Mind Cruncher

Just east of Fishtown, a 500,000 square foot industrial monument overlooks the Delaware River. Delaware Central Station, completed in 1923, was designed to look like a Roman temple—complete with classical columns, ornate entablature, and Beaux-Arts grandeur. But why would an electric power plant need to be beautiful?In this episode, we explore how Philadelphia Electric Company used architecture as public relations during an era when electricity was new, invisible, and terrifying. We'll trace the building's journey from the Progressive Era through decades of abandonment to its recent rebirth as The Battery—a story of industrial decline, historic preservation, and the question facing every American city: what do we do with our industrial past?Sound credits:barge anchors on river 1215 PM 240729_0855 by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/768962/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Street_Car.wav by dggrunzweig -- https://freesound.org/s/341569/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Jingle bells.wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/110158/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Only the very beginning of my investigation, I discuss my finding that over 20 percent of PhillyMag's 50 best restaurants in Philly have improper or nonexistent food preparation and serving licenses. Sources: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/50-best-restaurants/ https://li.phila.gov/property-history

I discuss the structure, implementation, and impact of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax since 2017. Case studies on soda taxes in Mexico and Berkely, CA supplement the conclusions I draw about the future of the soda tax and it's ability to fund pre-k and community schools in Philly. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-sugary-soda-is-bad-for-you#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7068482/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804646/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5442881/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024386/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5395172/ https://www.phila.gov/media/20190227105051/chart-v4e1.pdf https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-audits/data-release-beverage-tax/ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733208 https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2020/february/soda-tax-and-beverage-consumption https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167629618309494 https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/4/1336 https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/soda-tax/ https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/soda-tax-controversial/ https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/14/sugary-drink-sales-fall-38percent-after-philadelphia-levied-soda-tax-study.html https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local-backgrounders/soda-taxes https://taxfoundation.org/philadelphia-soda-tax-failing/ https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2016/10/05/pew-poll-shows-philadelphians-feeling-good-about-their-city https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335459874_Philadelphia%27s_taxing_decision_pros_and_cons_of_a_soda_tax

I discuss the role of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) in the City of Philadelphia's finances and provide a brief look at the municipal bond market and credit rating agencies in general. Enjoy!

I provide a brief discussion of campaign finance law basics and an overview of some interesting data from the May 2023 primary in Philadelphia. Enjoy! Interactive dashboard: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7444617509954375adc64e7355b98581/ Sources: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-263975 http://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/Philadelphia/030562.pdf https://www.phila.gov/media/20221004102031/BOE-regulation-1.pdf https://www.phila.gov/2023-05-05-board-of-ethics-advisory-alert-doubling-of-campaign-finance-contribution-limits-for-city-council-at-large-race/ https://www.phila.gov/2023-01-20-board-of-ethics-advisory-alert-doubling-of-campaign-finance-contribution-limits-for-city-controllers-race/ https://www.phila.gov/2023-03-08-board-of-ethics-advisory-alert-doubling-of-campaign-finance-contribution-limits-for-sheriffs-race/ https://www.phila.gov/media/20210606193730/campaign-finance-guide-2021.pdf https://www.phila.gov/2023-01-31-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-campaign-finance-dashboard/

This week I dive into the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia and one of the more controversial attempts to stem the loss of life through overdoses - safe injection sites. Sources: https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/council-seeks-ban-on-supervised-injection-sites/article_d9af1972-ac61-5ffa-8e34-5e1dc5d59032.html https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-votes-to-ban-supervised-drug-injection-sites/43767016# https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/safe-injection-sites-opioid-safehouse-20230501.html https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/supervised-injection-sites/ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pennsylvania-senate-approves-legislation-ban-safe-injection-sites https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/understanding-morals-is-key-to-accepting-safe-injection-sites/ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0500/p454.html https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/a-look-inside-the-1st-official-safe-injection-sites-in-u-s https://www.safehousephilly.org/about https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685449/ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/07/645609248/whats-the-evidence-that-supervised-drug-injection-sites-save-lives https://www.dea.gov/engage/operation-engage-philadelphia#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20Philadelphia%20had%20a,%2C%20counterfeit%20pills%2C%20and%20others https://www.phila.gov/media/20221026113548/CHARTv7e3.pdf https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/scottpham/cocaine-fentanyl-opioid-overdoses https://data.pa.gov/stories/s/Pennsylvania-Opioids/9q45-nckt/ https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/pennsylvania.pdmp/viz/PennsylvaniaODSMPDrugOverdoseSurveillanceInteractiveDataReport/Contents https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/pennsylvania.pdmp/viz/PennsylvaniaODSMPDrugOverdoseSurveillanceInteractiveDataReport/Contents https://data.pa.gov/browse?limitTo=datasets&tags=opioid&page=1 https://data.pa.gov/stories/s/Pennsylvania-Opioids-Impact-on-Economy/enh4-nazt https://data.pa.gov/Opioid-Related/Find-Naloxone-at-a-Pharmacy-Near-Me-Current-Statew/ysdx-4vmi https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Opioids/CBO%20Naloxone%20Standing%20Order.pdf https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl https://www.substanceusephilly.com/fatal-overdoses https://www.phila.gov/media/20190410104100/OPS.FactSheet_ENG-2019.pdf https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11524-019-00364-2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395917303341?via%3Dihub https://www.phila.gov/media/20230411134842/Harm-Reduction-Annual-Report-2022.pdf

