📣 Cafe worker unions hit roadblocks

Suspect Shot After Stabbings on SEPTA

SEPTA Transit Police shot and wounded a man who allegedly stabbed three people in the Walnut-Locust Station of the Broad Street Line on Monday night. Police said that the man had been walking through the station slashing at people walking by, and then stabbed a security guard who confronted him. Officers attempted to subdue him with a Taser before one shot him at least three times. [6ABC]

City Council Takes on “Predatory” Parking “Barnacles”

Councilmembers say companies who deploy parking “barnacles” to enforce parking violations are taking advantage of residents. The barnacles, an alternative to towing or a vehicle boot, are yellow plastic boxes that use suction cups to cling to a car’s windshield, blocking the driver’s view. People have to pay a fee to have them removed, but unlike towing, this practice isn’t regulated, and a deputy police commissioner who spoke in the hearing likened their use to “extortion.” [NBC10]

Pharmacy Fraud in Port Richmond

The now-closed Aramingo Pharmacy pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud after an investigation found that it issued over half a million dollars in fraudulent health insurance claims. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s investigation revealed that the pharmacy billed for brand-name medications but dispensed generic ones and refilled prescriptions without dispensing them to patients, among other methods to pilfer money from insurers. [Inquirer]

📚 "Collections of Historic Odessa" | Wednesday | 5 p.m.

Author Philip D. Zimmerman discusses his new book about the decorative and fine art objects from two 18th century houses in Odessa, Delaware. [Free, Center City]

🎙️ Billy Strayhorn Project Jazz Show | Wednesday | 7:30 p.m.

A performance celebrating the life, legacy and music of William Thomas "Billy" Strayhorn, the American jazz musician and LGTBQ artist. [$15, Center City]

🎤 Standup Comedy Showcase | Wednesday | 9 p.m.

A free standup comedy show at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen. [Free, Old City]

🏠 First Time Home Buyer Seminar | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Movement Mortgage and Keller Williams Philadelphia offer a free class on the home-buying process, with food and drink provided. [Free, Fishtown]

🎄 City Hall Holiday Tree Lighting | Thursday | 7 p.m.

The ceremonial lighting of the 55-foot-tall white fir at City Hall will feature a performance by singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks. [Free, Center City]

Philly’s Cafe Union Movement Hits Roadblocks

At least a half-dozen local Starbucks, and seven independent cafes in Philly, have made efforts to start unions in the last couple of years. But recently, some local cafes where workers have formed unions have either closed down, or workers have voted to reject the union they joined. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workforce reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what drove this unionization movement and whether these setbacks are a sign that the "hot labor summer" is cooling off.