film Festival. As she explained, "if Ava DuVernay calls you, you don't say 'no.'"

  7. Popular Philly restaurant SOMO in Manayunk is opening a second spot in April, SOMO SoPhi. A sneak peek shed light on the "sleek, environmentally forward restaurant."

  8. After an impressive February, the Flyers opened March on the losing side of a 4-1 final against Carolina.

  9. Sommeliers are no longer exclusive to the fanciest of Philadelphia restaurants. We caught up with Walnut Street Cafe's head sommelier Kaitlyn Caruke whose family drink of choice is … beer.

  10. Architecture critic Inga Saffron breaks down the final design for the Toll Bros. tower coming to Jewelers Row and explains why she believes it's an "architectural zombie."

Opinions

"About the only thing that could screw up a Democratic 'wave'
— this coming November is bitter party in-fighting to tamp down enthusiasm among the party base. And that seems to be happening, right on schedule.“ — Columnist Will Bunch writes that anti-Trump resistance is being hindered by the Democratic Party establishment.
  1. Not in Philly creator Dave Brindley believes that many Philadelphians are trying to keep the city clean and that it's time for the city to do its part by bringing back a service many others have.

  2. The Inquirer Editorial Board writes that Mayor Kenney is making the "no-brainer" connection between higher property taxes and better schools that comes with taking responsibility for "our children."

What we’re reading

  1. TIME looks back at the TV show Murphy Brown which featured a female journalist exposing misuses of power, calling her the feminist hero America needed then and now.

  2. A North Philly school is using its new virtual reality lab to give a new level of understanding to students. Technical.ly Philly explained how students are interacting with the technology.

  3. You may have noticed Facebook's explanation of its face recognition technology, but if you want nothing to do with it, Wired explains how you can turn it off.

  4. A dating website study showed that Philadelphia men are willing to pay $396 for a first date, the second highest total in the study. PhillyVoice is taking a closer look at the results.

  5. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been dominated by men for its 90 years, but FiveThirtyEight examined the recent membership moves that have made it look more like society and the industry as a whole.

Your Daily Dose of | Alma Mater

The Flyers' Shayne Gostisbehere has invited the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High hockey team, his former school, to meet him before Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers.