🌱 Bustleton Ave. Shopping Center Shooting + Metro Unemployment Down

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Sean Peek, your temporary host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

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But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A passing shower or two. High: 62 Low: 47.
• Saturday: Sun and some clouds. High: 68 Low: 51.

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Here are the top four stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Philadelphia police have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of 23-year-old James Cundiff, who was shot in the chest and shoulder while in a car at a shopping center on Bustleton Avenue on Wednesday. Cundiff was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead later that evening. As of the time of publishing, no weapons have been recovered, and no suspects have been identified. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. Pennsylvania's state Senate has passed a bill with a 28-21 vote that would limit Philadelphia's ability to impose a commuter tax on suburban residents. The bill would also prevent Philadelphia from imposing a wage tax on people who work from home, even if their employer is based in the city. The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Frank Farry, argued that the current Depression-era law is outdated and unfairly requires remote workers to pay Philadelphia wage taxes simply because their employer is located in the city. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
3. A Philadelphia-based matchmaker is being featured on Netflix's latest dating reality show. "Jewish Matchmaking" premiered on May 3, featuring Aleeza Ben Shalom as the dating coach. Ben Shalom, who met her husband here in Philly, helps Jewish singles of all ages find love on the show. (Daily Voice)
4. Newly released data from March shows that unemployment rates have decreased in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area. Unemployment in the region dropped by 15 percent from February and 13 percent from the previous year, and the ratio of job openings to unemployed job seekers has fallen for the fourth consecutive month. Notably, economists predict that April's job and unemployment data, expected to release today, may show a rise in unemployment rates. (WPVI-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Philadelphia:

Friday, May 5

• First Friday: Playing Dirty At Science History Institute (5:00 PM)
• Philadelphia Ballet Public Performance At Cherry Street Pier (5:30 PM)
• Live Music At Time Whiskey Bar & Taproom (6:00 PM)
• Viernes Calientes: First Friday Dance Party At World Cafe Live (9:00 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Farmers Market At Pretzel Park (10:00 AM)
• Introduction To Tantra At Kadampa Meditation Center Philadelphia (10:30 AM)
• South Street Fest At South Street Headhouse District (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The Philadelphia Police Department is seeking a suspect in a commercial burglary case in the 22nd district. Additional information, including video footage, can be found here. (Philadelphia Police Department via Facebook)
• The Free Library's Pride tees are back this year for Pride Month. The shirts come in white or black, each available in multiple styles. (Free Library of Philadelphia via Facebook)
• Tonight is a big night for Philadelphia sports, and to help out, SEPTA will be offering extra rides to Phillies and Sixers fans. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
• Looking to treat Mom to a good meal this Mother's Day? Start your search with these 11 Philadelphia brunch spots. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Friday. Your usual curator, Patty-Pat Kozlowski, will be back with your next newsletter soon. It's been a pleasure, Philadelphia!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.