SEPTA’s New Trolley Cams, Warmer Days, and Philly on the DNC Shortlist
Hey Philly. Hope you had a good one—here’s the news you actually needed (and probably missed) from yesterday:
🚎 SEPTA’s Watching Now
If your trolley shortcut involves a little fare dodging, heads up: SEPTA’s AI-powered ticketing cameras are now active. For March, you’ll just get warnings, but real $51 fines start April 1. This covers Routes 11, 13, 34, and 36. Reminder: Trolley line upgrades kick off soon, too—so expect future detours and construction headaches.
🌞 Sleet, Snow, and Then a Warmup
Tuesday morning is serving up sleet and freezing rain, so maybe don’t wear white sneakers—but after that, it’s highs near 60 by midweek. If you want to catch a little winter drama, there’s also a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday. Full forecast.
🏛️ Philly in the Running for the 2028 DNC
We might have national politicians eating hoagies again soon—Philadelphia is one of five cities still in the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Early days, but get ready for traffic jams and “welcome” signs if we win the bid.
💰 Philly’s Pension System—Surprisingly Okay
Something rare: good financial news from City Hall. Officials say Philly’s pension system is on track to be fully funded by 2032. That’s good news for city workers (and taxpayers), since Philly’s pension drama has been a budget-shaker for decades.
🏘️ Big Changes for Renters
If you rent in the city, watch this: City Council is moving ahead with a suite of new protections against evictions and landlord retaliation. Some changes are up for a final vote soon—could mean less fear if you ask for repairs or stand up for yourself.
🚨 Quick Hits
- Franklin Mall is reopening after last weekend’s fire. Some shops got hit, others are back—it’s piecemeal, but at least it’s not a total loss.
- West Philadelphia’s Westpark complex broke ground on a major redevelopment project. More affordable housing is on the way.
- Anyone near Comcast Center Tuesday? Pita Chip is giving away free chicken shawarma and falafel bowls 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—because who doesn’t love free lunch?
- Remember Benito the raccoon? He’s recuperating at a wildlife center after getting rescued from the South Philly cold.
🏀⚾ Sports Zone
- Sixers dropped one to the Celtics—rotation holes are getting obvious. Nick Nurse has ideas (see these 5 team thoughts), but playoffs aren’t looking easier.
- Phillies’ outfield—is it really the worst among NL contenders? Spring training says Stott is hot, Turner…not so much (full breakdown here).
- For sports nostalgia: Philly Mag has the most Philly sports moments of all time (and an honorable mention list for athletes who just missed the cut).
More happenings: New teen-run thrift store is now open in town, Franklin Mall’s back, and Rita’s dropped a Peeps-flavored water ice (because… Philly). Stay tuned and stay dry—see you out there.
