🌱 5,000 Blank Vaccine Cards Stolen + Gun Traffickers Arrested

Morning, Philadelphia! Let's get you all caught up to start this Saturday, February 5 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Philadelphia today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 30 Low: 17.

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Here are the top four stories today in Philadelphia:

1. 5,000 blank COVID vaccine cards were stolen from Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Also taken were an undisclosed amount of N95 masks. According to the FBI, buying, selling, and using a fake vaccine card is a federal crime. (Philadelphia Patch)
2. Three men were arrested in Philadelphia for their alleged roles in illegal straw purchasing and conspiracy to traffic 19 firearms. On Friday, the attorney general announced that Bryan Johnson, Dajuan Coffee, and Quadir Burley had been arrested and charged with multiple counts of illegal transfer of a firearm. The mandatory minimum for transferring two or more firearms is five to ten years in state prison. (CBS Philly)
3. Philly City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart is asking for the public's help in reviewing the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). Her office has called on community members to be on a committee that will review the budget of the PPD. The review will look at the deployment of funds for the PPD, as well as compare them with other departments across the country. (AL DIA News)
4. The City of Philadelphia launched the Right to Counsel for eligible Philadelphia tenants on Monday. The council allows low-income renters in Philadelphia to be entitled to free legal representation if they are facing eviction. Those who are eligible for the services can call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500. (Philadelphia Sunday Sun)

Today in Philadelphia:

• Volunteer Clean Up Day At The Woodlands (10:00 AM)
• Building Blocks: FUNdamental Music Theory for Kids At Temple University Music Preparatory (11:00 AM)
• Temple Music Prep Master Class with violinist Robert Chen At Center for Gifted Young Musicians (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City parks, rec centers, and libraries serve as community spaces where people can learn, play, and exercise. #RebuildPHL recognizes this and has big plans for 2022. Follow Rebuild Philadelphia to stay connected! (Facebook)
• Do you have past-due water bills? The new Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program may provide up to $5,000 for Philadelphia Water Department customers towards delinquent water bills. (Facebook)
• Congratulations to the School District of Philadelphia January Student of the Month, Malcolm Miller! Read more about their journey at: https://bit.ly/3rozft9 (Facebook)

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Events:

• Roosevelt Mall Indoor Flea Market! (February 6)
• Devon / Berwyn Indoor Vintage Marketplace (February 6)
• Cena Mortem: A Dinner With Death (February 20)
• 7th Annual Virtual:Yoga, Wine & Chocolate Event (February 26)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.