🚰 How safe is Philly's drinking water?

Serious Crime Down, Fare Evasion Up on SEPTA

SEPTA has reported a 21% reduction in serious crimes system-wide compared to this time last year, including a 40% drop in aggravated assaults. Fare evasion has gone up nearly 19%, however, and transit police are stepping up enforcement and installing more full-height fare gates across the city. [SEPTA]

Gov. Shapiro vs. the Federal Government

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has sued the Trump administration more than two dozen times during the president's second term. These lawsuits involve federal funding allocations, changes to the Affordable Care Act, SNAP data, air pollution protections, global tariffs, and much more. Shapiro has signed the state onto most of these cases — half of which are still ongoing — in his formal capacity as governor. [Spotlight PA]

Doctor Killed in DoorDash Shooting

Md Mahfuzul Haque, a doctor and Bangladesh native, was killed during a robbery in Southwest Philly earlier this month while driving for DoorDash. A 15-year-old has been charged with murder, and police are still looking for two others believed to be involved. This shooting was one of at least three involving food delivery drivers in Philly this summer. Haque and his family had moved to Philadelphia from Vancouver in 2023 to support his wife's medical career. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Is Philly's Tap Water Safe To Drink?

While Philly’s tap water meets federal standards for approximately 100 regulated contaminants, it does contain elevated levels of PFAS (“forever chemicals”), lead, sodium, and chemical disinfection byproducts linked to increased cancer risk. Filters are available to reduce exposure to these substances, however, and if you have a lead service line, the Philadelphia Water Department recommends running cold water from the tap for a few minutes before consuming it. [The Conversation]

Just How Walkable Is Philly?

For the fourth year in a row, Philadelphia has been named the nation's most walkable city. Yet for most locals, walking to work or even the grocery story isn't realistic. So why does Philly keep earning the top spot? We break down what "walkability" really means, where Philly gets it right, and what still needs to change. [🎧 City Cast Philly, Visit Philadelphia]

• Related: Check out these local walking groups. [City Cast Philly]

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