🚆SEPTA turns tide on fare evasion

PA on the Brink of a Budget

After failing to pass a budget by June 30, lawmakers are closer to finalizing a deal, with votes in the House of Representatives scheduled for this weekend. Pennsylvania is currently one of three states without an approved budget for the new fiscal year. [Go Erie]

• Related: Here’s a breakdown of the budget blame-game and what’s at risk if the delay continues. [📝City Cast Philly]

Delco Man Threatens Governor With Arson

A 65-year-old man has been arrested on charges of terroristic threats and harassment after threatening to burn down the governor’s mansion and using an antisemitic slur in his comments. Gov. Shapiro’s Harrisburg residence was damaged in an arson attack last year during Passover. [6ABC, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: In Northeast Philly, community members are still reeling following an arson attack at a mosque. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

1 in 4 SEPTA Riders Don’t Pay – And That’s an Improvement

After the transit agency installed new full-length fare gates at some stations, SEPTA has seen the rate of fare evasion drop to only a quarter of riders there not paying fares. SEPTA estimates it loses $30 million annually on skipped fares. [NBC10]

• Related: If you’re headed to the All-Star Game and Homerun Derby next week, you don’t have to worry about the fare. DraftKings and the Pennsylvania Lottery are sponsoring rides back from the stadium. [PhillyVoice]

Philly Welcomes Baseball Fans for All-Star Game

The Midsummer Classic is back in Philly! Before the big game pitting the best National League and American League players against each other, the MLB has a lineup of events around the city to hype fans up. Here’s your guide to meet-and-greets, swing contests, and giveaways. [CBS Philly]

• Related: Gear up for the game at these local shops. [📝 City Cast Philly]

DOJ Targets PA Election Chief Over Alleged Noncitizen Voting

A U.S. Assistant Attorney General wrote in a letter that election officials could be prosecuted if found in violation of the National Voter Registration Act for allowing noncitizens to vote. In response, the Pennsylvania Department of State said it complies with state and federal laws. The move comes weeks after an audit from Pennsylvania’s attorney general showed how difficult it is to prove accusations of noncitizen voting. [Penn Live]

• Related: With more eyes on Pennsylvania’s elections, state Democrats plan to prioritize mandatory electronic pollbooks to speed up check-in and same-day voter registration if they gain control of the Senate, House, and governorship in November. [Votebeat]

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