Scammers are “a public safety issue”
From bad contractors to zombie loans, scams and schemes abound in Philly, targeting unsuspecting residents. Now, the Law Department is asking for authority to go after shady loan companies, Bitcoin scammers, take-the-money-and-run contractors and the like on consumers’ behalf.
A bill introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau on behalf of the Parker administration would make a host of deceptive and unfair practices illegal under city law, and give the department power to investigate and file suits in the Court of Common Pleas. BP’s Meir Rinde explains how it might work. Continue reading…
This 18th-century instrument was founded by a Founding Father
Despite the linguistic similarities, the armonica is NOT a cousin of the harmonica. It is, however, a cousin of the glass harp. And in the 1760s, the new musical instrument was sweeping European high society. And it was all thanks to a visiting Philadelphian who would later help found other, even more impactful things, like the United States of America.
Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the armonica was also helped along by his refusal to patent the instrument’s design. Learn more about it in the latest Headlines of Yore. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The fourth and final person wanted in last week’s mass shooting of students near a SEPTA bus stop was arrested in Alexandria, Virginia. [WHYY]
• Roosevelt Boulevard’s speed cameras are described as “overwhelmingly successful” at reducing crashes, injuries, and death, but the road remains Philly’s most dangerous. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• After years of protest and attempts to save UC Townhomes, former residents watched Tuesday as the buildings they hoped to save were demolished. [Inquirer$]
• For decades, Germantown was not the kind of place developers held ribbon-cutting ceremonies. That’s changing, and with the optimism comes caution. [WHYY’s Plan Philly]
• Opening day for the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park is delayed past the intended March 30 until further notice, “due to unforeseen circumstances.” [IG @seamarket_fdrpark]
• The inaugural Visit Philly Liberty Bell Awards tapped nearly 30,000 voters to name iconic museums, best-kept secrets, sandwiches worth waiting in line for, and more. [6ABC]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.• SEPTA quietly shuttered its new AI-based gun-detection system and left $5 million grant unspent amid record gun-violence in Philly. [The Trace]
• Former Eagle Brian Dawkins wants Philly students to speak openly about mental health amid traumatic mass shootings. [WHYY]
• Town hall at Imhotep Charter School touches on emotions following a violent week of shootings. [The Philadelphia Tribune]
• The Shapiro Administration approved $13 million funding to combat gun violence and increase victim support and prevention programming. [media.pa.gov]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 23: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 26 the week prior. [PCGVR]
- 217: Shooting victims as of March 17 were down 37% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 63: Year-to-date homicides, down 32% vs. last year’s pace; down 4.5% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker announced a series of appointments to her administration on Tuesday. Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Wednesday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🥖 PHL is marking National Cheesesteak Day with a week of giveaways and deals at the airport. (Through Sunday, March 24)
👣 The March for Queer Liberation kicks off a week of solidarity, support, and action efforts across Penn’s campus. (12 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 22)
🌶️ Join Evil Genius Beer Company at “Hop Ones,” a taste journey through progressively hotter and hotter wings with sauces from Hot Ones and West Philly’s Goodland Food Co. $37.75 tickets. (7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 22)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