The first of many new episodes using GIS and statistical analysis to answer important questions about what is happening in Philadelphia. On this episode I dive into multiple factors that may influence median home value in Philadelphia, including demographic changes, demolitions, business licenses, and residential parking permits. This is just a first look into my analysis, please check out the maps and charts below to view the data that I discuss. Maps & Charts: https://medium.com/@carpetsharkwobbegong/what-influences-median-home-value-in-philadelphia-94ee62729167 All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Surveys, 2011 to 2021, and the City of Philadelphia's open data source (opendataphilly.org).

Just an update re MindCruncher. I'm switching up the format to focus more on geospatial and statistical analysis on different policies and issues in Philadelphia, which requires more time to complete. I will have a new episode for you next week! Thanks.

Part two of a mini-series examining affordable housing in Philadelphia. This week I take a look at Housing Choice Vouchers and their impact on making housing more affordable for Philadelphians. Sources: https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-housing-voucher-waitlist-36k-applied/ https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/affordable-housing-philadelphia-how-to-apply-choice-vouchers-section-8-waitlist.html https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-housing-authority-pha-voucher-waitlist-reopened/ https://www.pha.phila.gov/housing/housing-choice-voucher/ https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8 https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/the-housing-choice-voucher-program https://www.cbpp.org/housing-choice-vouchers-sharply-reduce-families-housing-instability https://www.cbpp.org/blog/programs-targeted-for-cuts-keep-millions-from-poverty-new-census-data-show https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/research-shows-rental-assistance-reduces-hardship-and-provides-platform-to-expand https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/section-8-project-based-rental-assistance https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/where-families-with-children-use-housing-vouchers https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/more-housing-vouchers-most-important-step-to-help-more-people-afford-stable-homes https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&stream=top https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remax-national-housing-report-for-february-2023-301774754.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&stream=top

Part one of a mini-series on housing affordability in Philadelphia. On this episode I examine how to measure housing affordability and what is causing housing prices to rise in Philadelphia and across the country. This is the first episode in a series of episodes examining housing affordability. Later episodes will examine specific policies in Philadelphia that address housing affordability including Housing Choice Vouchers, Right to Counsel, Eviction Diversion Initiatives, and First Time Home Buyer Loans, and more. Enjoy! Sources: https://economyleague.org/providing-insight/leadingindicators/2021/03/10/phlaffordabilitycrisespart1 https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2020/09/the-state-of-housing-affordability-in-philadelphia https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/community-development-data/housing-data-dashboard https://www.phila.gov/media/20220527124813/Philadelphia-Assessment-of-Fair-Housing-Draft-5-27-22.pdf https://www.wsj.com/articles/housing-market-prices-unaffordable-11670604049 https://www.npr.org/2022/07/14/1109345201/theres-a-massive-housing-shortage-across-the-u-s-heres-how-bad-it-is-where-you-l https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-inequality-housing-shortage-causes-2023-1 https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-housing-theory-of-everything

