🚿 Why your water bill is so high

Philly Starbucks Workers Striking

At least five locations were closed Monday morning as workers are striking against the company’s “unprecedented union-busting campaign.” Representatives with Starbucks Workers United say the action is part of a nationwide strike against the company cutting hours, closing stores, and intimidating workers. [NBC 10]

• Related: A UPS strike could be just around the corner. Here’s what that could mean for the city. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

SEPTA Closing and Pausing Service

The transit agency will be adjusting service on the Media-Wawa, Wilmington-Newark, and Airport Lines through Aug. 26 to complete the final stage of the Southwest Connection Improvement Program. Expect the Penn Medicine Station to be closed during this time. [Inquirer]

King of Prussia to Ban Single-Use Plastics

The mall’s ban will also include utensils, straws, polystyrene cups and containers and will go into effect in 2024 across Upper Merion Township. The board of supervisors passed the ordinance last week. [KYW]

Court Advocates Coming to Philly

To address the challenge of reentering society for children in social services and formerly incarcerated adults, the Defender Association of Philadelphia is collaborating with Partners for Justice. The nonprofit will be hiring three full-time advocates who will meet with public defender clients and address their cases with more care. The partnership will formally begin in September. [Billy Penn]

✂️ Craft with Collages | Tuesday | 4:30 p.m.

Bring your kids ages 7 to 12 to create collages with recycled materials at the Philadelphia City Institute. [Free, Center City]

🪩 Communitease | Wednesday | 9 p.m.

Head to Silk City for a burlesque drag tribute to the “Community” sitcom. [$15, Northern Liberties]

😆 Philly’s Phunniest | Tuesday and Saturday | 7:15 or 4 p.m.

Watch the preliminary round at the Helium Comedy Club where the audience chooses the winners. [$15-$20, Center City]

🥘 Dining Days | Through Sunday | Times Vary

Check out the local restaurants participating in the $20, $30, or $40 meal specials. [Pay as you go, University City]

Why Your Water Bill Is So High

Philly residents are becoming frustrated by surprisingly high water bills, despite the Philadelphia Water Department saying they’ve upgraded residents’ home water meters to be more accurate.

Host Trenae Nuri talks with Meir Rinde, an investigative reporter for Billy Penn, on why some customers struggle to keep up with their water bills and what relief is available.