Yesterday in Philly
Subject: Air You Breathe, Transit Drama, and Sports We Can’t Escape
Good morning. Here’s what Philly dropped on us yesterday.
Transit & City Life
SEPTA Key Tix is toast. If you’ve been relying on mobile Key Tix for single rides, brace yourself: SEPTA is scrapping that feature in March. That means back to the hard plastic, paper tickets, or waiting for whatever the next experiment is.
Breathe in – but maybe not too deep. Philly just finished installing 76 air quality monitors across every neighborhood, so we’ll finally know exactly what’s in the stuff we inhale. They’re tracking all the gritty details around pollution. Let’s see if it changes anything, especially for anyone with asthma, or who just likes their lungs.
MLK Drive back open. After last week’s water main break, MLK Drive has reopened. Commute accordingly.
Pothole season is officially on. PennDOT crews are out repairing 35 state highways around Philly this week. Drive like you value your tires.
Civic Moves & Controversy
President’s House slavery exhibit—fight not over. After a judge ordered the feds to restore the erased history exhibit at Independence Mall, the Trump administration is appealing. Mayor Parker says, "We will not allow anyone to erase our history."
School closures raising alarm bells. The city’s plan to close 20 public schools is getting pushback from parents and teachers. The details are squishy, but it’s about declining enrollment, old buildings, and big money. Stay tuned.
Camden diocese settles huge clergy abuse case. The Diocese across the river agreed to a $180 million payout to survivors—one of the nation's largest. Another ugly chapter, maybe a little justice.
Sports & Stuff
Sixers still banged up. Joel Embiid is out with shin soreness. Mood: Not great. Cam Payne's talking about his return though, so, there’s that.
Phillies prepping… as weird as ever. They’re the first MLB team using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and still haven’t sorted out their cleanup hitter. Welcome to March in Philly.
Eagles drama—again. Rumors swirling about drafting a quarterback, plus A.J. Brown trade clickbait everywhere. Don’t read too much into it… yet.
What Else?
- Manayunk Restaurant Week is back—and this time, it’s winter. Good excuse to eat something decent for under $45.
- Punk Rock Flea Market at 23rd Street Armory this weekend. Get weird.
- Jimmy Eat World is playing ‘Bleed American’ in full at the Mann this summer. 2001 kids, assemble.
- Bird watching kits are now free to check out at city libraries—binocs and all. Seriously.
That’s the roundup. Go forth and own your Thursday.
