The Week in Philly: A Senate race recount, historic surge in wildfires, and SEPTA contract talks

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Public transportation commuters throughout the Philadelphia area have been in a state of limbo for the last week, as SEPTA and its thousands of bus, train and trolley operators continue contract talks. Why is SEPTA “hopeful” that a resolution can be reached without a strike? What should riders do if the mass transit company’s multiple unions follow through on their threat of a coordinated walkout?

Plus, what happened at this week's City Council hearings about the 76ers’ proposed East Market Street arena? And, what you need to know about holiday scams, and the ripple effects that historic wildfires are having on South Jersey.

Look back, look ahead, and get a better understanding of the stories shaping the Philadelphia region on “The Week in Philly” with Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters. Listen on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM Saturdays at 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Episodes are also available as a podcast or, you can check out individual segments below.

The fall drought drying out the Philadelphia region and the larger Northeast corridor of the United States has sparked a historic surge in wildfires, particularly in New Jersey. From Camden County in the south to Passaic County in the north, officials have advised residents to take caution despite limited information about the causes. KYW Newsradio South Jersey Bureau Chief Mike Dougherty provides some updates on the state’s containment efforts.

Philadelphia’s Christmas tree has arrived at City Hall. But will the recent drought have an impact on tree farms in the region as the holidays get closer? KYW Newsradio’s Justin Udo spoke with a farmer who says the trees are healthy, but there are some things you may need to do once you bring them home to keep them nice and green.

Come on, let’s sing it! An American holiday classic: “It’s the most vulnerable time… of the year!” At least that’s what the Federal Trade Commission says. Over the next month, the agency figures to be about as busy as the sleigh-riding big fella himself. KYW Newsradio Community Impact Reporter Racquel Williams details scams new and old that consumers should look out for during the holiday season, and how to get help if you fall victim to a crime.

Earlier this fall, Philadelphia Mayor Charelle Parker announced she was all in on the 76ers’ proposed plans for a new arena on East Market Street. But what about Philadelphia City Council? Where do its members stand? With a key, Sixers-imposed deadline just weeks away, KYW Newsradio City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb checks in following the first round of public hearings on the project and explains why she thinks support for 76 Place in City Council might not be as rock-solid as it initially seemed.

SEPTA contract negotiations have been ongoing this week, hoping to avoid a strike. But the transit company is in a tough financial position, and this week they proposed two rounds of fare hikes to make up for the budget gap. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo explains how prices and service could change in the coming months.

The Associated Press called Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race for Republican Dave McCormick, but Democrat Bob Casey hasn’t conceded, and it’s so close that it’s likely to trigger an automatic recount. Meanwhile, some state Legislature seats did flip, but the numbers remain the same with a Republican Senate majority and a Democratic House majority. Why didn’t the down-ballot results change more when the top of the ticket flipped to Republicans? And how much can the state accomplish with a divided Legislature? KYW’s Suburban Bureau Chief Jim Melwert breaks down the latest election fallout in the commonwealth.