🚌 SEPTA preps riders for new bus changes

Pennsylvania Has Main Character Energy on the U.S. Political Stage

July has been a busy month for Pennsylvania, and that’s setting aside all the semiquincentennial festivities. The federal government is looking to the state as a key hub to increase the military’s power, bringing billions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs to make that possible. With midterm elections just months away, President Trump is devoting more attention to our state.

• U.S. beefs up defense with PA-made resources. At the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick announced $10 billion in defense-related investments in the state that are expected to create more than 4,000 jobs. In Philadelphia, this includes a boost in manufacturing and shipbuilding at the Navy Yard, creating thousands of new jobs for local welders, electricians, and other tradespeople.
• Shapiro and Trump trade blows at summit. Gov. Shapiro and President Trump, who both attended the summit, took it as an opportunity to throw jabs at each other. Shapiro criticized Trump’s approach to foreign policy, while Trump called Shapiro “totally overrated.”
• Trump continues to clash with PA over voting. During his last address to the nation, Trump repeated his claim that noncitizen voting is widespread. On Thursday, he said that more than 250,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in four states, including Pennsylvania. His administration has not provided evidence to back this assertion.
• Fetterman pushes back. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, who has supported some of Trump's policies, pushed back against the claim, saying the 2020 election was “absolutely secure, fair, and accurate.” He also said that dredging up the election is “deeply unhelpful.”
• All eyes on PA in November. It’s no surprise that Pennsylvania is both under scrutiny and being favored as midterm elections quickly approach. The state will be crucial in determining whether Democrats will gain control of the U.S. House. Shapiro is using his clout to support Democratic candidates who could flip seats, stating that Pennsylvanians could “decide what the future of the Congress of the United States looks like," while serving as "a model for good governance right here in Harrisburg.”

Over 500,000 Fans Flocked to FIFA Fan Festival

Mayor Parker declared Philly a “gold standard for outdoor festivals” after the 39-day event drew hundreds of thousands to Lemon Hill, raking in an estimated $770 million. [PHL17]

• Related: The festival in Fairmount Park may have been a huge success, but did local bars and hotels also benefit from the tournament? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Can These Reforms Make Temp Work More Equitable?

Large events like the FIFA World Cup were partly successful thanks to thousands of temporary workers filling labor gaps. But many of those workers are vulnerable to exploitation, including unequal pay, a lack of paid sick leave, and unclear workplace protections. An advocacy campaign supported by two council members aims to increase accountability and transparency. [Philadelphia Citizen]

Will DA Krasner Get SEPTA Prosecuting Powers Back?

State lawmakers approved funding for a special prosecutor to address crimes on or near SEPTA through the end of the year, but its future after that remains in limbo. Republican legislators pushed for the position, accusing District Attorney Krasner of failing to prosecute serious crimes happening on the transit system. Krasner said the move stripped him, an elected official, of his authority. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Phase One of SEPTA’s Revised Bus Network Begins in August

Next month, SEPTA will launch two new bus routes, eliminate seven, and make alterations to some existing lines. Ahead of the updates, the agency is installing permanent and temporary signage to notify riders of the coming changes to their commute. [KYW]