I dive into how schools are funded in Pennsylvania, why the courts ruled the current funding formula unconstitutional, and a few possibilities to make school funding more equitable in the Commonwealth. Sources: https://www.reinvestment.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ReinvestmentFund_PA_District_Perf_Report.pdf https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/pennsylvania-school-funding-is-unconstitutional-judge-says-heres-what-could-happen-next/2023/02 https://www.schoolfunding.info/news/pennsylvania-court-issues-blockbuster-ruling-finding-that-the-states-school-funding-system-is-unconstitutional/ https://pubintlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02.07.23-Memorandum-Opinion-Filed-pubintlaw.pdf https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/02/pa-public-school-funding-lawsuit-state-budget-billions/ https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/School%20Finances/Education%20Budget/Pages/default.aspx https://pubintlaw.org/cases-and-projects/school-funding-lawsuit/ https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-state-government-education-8fdfb556d9a76be8e9d72ffeac1a0e2e https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-school-funding-lawsuit-judge-rules-unconstitutional/ https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2023/03/08/shapiro-budget-address-pa-ruling-school-funds-proposed-increase-funding-education/stories/202303070120 https://www.childrenfirstpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/EdFundingFactSheet.pdf https://www.houseappropriations.com/files/Documents/BEF_Primer_102820.pdf http://funded.edbuild.org/state/PA https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-gov-shapiro-first-budget-address-education-spending/ https://www.fundourschoolspa.org/findyourdistrict

I discuss the budget process and method in Pennsylvania along with a look at some of the specific proposals in Josh Shapiro's first budget address. Learn where your money is going! Sources: https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/josh-shapiro-unveiled-pennsylvania-budget-proposal-20230307.html https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-josh-shapiro-unveils-commonsense-budget-to-address-the-issues-pennsylvania-faces/ https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/03/governor-shapiro-budget-education-spending-conservative/ https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-gov-josh-shapiros-budget-proposal-could-put-more-money-in-your-pocket/43239348# https://www.wnep.com/article/news/state/gov-shapiros-budget-proposal-a-band-aid-for-bigger-issues-josh-laura-sosik-scranton-school-district-funding/523-8d69856a-c793-4c97-b4d8-019bdb06191e https://www.shapirobudget.pa.gov/ https://www.budget.pa.gov/Publications%20and%20Reports/Documents/OtherPublications/Budget%20Process%20In%20PA%20-%20Web.pdf https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-lawmakers-react-to-shapiros-44-4b-budget-proposal-marking-the-beginning-of-negotiations/ https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-shapiro-budget-governor-democrat-2023-e6835f78cff04533cbef269848a3fb84 https://www.budget.pa.gov/Publications%20and%20Reports/CommonwealthBudget/Documents/2023-24%20Budget%20Documents/Budget%20Book%202023-24%20WEB%20V.3.03082023.pdf https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/fin_acct/chapter3_2.asp https://www.budget.pa.gov/Publications%20and%20Reports/CommonwealthBudget/Documents/2023-24%20Budget%20Documents/GFTrack%202023-24.pdf

I discuss the history of FDR and it's future, including a discussion about the development plans in south Philadelphia's largest park. Sources: https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fdr-park/ https://myphillypark.org/what-we-do/capital-projects/fdr-park/ https://www.phl.org/newsroom/FDR-wetlands-update https://www.fdrparkphilly.org/history https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/contractor-bosses-1880s-to-1930s/#25222 https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-protest-halts-fdr-park-redevelopment-meeting/ https://www.fdrseamarket.com/ https://www.dropbox.com/s/138bte11ngv3g9m/FDRParkPlan.pdf?dl=0 https://www.wrtdesign.com/work/fdr-park-plan https://www.phila.gov/2022-08-24-reclaiming-a-wetland-whats-happening-by-the-former-golf-course-at-fdr-park/ https://www.phl.org/newsroom/FDR-Park-groundbreaking https://6abc.com/fifa-world-cup-fdr-park-soccer-fans-philadelphia-events/11970898/ https://metrophiladelphia.com/fdr-park-redevelopment-meeting/ https://www.savethemeadows.com/ https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/08/19/fdr-park-plan-nature-phase-wetland

