Philly’s Catholic Schools Open Despite Strike

Catholic Schools Open Despite Teacher Strike. Kids attending Catholic high schools in Philadelphia will start their school year today without teachers—so, you know they’re going to be getting a lot done. The teachers are on strike and the back-and-forth between their union and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is less than amicable at the moment. So, students attending the area’s 17 Catholic schools are less than enthusiastic about ending their summer to sit around playing Heads Up Seven Up while this is all worked out. [6 ABC]

SEPTA Shuts Down Paoli/Thorndale Line in Both Directions. Good luck making it into Center City from the Main Line today. A tree hit the tracks at the Berwyn station so SEPTA was forced to halt service on the R5 in both directions. Happy Wednesday, commuters! [CBS 3]

Arlene Ackerman Picked Up a $71,000 Check Yesterday. While her buyout is being scrutinized, the former superintendent picked up her last paycheck from the Philadelphia School District yesterday. She made more than $86,000 for the two-week’s pay and additional cash for unused sick and personal days. At least it’s good to know that the District’s money is being spent frugally and responsibly during a period of budgetary hardship. [FOX 29]

Leftover Rain From Tropical Storm Lee Headed This Way. Bring the Scoop two of every animal because he’s going to rent a Duck Boat and try to beat this one out. After August set a rainfall record in Philadelphia capped by flooding from Hurricane Irene, rain left over from Tropical Storm Lee is headed North and is expected to dump on us some more. [Inquirer]

SEPTA Bus Driver Gets Shot, Drives Herself to the Hospital. A SEPTA bus driver was shot in the arm last night on her Route 79 bus at 29th and Snyder. The woman drove herself to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she was treated. [6 ABC]

Phils Top Braves After Rain Delays Start. Utley set the tone in this one with a first-inning home run that traveled more than 400 feet. The Phils kept at it battling their way to a 6-3 and improving their division lead over the Braves to 9.5 games. [The 700 Level]

Philly Live! Construction and Economic Details. The first phase of “Philly Live!”—Ed Snider’s project to fill the vacancy left at the sports complex after the demolition of the Spectrum. The dining and shopping district is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs once it opens in the spring. [Philadelphia Business Journal]