iradiophilly | News - Soda and Beverage Tax Passes Philly City Council; Man Shot in Olney, Phillies P Alec Asher Suspended

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Soda and Beverage Tax Passes Philly City Council; Man Shot in Olney, Phillies P Alec Asher Suspended

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 06/16/16 8:12 pm | updated: 06/16/16 8:12 pm

Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to pass a tax on soda and other sugary drinks when City Council voted 13-4 in favor this afternoon. Mayor Jim Kenney had proposed a 3 cents/ounce tax on sugary drinks that would primarily pay for universal Pre-K, community schools, and recreation centers. Some of the funds would also go to bolstering the city fund balance. Council amended the bill to 1.5 cents/ounce on sugary drinks and diet beverages. This comes at the end of months of debate and lobbying on both sides including significant advertising spending by the beverage industry. The tax will be levied against distributors who will most likely pass that on to consumers. Beverages without sugar or artificial sweeter added are exempt, such as milk, baby formula, certain juices (greater than 50% fruits/vegetables), unsweetened tea, and coffee, but most other bottled, canned, or fountain drinks are included. The tax expects to raise $91 million next year. A soda tax has failed in over 30 other cities. Only Berkeley, CA, has a similar tax.

Philadelphia Police are investigating after the body of a man was found inside a car in the city's Olney section. The victim was found around 2:15 p.m. Thursday in a silver Pontiac Grand Prix on the 5100 block of Arbor Street, police said. He had been shot in the face. The investigation continues.

Philadelphia Phillies' pitching prospect Alec Asher has been suspended for 80 games for testing positive for a PED. The 24-year-old right-hander from Lakeland, FL, tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, known as "Oral Turnibol," which is a performance enhancing anabolic steroid in a pill form. Asher is currently on the disabled list for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The Phillies obtained Asher from the Texas Rangers in the Cole Hamels trade at the trade deadline last year. "The Phillies support Major League Baseball's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today's news of Alec's violation," the Phillies said in a statement. In April, Phillies pitcher Daniel Stumpf was also suspended 80 games after also testing positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone.

Tonight,
Cloudy, temperatures steady in the upper 60's this evening in Center City

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