Newsletter
PA to sue over Census citizenship question; ‘Gun-shy’ doctors scared of opioids; Come intern with us!
Newsletter for Wednesday, Mar 28 2018
Instagram of the Day
How the largest playable pipe organ in the world gets cleaned
@wanamakerorgan
‘Gun-shy’ doctors and the second opioid crisis: patients in chronic pain
More than 460,000 Philadelphians have taken a prescription opioid in the last year — the majority of them for totally legitimate reasons. The drugs are a common way to treat chronic pain, which can be so debilitating, one Philadelphia woman told Billy Penn, that sometimes it's impossible to get out of bed. But due to increasingly strict CDC guidelines inspired by the addiction epidemic, people are having trouble getting their meds — a situation that can even lead to suicide.
DOJ wants a Census question on citizenship, and PA intends to sue
The 2020 edition of the U.S. Census could ask respondents if they are citizens, which doesn't bode well for Pa.'s count. The question, which is being requested by Trump's DOJ, means many of the state's 13 million immigrants may choose to skip the census entirely, even those living here legally. Twelve states, including Pennsylvania, have indicated they plan to sue to block the Trump administration from carrying out the change. Citizenship hasn't been asked about on the general census since 1960, per the New York Times.
City Hall’s new sexual harassment phone line won’t name names, but will find patterns
In its first few weeks, the new phone line for municipal employees to confidentially discuss their experiences reporting harassment has already gotten a lot of use, per City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. The line, which is being handled by two lawyers, is open all hours. Information will be used to identify any shortcomings — without the release of any current or former staff members names. Instead, the Controller's Office will be looking for departmental patterns.
Michael Bennett had to cancel a scheduled book signing in Germantown
We've written about how new Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett is an activist and social justice champion. His philosophy is distilled in the book that just dropped, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, which he was scheduled to speak about and sign at Uncle Bobbie's bookstore in Germantown Saturday. That event is now cancelled, thanks to Bennett having to show up in court in Texas to fight felony charges — for allegedly pushing a security guard out of the way after Super Bowl 2017. The NFL may now look into the incident, even though the league said it was contacted "late" in the legal process. Bennett's lawyer maintains his client "just flat-out didn’t do it," per Les Bowen at PMN.
BP Update: Interns and tote bags
- Calling all college students whose passion for journalism is exceeded only by the desire to help define the future of news: we're looking for interns for summer 2018. If you’re a go-getter looking for experience in a fast-paced local newsroom, this position is for you. Find out more about the job and how to apply (by April 13) here.
- Shout out to @snacklikealocal for their shoutout to their foldable Billy Penn tote bag on Instagram! Fun story in the comments there, about another reader who took their bag to Puerto Rico and got recognized as a Philadelphian because of it. If you want one, swing by our office in Center City (shoot us an email first) — or come to our next event (Healthy Honey at IBX LIVE on April 17, stay tuned for details).
- Reminder: Today is Pizzeria Beddia day for us! Wish Mónica luck as she ventures to stand in the all-day line, and keep an eye on our Twitter for updates.
Featured Event
Drink cider and read comics to raise money for immigrants
This North Philly cidery is hosting Blackstone Comics for a night of drink specials, limited edition sales and raffles, all to benefit the New Sanctuary Movement, a nonprofit working for immigrants' rights.
Where: Original 13 Ciderworks at 1526 N. American St., 19122
When: March 29, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
How much: Pay as you go