I discuss Pennsylvania's tax uniformity clause and it's impact on Philadelphia taxes, specifically examining property taxes, personal income taxes, and business income and receipts taxes. The uniform tax clause, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in PA, prohibits the creation of progressive tax structures for property, income, and business taxes. Philadelphia must adhere to this interpretation, leading to an unusual revenue balance and the creation of many tax expenditure and exemption programs.  Sources: https://www.phila.gov/media/20190912140149/philadelphia-incentive-study.pdf https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2016/08/philadelphia-business-taxes-incentives-and-exemptions https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2022/09/how-property-is-taxed-in-philadelphia https://www.revenue.pa.gov/TaxTypes/PIT/Pages/default.aspx https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/fun-facts/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-taxes/L6HPAVqSF https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/income-taxes/earnings-tax-employees/ https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/business-taxes/business-taxes-by-type/business-income-receipts-tax-birt/ https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/what-happens-when-states-ditch-income-tax-for-sales-tax https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2022/03/how-pennsylvanias-uniformity-clause-affects-property-and-wage-taxes-in-philadelphia https://www.ballardspahr.com/insights/alerts-and-articles/2021/08/philadelphia-suffers-big-uniformity-loss-in-commonwealth-court-tax-ruling https://www.grantthornton.com/insights/alerts/tax/2020/salt/p-t/two-pa-rulings-address-tax-uniformity-03-24

Learn about the history and future of Atlantic City and Bader Field, including two new development projects and an examination of the Tourism District in AC. Sources: https://www.phillymag.com/property/2022/11/23/casa-mar-atlantic-city/ https://pressofatlanticcity.com/atlantic-citys-island-waterpark-is-under-construction-heres-drone-footage/video_4ece0626-9114-579c-a0d6-dfbb687ea18c.html https://phillyyimby.com/2022/11/3-billion-development-plan-unveiled-for-atlantic-citys-bader-field.html https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/mayor-small-promises-a-noticeable-atlantic-city-transformation-in-2023-during-his-state-of-the-city-address/ https://njbiz.com/atlantic-city-bets-big-on-development/ https://njbiz.com/senate-approves-bill-to-help-link-ac-airport-to-tourism-district/ https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S1110 https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-shore/is-atlantic-city-finally-on-a-roll/ https://fortune.com/2022/11/21/atlantic-city-housing-development-proposal-modeled-amsterdam-canals/ https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlantic-city-cb64791aa0983ebb3cf6993aa9295c1f https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/news/2022/11/22/bader-field-four-day-workweek.html

On this episode, perfectly timed for the Super Bowl, I discuss the legalization of sports betting and online sports betting across the United States since 2018. I dive into the authorizing legislation federally and in Pennsylvania. I finish the episode with a brief discussion about the future of sports betting in entertainment and sporting venues. Sources: https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/u-s-sports-betting-heres-where-all-50-states-stand-on-legalizing-sports-gambling-united-states-mobile-bets/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/29/history-of-sports-gambling/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/sports/gambling-fan-experience/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_41 https://www.legalsportsreport.com/pa/ https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/march-madness-fuels-sports-betting-trend https://www.americangaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AGAGamingRegulatoryFactSheet_Pennsylvania-2022.pdf https://www.playpennsylvania.com/sports-betting/revenue/ https://web-p-ebscohost-com.libproxy.temple.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=566c2532-fd9b-4c9a-97e0-2015b605bed4%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=156069824&db=bth https://billypenn.com/2022/01/31/bankroll-stephen-starr-philadelphia-sports-betting-barstool/ https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/files/regulations/Final_Regulations_Master.pdf https://www.playusa.com/us/wire-act/ https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2017&sessInd=0&act=42

Today I discuss the history of the Philadelphia Parking Authority and what powers they have in the city. I also discuss the issues of courtesy towing and predatory towing.  Sources: https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/philadelphia-courtesy-tows-find-vehicle-20210422.html https://philapark.org/tow/ https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/courtesy-towing-philly/ https://billypenn.com/2018/08/08/when-your-parked-car-disappears-it-might-not-be-stolen-it-could-be-the-ppa/ https://www.phila.gov/services/cars-parking-transportation/towing/get-your-car-back-when-it-has-been-towed/ https://www.phila.gov/media/20180329111807/Rotational-Tow-FAQ-consumers-.pdf https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/26/philadelphia-courtesy-towing-car-lawsuits https://www.proquest.com/docview/1860768587?parentSessionId=5u3%2BpjinfYfzGi8JSecuJDedEHNreb9J9%2B3yLswh6DM%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=14270 https://www.phillypolice.com/assets/directives/D12.5-PoliceTowingOfVehicles.pdf https://pennrecord.com/stories/632345294-philadelphia-settles-parking-tow-relocation-claims-with-two-plaintiffs-for-30k https://philapark.org/laws-enforcement/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Parking_Authority https://billypenn.com/2022/10/03/philadelphia-parking-authority-history-patronage-politics-tickets/ https://billypenn.com/2022/10/03/philadelphia-parking-authority-history-patronage-politics-tickets/

