SEPTA bus route changes; Data center backlash; Weekly gun violence brief

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Armor on
(Photo by @erin.witman)

All the SEPTA bus route changes happening in Philly this weekend

The transit authority is rolling out phase one of its “New Bus Network” starting this coming Sunday, August 23, with several routes getting altered.

We break down the list of SEPTA’s first round of changes. The agency is also hosting a virtual Q&A session tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue reading…

Commuters exit and board the route 4 bus at Broad and Christian streets in Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Philly’s Pride Visitor Center seeks long-term funding, continues community outreach

The Pride Visitor Center has only received funding for a year. With the high volume of visitors and popularity throughout the summer, Councilmember Rue Landau and operators of the center are optimistic about finding funding to make this center a long-time staple.

In the meantime, it continues to host events and conduct outreach to celebrate and support the queer community, such as with “Romance Rival” — a vow renewal ceremony to honor National Romance Awareness Day. Continue reading…

The Philadelphia Pride VIsitor Center on Locust Street in the city’s Gayborhood seeks long-term funding. (Chelsea Lubbe/WHYY)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order targeting “predatory data centers” in Pennsylvania. Critics say it falls short. The issue is a hot-button one for voters. [WHYY/Capital-Star/AP]

• Data center developers are pushing Pa. government officials to sign secrecy agreements. At least some are saying yes. [Spotlight PA]

• As Pennsylvania measles cases persist, back-to-school vaccine efforts ramp up. [WHYY]

• Philadelphia school leaders and educators still don’t have their state test scores. [Chalkbeat]

• An appeals court upholds a ban on immigration enforcement at some churches in Pa. and other states. Philly’s Religious Society of Friends was among those who sued to protect parishioners. [Capital-Star]

• What is the Cannonball Club? Inside Fishtown’s new “cathedral” of luxury cars. [PhillyVoice]

• Wawa launches a new Phanatic smoothie, donut and kids meal in partnership with the Phillies. [NBC10]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.

Her staff plans to be present, however, for today’s Philadelphia Fire Department Graduation Ceremony for the 204th Fire Cadet Class.

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.

New Jersey just lost its assault weapons ban. Here’s why that matters for the rest of the country. [The Trace]
The Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Co. is on the hook for a nearly $12 million settlement between the city of Philadelphia and a gun shop operator resolving allegations of illegal gun purchases. [Law360]
When West Philly kids seek to express themselves or process grief, they can do so through art and within the “Power of Paint.” [6abc]

By the numbers in Philadelphia

17: Shooting victims recorded from Aug 10 to Aug. 16 with 5 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 17 shooting victims were recorded, including 8 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
117: Year-to-date homicides, down 18% vs. last year’s pace; down 66% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]

Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide

A citywide guide to Philadelphia’s farmer’s markets
Looking for delicious fresh produce — that isn’t part of a food recall? Our Philly farmer’s market guide has it covered.

What is “Quizzo?” And where can you play in Philly?
The history behind the infamous Philly trivia world — better known as “Quizzo” – and where you can play around the city.