SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 🍻
#7 | This Week in Review - September 6th, 2025, 7:00pm
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SWEEPING ARRESTS MADE AGAINST AUTOTHEFT GROUP THAT KILLED POLICE OFFICER
PHILADELPHIA MOST SLEEP-DEPRIVED CITY IN THE NATION, SAYS STUDY
BROAD STREET IS WATCHING
Speed cameras are set to debut along Broad Street in Philadelphia on September 15, 2025, the Philadelphia Parking Authority confirmed. For the first 60 days, drivers will receive warnings only, with fines beginning afterward.
Broad Street was named the city’s most dangerous road in a 2024 Vision Zero report, with 14 fatalities recorded so far this year. By contrast, Roosevelt Boulevard — once the deadliest corridor — has seen sharp declines in speeding and crashes since speed cameras were installed in 2020, including a 93% drop in speeding tickets and a 50% reduction in pedestrian crashes, according to the city.
Officials hope Broad Street’s new enforcement program will mirror the safety improvements seen on Roosevelt Boulevard.
DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM EXPANDED IN PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS
A program aimed at reducing Philadelphia’s student “dropout crisis” is expanding into four more schools this year.
Philadelphia Academies Inc. announced that its 9th Grade Success Network will now serve students at Building 21, Franklin Learning Center, Philadelphia Military Academy, and Hill-Freedman World Academy for the 2025-26 school year.
The initiative focuses on supporting ninth graders—particularly students from marginalized backgrounds—through staff training, leadership coaching, and early interventions to keep them “on track” toward graduation.
With the expansion, the program will operate in 28 district schools, with a goal of reaching 32 schools by next year. It is funded through 2027 with $10.6 million from the School District of Philadelphia and the Neubauer Family Foundation.
Officials say the program is showing results, with “on-track” rates improved by several percentage points over last year, although some schools reported dramatic increases in graduation readiness. District data indicates the approach has contributed to a 10-point rise in graduation rates over seven years.
School leaders say the network provides a much-needed “roadmap for success,” offering tools and resources to help educators meet student needs before they fall behind.
CYCLISTS PROTEST LANE PROTECTION PLANS
Cyclists staged a mass ride to Philadelphia City Hall Friday night, demanding full concrete protections on the bike lanes along Spruce and Pine Streets in Center City.
An internal city memo recently revealed plans to install barriers on only half of the bike lanes, a move advocates say puts all road users at risk. The protest was organized by Philly Bike Action, which argues partial protections fall short of ensuring safety.
The debate follows a lawsuit filed in June by a neighborhood group opposing the barriers altogether, citing lost parking spaces and questioning the mayor’s authority. Calls for stronger protections intensified after the 2023 death of Dr. Barbara Friedes, a physician killed when a driver struck her near 18th & Spruce.
Friday’s ride also honored Harry Fenton, a Philly Bike Action member killed Tuesday while cycling in Fairmount Park.
In response, the city said its Vision Zero program remains committed to preventing traffic deaths around the clock.
CITY GOVERNMENT UNVEILS “NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE” FOR 2026
With the nation’s 250th birthday just a year away, Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled a “neighborhood-focused” vision for the Semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026.
The initiative, titled “Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration,” will invest more than $100 million into block parties, public art, business corridor beautification, and festivals throughout the city. Over 60 community and cultural organizations are partnering in the effort.
Mayor Parker said the goal is to ensure residents and visitors alike can “see, touch, and feel” the vibrancy of America’s 250th anniversary through art and unforgettable events.
City leaders emphasized that the investment also supports local businesses, with corridor improvements like benches and clean-up crews aimed at making neighborhoods both more inviting and economically sustainable.
Community groups, including the Lancaster Ave 21st Century Business Association, praised the resources, calling the initiative a boost for small business success and neighborhood pride.
CLOSE CALL AT CHESTER COUNTY PRISON
Law enforcement stopped an escape attempt at Chester County Prison Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2025.
Officials say Thomas Hackett, 35, of Phoenixville, jailed since June on indecent exposure and open lewdness charges, tried to scale a fence around 2:30 p.m. He reportedly climbed into layers of razor wire on the roof after inmates alerted guards by pointing toward the area.
Hackett managed to push through the wire and jump off the roof, but a corrections officer stopped him before he reached another fence lined with barbed wire.
He suffered multiple cuts during the attempt, received medical treatment, and was returned to prison the same evening, authorities confirmed.
2-YEAR-OLD CHESTER BOY MISSING
The City of Chester Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 2-year-old boy, Jeremiah Cottman, also known as Jarimah Cottman or Jeremiah Jamar Ferguson.
Jeremiah, born May 30, 2023, is described as 3 feet tall, with a medium build, dark complexion, brown eyes, and short black hair.
Police said they learned Jeremiah was missing after responding to his mother’s home on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, for a reported argument. Relatives told officers they had not seen him since his birthday party in May. His mother later confirmed he has been missing since early June.
Authorities believe Jeremiah may be with his grandparents, Ashley Ferguson or Roger “Yousef” Montgomery, who are known to frequent areas in Philadelphia. Despite ongoing efforts, police say the child and his grandparents have not yet been located.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is advised to contact police immediately.
