🌱 Series Of Armed Robberies + SEPTA Regional Rail Overhaul

Hey, people of Philadelphia! Dan Casarella here with today's copy of thePhiladelphia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Hot. High: 96 Low: 74.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. A group of suspects is believed to be behind a series of armed robberies. One occurred on the 100 block of South 30th Street in University City around 10:54 p.m. on Thursday, when a man was forced to the ground and had his watch stolen. The suspects got away on foot. Police believe the robbers may be responsible for two similar incidents that happened on May 15. (WPVI-TV)
2. SEPTA is kicking off its Regional Rail overhaul by asking riders for their priorities. SEPTA released a survey asking for opinions of riders on how they'd like to see services improve. The public transport company also stated that within the next five years it would like to provide service every 30 minutes at stations and provide more frequent service at in-demand stations. (Billy Penn)
3. A shooting in North Philadelphia on 5th Street left a 4-year-old boy injured. The shooting occurred on Thursday night inside a home when the boy was shot in the arm. The details of the shooting have not yet been released by the police. (WPVI-TV)

Today in Philadelphia:

• ConsentFest At The Lawn At uCity Square (2:00 PM)
• Temple Music Prep Student Recital Hour Concert At 1515 Market Street (2:30 PM)
• Intimate Artist Talk with Photographic Visionary Chuck Kelton At The Space Art Gallery (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• ACCT Philly was live yesterday showing off all the adoptable pets! The animal care center needs to make room for more than a dozen dogs at its emergency shelter closing on Sunday, so it's time to adopt! (Facebook)
• School District of Philadelphia will resume mandatory mask wearing for students and staff, starting Monday, May 23. Read details here. (Facebook)
• Philadelphia is getting a head start on summer weather! Temperatures will soar close to 100 degrees this weekend, so Parks & Rec is opening some spraygrounds a week early. Find one near you. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all Monday for another update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.