I discuss and explain the obscure topic of special districts: what they are, how they work, and what they do . Additionally, I briefly discuss business improvement districts, a specific type of special district that can have a big impact on your neighborhood.  Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/special-district https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/10/are-there-special-districts-in-your-hometown.html https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/econ/2017isd.pdf https://gfrc.uic.edu/special-districts-americas-shadow-governments/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1540-5907.2008.00344.x https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091142114545678 https://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/uploads/documents/specdist.pdf https://library.unt.edu/gpo/acir/Reports/policy/A-22.pdf https://www.thecommonsjournal.org/article/10.18352/ijc.839/ https://www.lgc.state.pa.us/ https://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/about/ https://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Resolution-No.-17114500-1.pdf https://urbanaffairsreview.com/2021/11/23/business-improvement-districts-bids-in-philadelphia-and-their-potential-as-regional-actors/ https://drexel.edu/~/media/Files/coas2/pub_pol/DPN_Winter16_v3.ashx?la=en https://whyy.org/articles/despite-loud-opposition-business-improvement-districts-for-fishtown-south-philly-advance/?fbclid=IwAR29QifW_l_zqUpyP4fwAwmIdgufsqItQykyuBUyWQk6MUVVOeOkEcvweHw

This episode takes a circuitous route to examine the Philadelphia Land Bank. I talk about who owns the mountains, who owns the forests, and, finally, who owns the vacant lots in Philadelphia and what the city is doing about it (or... not doing about it).

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced that it's raising prices on 3,500 products by 4% on January 15th, 2023. First, I look into the history and set up of the PLCB, including a discussion of the taxes and real estate involved. Then, I examine past privatization efforts and the potential for privatization of the Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores in the future. I hope you learn something new!Sources:https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/04/12/pas-18-hidden-tax-supposed-temporary-1936/100343742/https://www.revenue.pa.gov/News%20and%20Statistics/ReportsStats/TaxCompendium/Pages/default.aspxhttps://www.revenue.pa.gov/News%20and%20Statistics/ReportsStats/TaxCompendium/Documents/2021_tax_compendium.pdfhttps://www.revenue.pa.gov/TaxTypes/SUT/Pages/Wine-Excise-Tax.aspxhttps://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/pa-house-gop-seeks-to-rekindle-liquor-privatization-debate/https://www.pennlive.com/specialprojects/2009/06/big_ideas_for_pennsylvania_lcb.htmlhttps://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-liquor-control-board-increases-alcohol-prices/42417223https://www.lcb.pa.gov/About-Us/Pages/default.aspxhttps://www.lcb.pa.gov/About-Us/Board/Current%20Year%20Board%20Agendas%20and%20Meeting%20Minutes/December%2014,%202022.pdfhttps://www.lcb.pa.gov/About-Us/News-and-Reports/Documents/PLCB%20Fiscal%20Year%20Annual%20Report_2021_22_Web.pdfhttps://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/2022/06/08/pa-house-committee-passes-liquor-privatization-bill/https://www.mmwr.com/class-action-suit-seeking-up-to-45m-in-refunds-from-pa-liquor-control-board-gets-big-win-fees-for-special-orders-disputed/

On this episode of MindCruncher, I will discuss the recently proposed SEPTA Bus Revolution draft. The Bus Revolution refers to SEPTA’s desire to eliminate some bus routes in exchange for faster, more frequent service on other lines and a whole new microtransit system in more suburban areas. First, I’ll briefly discuss what SEPTA is and how it works. Then, I’ll discuss the Bus Revolution: the basics of the plan, the reason for its proposal, and the timeline. And lastly, I want to dive into the proposed microtransit system and the impact it has had in other cities, specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and its potential in Philly.SEPTA Bus Revolution Map Comparisons:https://nelsonnygaard.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/84577af5d58849b6b2c1aac00ac1dd37https://platform.remix.com/project/a05bd67c/line/d1ac354f?dir=0&latlng=39.98128,-75.13759,11.846&pat=577238777&public=trueSources:https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/septa/https://whyy.org/articles/septa-suburbs-transit-systems-proposal/https://www.septabusrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SEPTA_FactSheet_DraftNetwork_RD1.pdfhttps://www.foursquareitp.com/whitepapers/what-is-microtransit/https://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Public_Works/BaltimoreCountyDraftFinalPlanTDP.pdfhttps://librarysearch.temple.edu/articles/cdi_crossref_primary_10_1016_j_tra_2022_11_009https://learn.sharedusemobilitycenter.org/overview/dart-microtransit-program-pilots-service-in-new-area-dallas-tx-2021/https://sparelabs.com/en/customer-stories/dart-microtransithttps://sparelabs.com/en/customer-stories/dart-golinkhttps://www5.septa.org/travel/cct/https://planning.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FY2019-Route-Evaluation-Report-29JULY2020-RV.pdf

