Feds plan rare safety inspection amid SEPTA crash spike
The recent string of crashes involving SEPTA vehicles has prompted the Federal Transit Administration to launch a comprehensive safety inspection for just the third time in FTA history.
Unlike in D.C. in 2015, the federal agency isn’t planning to manage SEPTA’s daily operations, but it did suggest PennDOT fell down on the job. So what will the review mean? Meir Rinde outlines what’s at stake.
Fan guide: How to do Philly during WrestleMania 40
It’s been 25 years since WWE brought its signature big show to Philadelphia, so when it lands here in April 2024, expect a big influx of wrestling fans — and a giddy set of local buffs, who are already making plans for when fellow WrestleMania aficionados are in town.
Tickets go on sale today, so we tapped Pro Wrestling Illustrated writer Candace C. Smith for a guide to Philly’s top wrestling-friendly spots and must-see destinations.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• When PPD Ofc. Mark Dial shot and killed Eddie Irizarry in Kensington earlier this week, not only was Irizarry not “lunging” at police with a knife, but his car windows were rolled up, police sources say. [6ABC/Inquirer$]
• A judge ordered Starbucks to pay an additional $2.7 million (atop the $25.6M jury award) to the former regional manager fired in the aftermath of the 2018 incident where two Black men were arrested for hanging out in a Philly cafe. [ABC News/Billy Penn]
• For the first time in about 50 years, Steel Elementary has a playground, and children in Nicetown aren’t waiting for the first day of school to enjoy it. [Chalkbeat]
• The heirloom bible belonging to the Forten family at the Museum of the American Revolution’s “Black Founders” exhibit is being donated to the museum for year-round display. [Billy Penn/PhillyVoice]
• It’s not easy being a touring band. A trio of Philly artists shared their thoughts on the “occupational hazards” of playing shows on the road. [XPN]
• Starting Monday, Phillies fans can opt-in to use a facial recognition entry gate as part of an MLB pilot program at Citizens Bank Park. [KYW]
MAYOR WATCH
Nope, nothing public for Mayor Kenney today. On social media, he praised city agencies for continuing to provide shelter and support to migrants bussed to Philly from Texas.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Billy Penn event: This month’s BP Quizzo trivia night lands at annex. at the Divine Lorraine, in partnership with the North Broad Renaissance. We’ll have happy hour specials and prizes for the winners. Space is limited, so RSVP today. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24)
🌮 Tacos, tequila, piñatas, and more are on tap at the 2023 Philadelphia Taco Festival in South Philly. Tickets start at $22. (2 to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 19-20)
🪘 Get a taste of the sights and sounds of the islands at the 37th annual Philadelphia Caribbean Festival at Penn’s Landing. (12 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20)
📖 Billy Penn is proud to headline the inaugural Philly Story Fest, joining journalists from media outlets around Philadelphia to tell the city’s best stories on stage at the Bok. Tickets are $25. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
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