Schools Need Cash, Ubers Cost More, ICE at PHL: Philly’s Latest
Yesterday in Philly, Mayor Parker made wallets twitch (and teachers exhale), TSA lines gnawed patience, and this week’s news is a little too real for your Monday reset. Let’s get into it.
School Funding: Your Uber Might Cost More
Mayor Cherelle Parker pitched a $1-per-ride tax for all Ubers and Lyfts — the money would go straight to Philly’s public schools, which are staring down a canyon-sized budget hole. The move could patch up a $104M gap and possibly keep staffers from getting pink slips. No love yet from rideshare drivers, who say this taxes their earnings, and expect fares to inch up if this happens. Council has to approve, so stay tuned, especially if rides are part of your daily survival.
Airport Security Gets Weirder
Philly International's TSA worker shortage is now everyone’s problem — so much so that ICE agents are stepping in to help with airport security. ICE officers will be doing bag checks and other screening jobs usually reserved for the blue shirts, at least until the TSA staffing crisis sorts itself out. The lines could still be a mess, and yes, this is the kind of wild solution you get when airport labor drama collides with political chaos.
Commutes & Construction
SEPTA’s Ardmore Station is finally fully reopened after six years of renovations. There’s now elevator access, a new high-level platform, and the whole thing actually looks decent (imagine that). Meanwhile, PennDOT started resurfacing Broad Street in South Philly — expect night detours through April if that’s your route.
March Madness + The Philly Scene
Local hoops fans got a thrill as Tennessee and UConn punched Sweet 16 tickets at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, Sixers’ star Joel Embiid is still sidelined (grumble), and if you’re already baseball-ready, the Phillies’ rotation is looking criminally underrated.
Quick Hits
- Tired of making trips for pads and tampons? Women-owned businesses in Manayunk are collecting donated period products for folks in need — fifth year running, big impact.
- Philly museums are teaming up to tell richer city stories. Next time you visit, expect collaborations and more context.
- National Cheesesteak Day lands Tuesday, and there’s a Northeast Philly showdown if you need an excuse for extra provolone.
That’s the city for now. Watch your Uber bill, allow extra time at PHL, and maybe toss an extra dollar to your neighborhood school. Catch you tomorrow.
