Good morning, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia office data shows workers left 12 minutes earlier on average than in 2019 (departing at 5:05 p.m. instead of 5:17 p.m.), and SEPTA has noted that this shift is affecting evening Regional Rail ridership patterns.

Philly school bathrooms are being fixed faster with the average repair time dropping from 50 to 34 days in the 2024-25 school year — though this is still slower than the 27-day national median.

The district has created a task force for repairs and increased water bottle filling stations to meet the city's mandate.

Philadelphia schools show that one in three teachers in the lowest-performing schools is not fully certified, with a 33% emergency certificate rate compared to 21% district-wide.

The school board said it will use the data to direct support for teachers to complete proper training—efforts seen as key during the teacher shortage.

Philadelphia is urged to protect FDR Park as a stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway—this move will stop more tree clearing and keep the park healthy.

Guards at Philadelphia Housing Authority sites and the Navy Yard say contractor Sovereign Security issued late and bounced paychecks, leaving some workers owed thousands and prompting legal action—PHA canceled the contract on July 9 after repeated payment issues despite a May renewal.

Drew Razny alleged that doctors at Mazzoni Center—whose procedures he said lacked proper consent—forced him to transition, and he filed a lawsuit after his 2023 genital surgery left him in regret.

He said he was not fully informed before the treatments, which led him to begin detransitioning.

A Health Affairs study by the University of Pennsylvania found that fixed annual global budgets improved operating margins for 17 rural hospitals but did not boost liquidity.

The experiment ran for four years and ended last December—officials now warn that upcoming tax credit cuts and Medicaid reductions could worsen finances.

The Phillies clinched the NL East Division after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday—securing a spot in the playoffs and a lead of more than 12 games over the Mets.

They will start the NL Division Series on Oct. 4, with the NL Championship Series on Oct. 13 and the World Series on Oct. 24.