‘New life’ at Philly’s big recovery house | Morning Newsletter
🚎 And no more SEPTA strike threat.
The Morning Newsletter
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Hi, Philly. Break out your biggest coat: It’s expected to be the region’s coldest morning since at least February, with temperatures in the teens.
It has been almost one year since Philadelphia’s city-owned drug recovery home opened its doors on State Road. In that time, the city and its third-party healthcare providers have transformed the facility.
And SEPTA and its largest union reached a tentative agreement Monday for a new two-year contract after threats of a strike for 5,000 members.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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In the 11 months since Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration launched the Riverview Wellness Village, the 20-acre recovery facility in Holmesburg has been transformed from construction zone to one-stop health shop advancing her efforts to tackle the city’s opioid crisis.
It’s also winning over some initial skeptics.
How it works: Residents enter the facility voluntarily after completing at least 30 days of inpatient treatment elsewhere. They can stay up to one year, then be connected to permanent housing.
By the numbers: The facility counts about 75 staff and more than 200 residents, many of whom previously lived on Kensington streets. At its current capacity, Riverview has increased the total number of recovery house beds in the city by nearly 50%.
Early impact: The facility is plugging a hole in the city’s substance use treatment landscape, those who live and work at Riverview say, by offering a suite of services including medical care, mental health treatment, job training, and group counseling. More residential spaces to increase capacity are in the works.
Notable quote: “If it’s as successful as it looks like it’s going to be,” a community leader said, “this facility could be a model for other cities throughout the country.”
City Hall reporter Anna Orso explains how Riverview has grown, and what’s next.
Commuters could breathe a little easier Monday: Transport Workers Union Local 234 and SEPTA reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year contract, averting a strike that looked over the weekend to be “imminent.”
🚎 Workers secured a 3.5% raise in each year of the contract and increased pension benefits, among other wins. TWU represents bus, subway, and trolley operators, as well as mechanics, cashiers, maintenance people, and custodians.
🚎 Executives for both the union and SEPTA credited Gov. Josh Shapiro with helping to break an impasse in talks. Next up, TWU members will vote on ratifying the contract.
🚎 Negotiations came as SEPTA emerged from a period of financial turmoil. The transit system’s struggles aren’t over, though. Some of its Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars are still out of service after undergoing federally mandated safety checks, and the trolley tunnel’s weeks-long closure will continue until at least Dec. 14.
Transportation reporter Tom Fitzgerald has the latest details.
What you should know today
Two Philadelphia police officers who chased a drug suspect until the man crashed his car and killed a bystander cannot be sued for causing the fatal collision, a federal appeals court ruled.
The child abuse trial for Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. began Monday.
A retired New Jersey teacher who advertises himself as a Santa Claus performer has been charged with distribution of child pornography.
Alina Habba, President Donald Trump’s pick for New Jersey’s U.S. attorney, stepped down from her role Monday after a federal appeals court ruled she was not allowed to hold the position.
The Philadelphia school board will hold a special action meeting this week to vote on a resolution authorizing the district to consider transferring vacant buildings to the city.
Voters in two Burlington County school districts will consider bond referendums in Tuesday’s special election.
The first tenant of South Philly’s sprawling Bellwether District will be canned beverage manufacturer DrinkPAK, which works with companies like Liquid Death and Celsius.
Kids who owned a smartphone before age 12 had a greater risk of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep compared to those who didn’t, a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study found.
Adare Pharma Solutions is closing a manufacturing plant in Frankford and laying off 136 people, according to a state filing.
Quote of the day
Amid a fight over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, Bucks County’s Fitzpatrick scolded fellow Republicans for not sufficiently addressing how Americans are being economically squeezed.
🧠 Trivia time
Which historic mansion is set to become a Cescaphe wedding venue in 2027?
A) Lynnewood Hall
B) The Woodlands
C) Lemon Hill
D) Glen Foerd
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
⚽ Ranking: The five World Cup group stage matches headed to the Linc next summer.
🏆 Applauding: All the Golden Globe nominees with ties to the Philly region.
🐟 Feasting on: Seven fishes at these local restaurants.
🔬 Chatting with: A Philly scientist awarded for studying garlic-flavored breast milk.
🎖️ Considering: How a “fraud” narrative threatens veterans’ disability benefits.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Area on the Main Line
OWEN DOWNY
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Crystal Higgins, who solved Monday’s anagram: World Cafe Live. Amid eviction threats, labor unrest, and now an expired liquor license, the future of the University City music venue is increasingly unclear.
Photo of the day
As the clouds roll in today, take a moment to reflect on sunnier times. Back at it tomorrow.
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