Resolution 200585

..Title Recognizing and honoring the Russian-language newspaper, "Philadelphia News," on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary in print media. ..Body WHEREAS, The first issue of the Russian language newspaper, "Philadelphia News," was published on October 21, 1995 in a two-bedroom apartment; and WHEREAS, Since its inception 25 years ago, the Philadelphia News has grown into a significant media source for the growing Russian speaking community in the greater Philadelphia-area; and WHEREAS, Published by Olga Ratnovskaya and Malvina Yakobashvili, immigrants from Russia and Georgia, the Philadelphia News offers both digital and print editions available in both English and Russian; and WHEREAS, The Philadelphia News is a vital source of information for the thousands of Russian speaking immigrants who have settled in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Neighborhoods in Northeast Philadelphia especially, including Bustleton, Somerton, and Fox Chase, have become hubs for Russian speaking immigrants since the late 1970s; and WHEREAS, Olga Ratnovskaya and Malvina Yakobashvili settled in the United States as immigrants in the 1990s and understand the cultural and linguistic barriers that can exist in the local media. Taking into consideration these barriers that often exist, they create stories of local and national importance in a form most convenient for the Russian-speaking reader; and WHEREAS, As this publication reaches the quarter-century mark in the print, the Philadelphia News stands strong as a trusted source for thousands of hard-working, Russian speaking Philadelphians; and WHEREAS, Readers of all backgrounds can access the Philadelphia News either online at philanewsnow.com or in the traditional print format; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHIALDELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the Russian-language newspaper, "Philadelphia News," on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary in print media. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Olga Ratnovskaya and Malvina Yakobashvili, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End