SEPTA SERVICE TO BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED, JUDGE RULES
A Philadelphia judge has ordered SEPTA to halt all service cuts, while allowing a planned 21.5% fare increase to move forward amid the agency’s budget crisis.
The ruling, issued Thursday, requires SEPTA to restore bus routes, Regional Rail service, special trains, paratransit, and station operations that had been cut or scheduled for elimination. The order came in response to a lawsuit filed by attorney George Bochetto, who called the decision “full relief,” requiring every rollback to be reinstated.
Following the ruling, SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer announced the agency will aim to restore full service on Sunday, Sept. 14, while also implementing the fare hike that same day. Sauer said he has asked state officials for $394 million in capital assistance funds to cover the shortfall, warning the agency faces a $213 million budget deficit. He described the move as a “Band-Aid” that could keep SEPTA afloat through 2026, but at the expense of long-term infrastructure repairs.
The lawsuit alleged SEPTA used service cuts as leverage to secure more funding, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority riders. SEPTA countered that cuts were based on low ridership and alternative route availability.
Unless further court action intervenes, riders can expect full service restored and higher fares beginning Sept. 14, 2025.
SWEEPING ARRESTS MADE AGAINST AUTOTHEFT GROUP THAT KILLED POLICE OFFICER
Thirteen people have been indicted in connection with a violent multi-state car theft ring tied to the killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Friday.
The group, led by brothers Alex and Alexi Vargas, is accused of stealing more than 40 vehicles across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware between July 2021 and January 2024. The ring allegedly targeted high-value cars such as Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, and Ram trucks.
Three defendants — Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, Alexander Batista-Polanco, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez — were already charged in Philadelphia with the October 2023 killing of Officer Mendez and the wounding of Officer Raúl Ortíz. They now face additional conspiracy charges in the auto theft case.
According to investigators, the ring operated like an organized business, with members assigned roles ranging from scouting vehicles and reprogramming keys to creating fake registrations and selling stolen cars with fraudulent documents. Over 20 vehicles were stolen in Pennsylvania alone.
Officer Mendez was fatally shot at Philadelphia International Airport in October 2023 while attempting to stop a car theft. Officer Ortíz survived after being shot in the arm.
Officials say Friday’s indictment marks a major step in dismantling a criminal enterprise that spanned multiple states and was directly linked to a deadly attack on Philadelphia police.
PHILADELPHIA MOST SLEEP-DEPRIVED CITY IN THE NATION, SAYS STUDY
A new study has found that Philadelphia is the most sleep-deprived city in America.
The research, published by Amerisleep, analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2025 County Health Rankings, and surveys of more than 1,200 people.
Findings show that 43% of adults in Philadelphia get fewer than seven hours of sleep per night, while the city also has relatively low access to wellness support — just 10 practitioners per 100,000 residents. The average workweek for Philadelphians was reported at 39 hours.
By contrast, Portland, Oregon, was ranked the most well-rested city, offering better wellness support, cleaner air, and more rest-friendly environments.
Experts recommend improving sleep quality by creating a cool, dark environment and minimizing light disturbances at night.
PHILADELPHIA-AREA COCAINE RING BUSTED
Nearly two dozen people are facing charges in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced.
Investigators say the network, operating near 5th and Cornwall Streets, distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.
A total of 21 individuals were charged, with 16 arrested on Thursday. Among those indicted are Jimme Torres, identified as the group’s leader, and his son Matthew Torres, who allegedly managed operations while his father was in Puerto Rico.
Authorities also seized 19 firearms, large quantities of narcotics, and $275,000 in cash during the investigation.
LOCAL CONCERTS, SEPTEMBER 8TH - SEPTEMBER 15TH
Monday, September 8
The Pogues with Ted Leo — Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
Sparks — Keswick Theatre, Glenside
Tuesday, September 9
Pulp — The Met Philadelphia, Philadelphia
The Waterboys with Anna Tivel — Keswick Theatre, Glenside
Dorothy and Eddie & the Getaway — Musikfest Café, Bethlehem
Grant-Lee Phillips — City Winery, Philadelphia
Wednesday, September 10
The Who — Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
The Brian Jonestown Massacre — Union Transfer, Philadelphia
10cc — Keswick Theatre, Glenside
Thursday, September 11
Phantogram — Archer Music Hall, Allentown
A Day to Remember, Yellowcard, State Champs, and Boundaries — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden, NJ
Our Last Night with Grayscale and Wind Walkers — Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
The Buttertones — Nikki Lopez Philly, Philadelphia
Friday, September 12
The Who - Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Car Seat Headrest with The Lemon Twigs — Highmark Skyline Stage at Mann Center, Philadelphia
La Dispute with Tummyache and Glitterer — Union Transfer, Philadelphia
Black Moth Super Rainbow, Huron, and Ricky Eat Acid — Underground Arts, Philadelphia
Saturday, September 13
Eric Clapton with The Wallflowers — Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
The Feelies — The Music Hall at World Cafe Live, Philadelphia
David Cook — New Hope Winery, New Hope, PA
Monday, September 15
Wolf Alice — Union Transfer, Philadelphia
Wand — Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia