🎃 Is it too early for pumpkin spice lattes?

🏳️‍⚧️ Proposed Trans Sports Policy

The Central Bucks school board may enact a policy that would ban transgender students from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identities, saying it will “preserve fairness, provide increased opportunity for girls.” Under the policy, superintendents or athletic directors can ask a student to provide their original birth certificate to verify their sex. LGBTQ advocates argue that the policy violates Title IX, and would create an unsafe environment for students. [Inquirer 🔒]

🚍 SEPTA Begins Safety Training

Beginning today, SEPTA bus and trolley operators will start mandated safety training sessions, in response to a series of recent crashes. Over the next two months, nearly 10,000 SEPTA employees will spend a day taking the training. The courses run during regular business hours, so riders may experience delays. Customers can check for real-time updates on SEPTA'S website and mobile app. [PhillyVoice]

🙅🏻‍♀️Comedian Condemns 76 Place

During the Philly stop of her national tour, comedian Jenny Yang spoke out against the 76ers plan to build a new stadium in Center City, just on the edge of Chinatown. “What I do not like is the fact that very rich billionaires have decided that they are going to take advantage of the importance and the real estate that Philadelphia Chinatown is on,” Yang told the crowd. [Billy Penn]

• Since the 76ers announced their plan just over a year ago, there’s been non-stop controversy. Billy Penn reporter Jordan Levy covers the highlights of this ongoing debate. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🍕 Philly’s Best Pizza

Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, but our city makes great pizza too. Philly food blogger Dave Wez shares where to find the perfect local slice. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Autumn doesn’t start for weeks, but a few local cafés are already selling pumpkin-spiced lattes. I asked you, our Hey Philly readers, if it’s too early — or right on time — for fall drinks. Here are your piping hot takes so far:

Way Too Early: 40%

“What happened to enjoying the seasons for the unique flavors and colors they offer? Seasonal consumerism starts to ruin what makes each season special.”

Jacob P.

“If they are serving it in August they should just have it all year long and not market it as seasonal.”

Jerry C.

Right On Time: 60%

"I'm not a fan of autumn beverages, but I do love seeing how excited people get for pumpkin-spiced everything.”

Adrian G.

“I honestly hate summer so anything that gets me to look forward to autumn is welcome. Only iced until it’s actually cold though.”

Rhiannon R.

“It gets me excited for fall and it’s delicious! I normally get it iced until it’s cooler weather though.”

Alexandra D.

Best Local Spots:

If you’re an autumn drink enthusiast, check out Café Y Chocolate.

“I'm Mexican, and nothing says fall better than café de olla — a traditional way of brewing coffee in a pot with spices.” - Adrian G.

What do you think? Let’s keep the PSL conversation going.

🤣 Comedy | Monday | 8:30 p.m.

Head to Saint Lazarus Bar for a night of stand-up comedy. [free, Fishtown]

🪷 Tai Chi | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Relax your mind and body with tai chi and standing meditation at Pennypack on the Delaware. [free, Holmesburg]

🎲 LGBTQ Game Night | Thursday | 7 p.m.

Join The Cauldron for board games, video games, and delicious cocktails. Open to people of all genders and sexualities. [$10, Gayborhood]

📽️ Movie Night | Friday | 7:30 p.m.

Catch a screening of Falcon Lake, a romantic ghost story film, at Bartram's Garden. [$12, Kingsessing]

Can You Afford a Starter Home in Philly?

First-time homebuyers in the Philly region need to make more money than they did a year ago if they want to buy a house, according to Redfin. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with local housing and community development reporter Aaron Moselle about what’s driving this trend.