Maggie Mancini

Maggie Mancini is a staff writer at PhillyVoice. Her interests include education, housing, culture, and politics. A recent graduate of Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communications, she worked as a section editor at REFINE Magazine, Temple’s student-run women’s magazine. She was also a regular contributor to Temple University’s HerCampus chapter. She is a Philadelphia native from Roxborough.

maggie@phillyvoice.com

March 27, 2023

Investigations

Two missing people found dead following West Reading chocolate factory explosion

by Maggie Mancini

Two people who were previous unaccounted for following the explosion at R.M. Palmer's chocolate factory in West Reading on Friday evening have been found dead, bringing the death toll to seven people, officials said on Sunday night. None of the victims' names have been released, and the investigation into the cause of the fiery blast is ongoing. Donations can be made to the West Reading Recovery Fund, organized by the Berks County Community Foundation and United Way of Berks County.

March 24, 2023

Movies

Jabari Banks to star in his first movie, 'Bad Genius,' a remake of a 2017 Thai film

by Maggie Mancini

Jabari Banks, the star of Peacock's 'Bel-Air,' will star in 'Bad Genius,' the English-language remake of a 2017 Thai film. It will be his first movie appearance. The cast includes Callina Liang, of 'Tell Me Everything,' and Benedict Wong, who is known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Earlier this month, 'Bel-Air' was renewed for a third season.

March 24, 2023

Music

Jordana Bryant releases breakup anthem 'Penniless & Broke' from upcoming debut EP

by Maggie Mancini

Jordana Bryant released 'Penniless & Broke,' a breakup anthem and the lead single from her upcoming self-titled EP, which will be released April 21. The EP is the Bryn Mawr native's first under Riser House, the Nashville-based record label she signed with in April 2022.

March 24, 2023

Government

Bucks County pilot lost his life on 9/11, but legislation named in his memory aims to prevent future hijackings

by Maggie Mancini

The Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act would require secondary cockpit barriers on all passenger airplanes in the United States. The legislation is named after Victor Saracini, the Bucks County pilot on United Flight 175, which was hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The bill was introduced by Sen. Bob Casey.

March 23, 2023

Performances

Philadelphia Theater Company to recreate Billie Holiday's last performance with 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill'

by Maggie Mancini

Laurin Talese will perform as Billie Holiday in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill,' a Tony-winning musical making its debut at the Philadelphia Theatre Company from April 6 through April 30. The play tells the story of one of Holiday's final performances at a seedy bar in South Philadelphia. The real-life version of the bar, Emerson's Tavern, was a small jazz club at 15th and Bainbridge streets that closed in 1960.

March 23, 2023

Environment

North Wildwood's beaches are disappearing as officials prepare for summer season

by Maggie Mancini

North Wildwood beaches are washed away quicker than sand can be replaced, causing problems for the Jersey Shore city as they prepare for the summer season. Mayor Patrick Rosenello wrote a letter to the community on Tuesday. Some areas may not be ready for visitors by Memorial Day Weekend.

March 23, 2023

Government

Proposal for public safety director to appear on ballot after City Council overrides mayor's veto

by Maggie Mancini

Mayor Jim Kenney vetoed legislation that would lay the groundwork for a cabinet-level government position to oversee public safety. City Council unanimously overrode his veto Thursday, guaranteeing the proposal will appear in the May 16 primary election as a ballot question.

March 22, 2023

Education

Bryn Mawr College to remove former president's name from library over history of racism

by Maggie Mancini

Bryn Mawr College will remove the name of M. Carey Thomas, a suffragist and the school's second president, from an inscription on its campus library. The decision comes nearly five years after Bryn Mawr denounced Thomas' legacy of racism and antisemitism during her time leading the college from 1894 to 1922. The library, named after Thomas in 1935, has been referred to by its original name.

March 22, 2023

Crime

Former Bucks County D.A.R.E. officer sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting teenage boys

by Maggie Mancini

James Carey, a former Warminster Township police officer, will serve between 24 1/2 and 55 years in state prison for sexually assaulting five teenage boys while working as a D.A.R.E. officer, a volunteer firefighter and running a program for troubled teenagers more than two decades ago. He pleaded no contest to the charges in October.

March 22, 2023

Festivals

Admire the beauty of spring at Philly's cherry blossom festival

by Maggie Mancini

The Cherry Blossom Festival, sponsored by Subaru of America, returns to Philadelphia this April with a full weekend of musical performances, cultural activities, arts and crafts and shopping from vendors beneath the cherry blossoms at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.