What SEPTA drivers endure | Morning Newsletter
And Trump’s fourth criminal indictment.
The Morning Newsletter
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We’re in for a rainy day with a high of 88.
When bus operators and other transit workers drive through Philly and the surrounding suburbs, a plexiglass shield is often their only protection. They’re vulnerable to angry outbursts and violence from riders, and it’s only been getting worse since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our lead story explains the increase of abuse and assaults against SEPTA drivers.
— Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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SEPTA bus and trolley operators have endured verbal abuse and other assaults from riders over the past decade, with a notable spike at the onset of the pandemic.
Note: Sociologists and psychologists (and probably you) have observed that society’s fuse seems to have shortened since 2020. Inconveniences like a late bus can assume outsized importance and set people off. People tend to get angrier at slights, real and perceived.
The result: A shortage of bus operators with more unpredictable schedules, further aggravating riders and causing more revenue loss.
Some operators say the agency isn’t protecting them.
Click here to read more about the drivers’ experiences.
Politically-connected General Asphalt Paving Co. allegedly created a shell company and “submitted false, inaccurate, and inflated invoices” as part of a scheme to get around Philadelphia’s anti-discrimination polices, according to the city’s chief auditor.
Acting Controller Charles Edacheril detailed the allegations in an Aug. 9 letter to Mayor Jim Kenney. Edacheril expressed dismay that General Asphalt, which is run by the Meehan family of former GOP leaders, hadn’t been held accountable since an internal report of alleged misconduct was first sent to the mayor in November 2021.
The allegations: The Northeast Philly company hired a subcontractor, Empire Supplies and Services, to comply with a city policy aimed at offering opportunities for people of color, women, and people with disabilities. According to Edacheril’s letter, investigators found evidence that General Asphalt “designed and used Empire as a pass-through.” Two of General Asphalt’s owners were also two of Empire’s three founding members, he wrote.
Notable quote: “Empire was merely a pretextual shell for [General Asphalt] to claim MBE [Minority Business Enterprise] credit without giving real opportunities to minority-owned businesses,” Edacheril’s wrote.
Keep reading for more contents of the letter.
What you should know today
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the results of his 2020 presidential loss in Georgia. Here’s what you need to know about his fourth criminal indictment.
State and federal authorities accused a Philadelphia teenager of buying and testing bomb-making materials in support of a foreign terrorist group.
Like hundreds of young men killed every year in Philadelphia, Jabarr Richards’ death didn’t make the news. On what should have been his 21st birthday, his family gathered to reflect on his life and death. Their wish is that he not be forgotten.
After allegations that officials at Franklin Towne Charter High School shut out students from certain zip codes, the Philadelphia school board will move to revoke its charter. It’s the first step on the road to closure.
Chester, a bankrupt city, is refusing to pay the legal team representing pensioners. The legal team said in a court motion filed Monday that the city was playing “bait and switch” by backing out of an agreement to pay it over a half-million dollars in fees.
A Philly couple is working on a children’s-style book about weed to bring cannabis education to the masses. It’s for adults and titled, Edwin Eats an Edible.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts signed with Jordan Brand, the biggest endorsement deal of his career.
The idea of an elevated park on the Reading Viaduct isn’t new.
Activists in Philly have been working on a project to get an elevated park since 2004. So far, the city has only been able to get the first part of the Rail Park, a modest 1,300-foot segment, completed.
The viaduct’s owner, Reading International, is the hold-up.
What’s happening now: In June, Councilmember Mark Squilla quietly introduced a bill that would authorize the city to acquire the steel-and-stone viaduct by any means necessary, including condemnation. The legislation specifically assigns the Center City District to lead discussions with Reading. CEO Paul Levy will head the negotiating team.
Architecture critic Inga Saffron argues that despite the hurdles, dreams of the park could come true.
In her own words: “With Levy in charge, Philadelphia finally has a shot at getting its own high line. But it’s also true that, anytime you build a major new park in a big city like Philadelphia, it has to be a group effort,” Saffron wrote.
Keep reading to learn Saffron’s take on what needs to be considered to make this project a reality.
🧠 Trivia time 🧠
Which Philly neighborhood puts on Summer Swigs? It’s a weekly summer happy hour special similar to Center City Sips.
A) East Passyunk
B) Graduate Hospital
C) Society Hill
D) Fishtown
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🦅 Viewing: A photo gallery of the Eagles and Browns joint practice on Monday.
📱 Following: After almost three years, @PATreasury is back on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, to compete for your laughs. There’s no government affiliation this time.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram 🧩
Hint: When you want a beer while playing mini golf ⛳
BELONGED RUSTIER
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Meaghan F. Washington, who correctly guessed Monday’s answer: Christian Street.
Photo of the day
We had a lot to cover today. I hope you started your day feeling informed. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow, bright and early.