'Unsafe' SEPTA Rail Cars, Philly Government 'Hit List,' and Shutdown's Local Impact
It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz are talking about how the government shutdown will affect Philadelphians, why taxpayers are on the hook for thousands of dollars in legal settlements over firings on a “hit list,” who the power broker is who get in trouble for a speech about Gaza, and the federal agency that is calling on SEPTA to pull over half of its regional rail fleet due to safety concerns. Also: The Phillies are in the playoffs and the city is losing six Starbucks locations.
Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- Federal Agency Faults Philadelphia Transit Agency Over Train Fires
- Lawsuit: Register of Wills John Sabatina Sr. used a ‘hit list’ of targeted employees to make room for patronage hires
- Independence Hall closes as shutdown hits Philly: Here’s what we know
- 6 Starbucks locations closing in Philadelphia this weekend
- Building Industry Association president Mo Rushdy resigns amid furor over Gaza speech
- A Guide To Philly Coffee Shops
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