⏱️ SEPTA’s new countdown clocks

🏛️ PA Medicaid Abortion Case To Be Reconsidered

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a lower state court to reconsider a closely-watched case on whether Medicaid must cover abortions in Pennsylvania. Once it’s decided, it could be used to set legal precedent for whether the state constitution protects abortion rights. [Spotlight PA]

🚎 Shapiro to Propose Increased SEPTA Funding

As concerns grew over a SEPTA funding shortfall, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his intent to propose a 1.75% increase in public transit dollars in the next PA budget. If approved, that would amount to nearly $1.5 billion in new funds over five years. [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]

• Shapiro is scheduled to deliver his full budget address next Tuesday, Feb. 6.
• Related: To help plug its funding gap, SEPTA is thinking about selling naming rights to more of its stations, like the station beneath City Hall and the Walnut-Locust BSL station. [Philadelphia Business Journal 🔒]

🚓 Teenage Escapee Caught

On Sunday, U.S. Marshals apprehended the 17-year-old suspect in a 2020 murder who escaped from custody at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Wednesday. They found a handcuff key in his pocket, and how he managed to escape is under investigation. [Inquirer 🔒]

• He’ll face new charges related to his escape. [CBS Philadelphia]

Why City Council Is Looking Into the Office of Homeless Services

Philly’s Office of Homeless Services is facing scrutiny over a bunch of issues: confusion over where to send folks during recent cold and snowy weather, unpaid contracts, and overspending its budget by $15 million. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri is joined by Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, President & CEO of Philly House, and Anna Orso, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. They dive into all of this, as well as why City Council now wants to step in.