Ceasefire calls in Philly; Arrests in SEPTA shooting; Parker says no to tiny houses | Morning roundup

Criticism of U.S. and ceasefire calls continue in Philly

Hundreds of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza marched through Center City this weekend, decrying the rising death toll and hardship suffered by Palestinians, particularly women on the latest International Women’s Day. 

It was the latest demonstration in Philadelphia held by pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters in the months since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. BP’s Meir Rinde and Ali Mohsen spoke with rally attendees about why they continue to come out. Continue reading… 

Danny Brown talks favorite Philly rappers ahead of his next show

After “Scaring The Hoes” with JPEGMafia in Philadelphia last year, Danny Brown says he’s looking forward to headlining a solo show Wednesday. The Detroit-based rapper’s latest album reflects on his journey and newfound sobriety. 

Brown said Philly rappers’ flow has always stood out to him, adding he loves the way the artists from the city have separated themselves from the rest of the East Coast. WHYY’s Cory Sharber spoke with the him about what to expect. Continue reading…

RECAP: What else happened?

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• Two teens were arrested and charged in the SEPTA bus stop shooting that injured eight teens last week. [WHYY]

• Mayor Parker is pulling city money from needle exchanges in favor of her own plan to tackle opioid epidemic. (KYW)

• Mayor Parker is also reversing a city commitment to support the building of tiny houses for those experiencing homelessness. Sanctuary Village had been tapped by the Kenney administration to construct the communities. [Axios]

• The federal government has allocated a $158 million grant for Philadelphia’s Chinatown Stitch Project. It will help build a cap park over the Vine Street Expressway, which divided the neighborhood decades ago. [WHYY/Billy Penn]

• A $100 million development of housing and retail is planned for Washington Avenue in South Philly. [BizJournal$]

• The Eagles agreed to a three-year deal for RB Saquon Barkley, as well as Bryce Huff, and a four-year extension for Eagles guard Landon Dickerson. [The Athletic/ESPN/NFL]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for today.

ON THE CALENDAR

🐈 Play some Quizzo to save stray cats at the Stray Cat Relief Fund event coming to SouthHouse, with half-priced wings and happy hour deals. (5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13)

🧶 The four-day inaugural 2024 Greater Philly Yarn Crawl kicks off this week across 16 shops for everyone from dedicated craftspeople to those simply curious about yarn. Register for $5. (Thursday through Sunday, March 14-17) 

🪨 Learn about the geology of the Wissahickon Park and forces that shaped what we experience today. Head to the Falls of Schuylkill Library and dive into the theory of plate tectonics, mineralogy, and the rock cycle. (1 p.m. Friday, March 15)