🧑‍🏫 Philly teachers strike averted

🧁 Philly’s Best Baked Goods

Whether you’re looking for vintage buttercream birthday cakes or old-school Italian cannolis, Philly’s bakeries are chock-full of pastries and treats for any occasion. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Is your sweet tooth still craving something sugary? Philly’s also home to some great candy shops. [📝 Hey Philly]

🏫 New School Year, New Teachers’ Contract

The School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers union reached a tentative deal on a new contract Sunday night, effectively halting a potential teachers’ strike next week. The new three-year agreement still needs to be ratified by the union. [🎧 City Cast Philly, Chalkbeat]

🚏 Republicans Go Clay Shooting While Commuters Crowd Late Trains & Buses

We’re already off to a bad start to SEPTA’s service cuts with crowded buses, longer wait times, and discontinued routes. While some commuters navigate a new normal, a group of riders is suing SEPTA to stop the cuts. Meanwhile, state Republican senators were not negotiating an end to the budget impasse on Monday; they were at a clay shooting political fundraiser instead. [🔒The Inquirer]

• Related: How is your commute changing amid SEPTA’s service cuts? What new challenges are cropping up for you? Email us or leave a text or voicemail at (215) 259-8170 for a chance to be featured on the pod.

🏥 Legal Battle Between CHOP and White House Over Gender-Affirming Care

The U.S. Justice Department subpoenaed the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for patients’ names, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive information as the Trump administration cracks down on gender-affirming care for youth. The hospital is fighting back in court, stating that compliance would stoke patients’ fears of being targeted. [Axios]

It’s official: SEPTA’s looming commuter collapse is now reality. After years of Band-Aid fixes to SEPTA’s funding troubles and empty promises from Harrisburg, the transit agency implemented its first wave of service reductions on Aug. 24.

Pennsylvania remains without a state budget, disrupting services across the state and meaning more transit cuts could be on the way. But Southeast Pennsylvanians can still advocate for their needs before these changes are set in stone. Here’s what to expect and what you can do about it.

What’s Changed

On Aug. 24, SEPTA implemented its new schedule based on the financial reality that the agency did not receive state funds to help close its operating deficit, which exceeds $200 million. These first wave of cuts to the bus and metro lines include the elimination of 32 bus routes and reduced service across the system. This has already resulted in skipped stops, no-show buses, and longer wait times.

What’s Next

Base fares for bus and metro lines are expected to increase to $2.90 on Sept. 1, while increased fares on the Regional Rail vary across zones.

Speaking of Regional Rail, modifications to its schedule go into effect on Sept. 2. However the suburban riders have already been met with significant delays and cancellations across lines due to equipment issues. With vehicles being pulled out of service for safety checks, service on the Regional Rail is affected from all sides.

On Jan. 1, 2026, SEPTA will undergo a second wave of cuts. More bus routes, including school shuttle buses, will be discontinued. Trolley routes 10 [T1] and 15 [G] will convert to buses. Service will be eliminated on the following lines: Chestnut Hill West, Cynwyd, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton, and Wilmington/Newark.

There will be no service on the Broad Street Line [B], Market-Frankford Line [L], Regional Rail, and trolleys after 9 p.m.