Could the commuter wage tax go away?

⚖️ Former Philly Proud Boys Leader Convicted

Zachary Rehl, ex-leader of the Philadelphia chapter of the Proud Boys, was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. There are photos of Rehl inside the building that day, and prosecutors argued that he and other extremist group members helped orchestrate the attack. [Inquirer 🔒]

💰 No More Philly Commuter Wage Tax?

Pennsylvania’s state Senate voted in favor of ending the law that allows Philadelphia to impose a commuter tax on suburban residents. If approved, Philly would no longer be able to impose a wage tax on people who work remotely, even if their employers are located in the city. On the Senate floor, supporters of the bill said the law is outdated, but Democrats accused the GOP of trying to deprive the city of resources. [CBS Philadelphia]

🚫 New Violence Intervention Program

Philadelphia's Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety (CJPS) is launching a new program for formerly incarcerated individuals. Participants will receive therapy, employment, and housing assistance for 12-18 months. The holistic approach is modeled after a Chicago program that began in 2017, which helped to reduce arrests for some offenses by more than 75%. Will Philly have the same success? [Next City]

🪦 Proper Burials for Unhoused Philadelphians

Lester Ross, a well-known unhoused person with a bubbly personality, died from COVID-19 in 2020, but his ashes were left unclaimed in the city morgue. Self Inc., a human services agency, held a ceremony to celebrate Ross’ life. Now it has become a tradition to give proper burials and memorials for deceased unsheltered people. The remains of 50 individuals will be buried on May 23 at Mt. Peace Cemetery. [KYW News]

⚖️ The Struggle To Solve Murder Cases

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and District Attorney Larry Krasner recently announced the arrest of Gregory Burnett, one of the city’s most wanted fugitives. Burnett has been sought for three years for his alleged involvement in the 2020 murder of a 31-year-old man in West Philly. Bilal said Philadelphia’s Most Wanted List helped catch Burnett. Hear from Mensah Dean, staff writer for The Trace, on why it’s so hard to solve homicide cases in Philadelphia. [City Cast Philly]

🍒 Cherry Street Pier | Friday | 4 p.m.

Browse through free exhibitions and open resident studios at Cherry Street Pier and enjoy bites from the concession stand. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]

🌱 Science History Institute | Friday | 5 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of a new outdoor exhibit which explores the connection between environmentalism, education, and fun. [free, Old City]

🩰 BalletX | Friday | 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy professional choreography and live music at the Mann Center. [$20-$50, Fairmount]

🎨 Makers Market | Saturday | 11 a.m.

Stroll along Elfreth’s alley and shop from local makers and artisans. [pay-as-you-go, Old City]

🥳 Girard Ave Street Fest | Saturday | 11 a.m.

Stop by West Girard Ave, between 26th and 29th Streets, to shop from more than 90 vendors, and participate in family-friendly activities. Live Performances by Dirty Soap, and the Shadow Trax drill team. [pay-as-you-go, Brewerytown/Fairmount/Sharswood]

🛍️ Rittenhouse Row Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.

Head to Rittenhouse Square and enjoy live music and entertainment, street cafes, vendors, an artist showcase, and a fashion show. [pay-as-you-go, Rittenhouse]

🌼 Printmaking | Saturday | 1 p.m.

Take a walk in the Pennypack Environmental Center and then learn to create botanical prints. [$12, Krewstown]

🫖 Heal & Sip | Sunday | 3 p.m.

Bond with strangers and find connections while sipping tea and learning to better manage stress. [$20, Germantown]

🤣 Comedy | Sunday | 7 p.m.

End the weekend on a happy note with a stand-up comedy show featuring Leah Renee, Spark Tabor and more. [$10, Kensington]

🎵 Sing Us Home | Through Sunday | Various Times

Sing your heart out at this two-day music festival on Venice Island. Featuring performances by Dave Hause & The Mermaid, and Crossed Keys. [$10-13, Manayunk]

Last week, I posted this abundantly colorful mural and asked you to locate it. Hey Philly reader Ayah G. was correct, it’s on 10th and Dickinson Streets. “Mapping Migration” by Shira Walinsky honors the history and evolving layers of immigrant and refugee communities in South Philly.

It’s clear that I love murals, but I will also swoon over some intricately made mosaic work. Ayah submitted this gorgeous mosaic piece. Can you tell me where it is? If you’re the first to land in my inbox with the right answer, you can send in a photo for next week’s challenge!

PPA's Bike Lane Patrol, Philly’s First Youth Ombudsperson & Philly Tech Week

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Eliot Olaya, fellow at AL DÍA News, and Julie Zeglen, managing editor at Technical.ly. We discuss the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s bike lane enforcement unit, Philly’s first Youth Ombudsperson, and the 13th annual Philly Tech Week.