RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Fetterman returns to the Senate
Pennsylvania had two U.S. senators on the chamber floor last week for the first time since mid-February, as John Fetterman returned after treatment for depression, pledging to continue to talk openly about mental health. On the work side, Fetterman chaired a committee hearing on SNAP and the 2023 farm bill, and unveiled the ETHICS Act, which would ban Congress members from owning or trading stocks.
[Reuters/NPR/Roll Call/WDAC]
• SEPTA ditching Key card fare system
After more than a decade of glitches, delays, and a cost that ballooned to $285 million — over double the original budget — SEPTA is moving to ditch the Key card system. Unlike the current software, which requires all fixes go through the vendor, Conduent, the new system will use open architecture and accept smartphone payments. Proposals are due July 14; target launch is 2025.
[BP 2022/BP 2016/Inquirer$/SEPTA PDF/WHYY]
• ‘Abbott Elementary’ goes to the Franklin
If you grew up in Philadelphia, you might remember your own school sleepover at the Franklin Institute — and that’s what “Abbott Elementary” showcased in the season finale of Quinta Brunson’s hit comedy. Though the show is set in Philly, this was the first episode actually filmed here. Cast members had a chance to explore and meet real life educational stars like Franklin astronomer Derrick Pitts.
[Marvelous Geeks/6ABC/KYW]
• Jalen Hurts becomes NFL’s best paid
Even without a Lombardi Trophy, the winning season and Super Bowl appearance was all the proof the Eagles needed that Jalen Hurts is the real deal. The team last week signed the QB to a record 5-year, $255M contract extension with a no-trade clause (the first in Eagles history). Broken down annually, the deal makes Hurts the highest-paid player in the NFL.
[PhillyVoice/Bleeding Green/NFL/Last Word]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Poll results and Meet Your Mayor quiz
This coming Friday is the target date for results from the first independent public poll of the Philly mayor’s race. The Committee of Seventy and partners stepped into the void to commission the survey. If you’re still undecided on who to vote for, stay tuned for Billy Penn’s “Meet Your Mayor” quiz. Partially funded via Every Voice, Every Vote, the app lets you see how the mayoral candidates’ opinions on major issues align with your own.
[Billy Penn/EVEV]
• Southwest Philly’s getting a new library
After two years of planning, community meetings, and design iterations, city officials break ground this week on the $13.2 million Paschalville Library renovation. The revamp of the Southwest Philly community center is one of 23 projects moving forward this year under Rebuild, the Kenney administration’s biggest public works project supported by the soda tax.
[SW Globe Times/BP x 2]
• Broad Street Run returns a week early
Nearly 40,000 runners will pour down the center of Philadelphia next Sunday as part of the 43rd annual Broad Street Run (check out pics from last year). The popular 10-miler is happening a week earlier than usual, and there’s a new finish line, in K lot near Lincoln Financial Field. Want to watch? Here’s a list of the best places to cheer.
[BP 2022/BSR/NBC10]
• National Pretzel Day
Philadelphians are thought to eat more soft pretzels per capita than anywhere in the U.S., which means of course we’ll take the opportunity to celebrate National Pretzel Day. On April 26 — this coming Wednesday — customers can get a freebie at any Philly Pretzel Factory location. And while Auntie Anne’s hasn’t formally announced anything, the company’s social media has been strongly hinting at a giveaway.
[BP 2022/Newswire/@AuntieAnne’s]
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