I’m going to discuss the proposal to build a new NBA arena, 76 Place, for the 76ers in downtown Philadelphia. I'll explain the context of the situation and give background on 76 Place. Then, I’ll examine some of the arguments in support of and in opposition to the proposed arena, specifically looking into the potential economic and social impact of the stadium on Chinatown and Center City Philadelphia. Lastly, I’ll conclude with some key points to keep in mind as the 76 Place proposal progresses.Sourceshttps://www.inquirer.com/news/chinatown-reiterates-opposition-sixers-arena-20221130.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/12/05/sixers-stadium-proposal-chinatown-committeehttps://arenadigest.com/2022/12/02/warnings-about-proposed-76ers-chinatown-arena-emerges/https://6abc.com/new-76ers-arena-philadelphia-chinatown-philly-proposed-area-project/12571101/https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/chinatown-community-sixers-arena-76place-philadelphia-bill/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown,_Philadelphiahttps://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/will-sixers-center-city-arena-meet-same-fate-phillies-chinatown-ballparkhttps://wamu.org/story/17/12/01/20-years-later-d-c-arena-marked-major-transition-chinatown/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/05/20/philadelphias-chinatown-balks-at-ballpark/3b771623-ef99-4d47-a79f-ca49df1acf1b/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/sports-jobs-taxes-are-new-stadiums-worth-the-cost/https://econreview.berkeley.edu/the-economics-of-sports-stadiums-does-public-financing-of-sports-stadiums-create-local-economic-growth-or-just-help-billionaires-improve-their-profit-margin/https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-new-arena-penns-landing-joshua-harris-wells-fargo-center-lease-philadelphia-taxpayer-money/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast_Spectacorhttps://76place.com/faq/https://irlaw.umkc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1218&context=faculty_works

A brief discussion of the current state of affairs regarding gun control laws in PA and Philadelphia and the rate of illegal gun possession arrests and convictions. I also talk a little about the politics surrounding gun violence and the DA in Philadelphia, as well as some recently suggested policies to reduce gun violence. Thanks for checking out my second episode of MindCruncher, I’m Delaney, and I’ll talk to you soon. Happy Holidays!Sources:https://www.phila.gov/2018-03-20-gun-control-policies/https://www.psp.pa.gov/firearms-information/Pages/Carrying-Firearms-in-Pennsylvania.aspx#https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/guns-licenses-permits-philadelphia-pennslvania-open-carry-concealed-20200715.htmlhttps://www.pcgvr.org/philadelphia-shooting-victims-dashboard/https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-audits/mapping-gun-violence/#/?year=2022https://www.opendataphilly.org/dataset/crime-incidents

Hi, welcome to Mind Cruncher, a podcast where we dive into the most pressing, complicated, and interesting policy issues of today. My name is Delaney, and I am your host. Today, I will discuss hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the United States and, more specifically, in Pennsylvania.Amid the 2022 midterm elections and the looming energy crisis in Europe, fracking emerges as a vital issue in the United States. Fracking is a petroleum or natural gas extraction method that injects highly pressurized fluid into rock fissures to flush out trapped oil and gas. The practice of fracking accelerated in the late 2000s, but the industry remains largely unregulated. In Pennsylvania, fracking is legal but untaxed; Pennsylvania is the only state in the country to refrain from implementing a severance or extraction tax. In this episode, I will begin by discussing the basic history of fracking, how fracking works, and the vital role fracking has developed in the United States over the past 20 years. Then I will focus on fracking policies in Pennsylvania and their implications for the state. Finally, I will finish the discussion with a brief look at a few potential futures of fracking in Pennsylvania and the United States. Let’s dig in.Read more and find show notes here: https://medium.com/@carpetsharkwobbegong/fracking-in-pennsylvania-f240e3abf51c