Yesterday in Philly: Big Moves, Bus Reroutes, and a Bear on the Run
Good morning. Here’s what you might’ve missed in Philly news on Thursday:
🚧 South Philly Gridlock (Mostly) Getting Fixed
Tired of leaving a concert only to stare at brake lights for 45 minutes? (Yeah, us too.) Philly and state officials just announced nearly $30 million in new traffic upgrades around the Sports Complex, including AI-powered traffic signals and better pedestrian safety tech. Gov. Shapiro says this will ease congestion for 10 million annual visitors (hi, Taylor Swift fans). Read more here.
🎤 Roots Picnic at Belmont Plateau: What’s Changing
The Roots Picnic is moving to Belmont Plateau this year, which means fresh parking rules, plenty of road closures, and a big influx of Jay-Z fans. If you’re trying to get anywhere near West Fairmount Park this weekend check your route before you get stuck in the fray. Also, new Philly Phlash stops may help shuttle you to the mayhem (or the FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill, if you’re feeling ambitious).
🚍 SEPTA’s Big Bus Makeover
The SEPTA board ok’d major changes to the bus network, aiming to fix outdated routes and (hopefully) make your commute less painful. New schedules and a reworked network are on the way, so now’s a good time to check if your line is getting a revamp or a reroute. Budget also approved—fingers crossed this translates into more reliable service soon. Details here.
🏫 Philly Schools Pass $4.6B Budget, Closures Loom
The School District approved a massive $4.6 billion budget. The big catch: it comes with school closures on the horizon, shifting resources as enrollment drops and buildings age. Watch this space if you’ve got kids in the district—or if you’re worried about the impact on neighborhoods.
🐻 Bear Captured in Montco After Starring in Local Sightings
No, that wasn’t your dog going viral—after days on the loose and a whole township on bear patrol, authorities caught the black bear that wandered through Whitpain Township. Reminder: it’s officially weird wildlife spotting season again.
🏠 Zoning, Council, Philly Life
- Ranked-Choice Voting? City Council wants Harrisburg to let us pick more than just “the lesser of two evils” in city races. Momentum is building, but don’t hold your breath for immediate change.
- Suitcase Homicide Arrests: Four people charged after a man’s body was discovered in a suitcase in Kensington. Details here. If you hear choppers in the neighborhood, now you know why.
🍹 Need to Forget the News?
How about a science fair for cocktail nerds? Bartender Danny Childs is bringing Field Study—part hands-on, part tastings—to Philly. It’s like your high school chem class, but you can drink the experiments.
Catch you tomorrow. If you see a bear on the El, please send pics.
