📦 Which neighborhood has the most package thefts?

On Aug. 23, SEPTA is rolling out the first phase of its new bus network initiative, SEPTA’s first comprehensive redesign since its formation 63 years ago. The goal is to reduce wait times and simplify routes. Throughout the month, signs with fresh designs are informing riders of their changing commute.

• New routes. Route 72 will connect Frankford Transportation Center and Cedarbrook Plaza. Route 76 will connect North and South Philly, traveling along Whitaker, Frankford, and Delaware Avenues.
• Routes getting cut. Routes 35, 47M, 62, 78, 80, 89, and 106 will be eliminated.
• Getting déjà vu? SEPTA’s been planning to revamp its bus network for years. The “Bus Revolution,” shaped by hundreds of public meetings, survey responses, and multiple revisions, originally planned for a 30% increase in bus routes and a simplified network. That iteration was put on hold in 2024 due to SEPTA’s budget crisis. The new initiative reworks findings from the original Bus Revolution plan with adjustments made during its two-year pause.
• Not everyone’s happy. At a meeting in Fishtown, one of the neighborhoods that will be impacted during Phase 1, residents voiced discontent over the changes and said they wanted to have more input in the decision-making.
• Stay in the know. You can attend a virtual transit talk tonight at 6 p.m. Bus network outreach is scheduled for Aug. 9 in Ardmore and Aug. 15 at North Philly’s Jazz on the Ave. Festival.
• Plan your ride. Fall schedules for bus and metro service will roll out across the network on Aug. 23 and 24. Here are all the new routes and times.
• What’s next? Phase 2 is slated for February 2027 and Phase 3 in June 2027.
• Is your bus route getting cut? Let us know how your commute is changing and how you’d like to see public transit service improve in Philly.

🎧 Don’t let these changes discourage you from taking public transit. Listen to today’s episode to learn tips for being a good SEPTA rider and the benefits you can earn with a SEPTA Key card.

Why Is Public Housing So Expensive in Philly?

The Philadelphia Housing Authority is growing its affordable housing stock by preserving, building, or acquiring 20,000 units at the cost of $6.3 billion. Why so high? PHA can’t negotiate labor costs per federal regulations, and those costs can rise during long waits between proposals being approved and construction. [WHYY]

Philly Files for a Redo Over President’s House Ruling

The city of Philadelphia is requesting a new hearing with the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals following a ruling in June that allowed the Trump administration to make changes to the exhibit. The city wants the reinstallation of panels at the historical site detailing President George Washington’s ownership of enslaved people. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Nearby, a sculpture of Benjamin Franklin’s “Join, or Die” snake will be displayed this fall feet away from the Liberty Bell. [Axios]

ICE Re-Detains Over 200 Immigrants As Enforcement Increases

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania’s lawsuit argues that ICE is re-arresting immigrants who have recently been let out of detention even though they are complying with the conditions of their releases. The rise in arrests also comes as more people are detained at Philadelphia International Airport. One of the detainees is a 74-year-old with a pending asylum case. [🔒 Philadelphia Tribune]

Philly Package Thefts Rise Year After Year

The 22nd Police District, which includes parts of North Philly, had the most reported package thefts in the city last year at 165. Because many package theft victims don’t file a report to police, the number of thefts in the city could actually be higher. Here are our tips to ward off porch pirates. [NBC10, 🎧 City Cast Philly]