🔔 Philly hit hard by federal shutdown | Morning Newsletter

Good morning, Philly.

For the first time in seven years, the federal government shut down just after midnight yesterday. The impact has been immediate, and local.

And battling fare evasion on SEPTA is about more than writing tickets. Ride along with transit police as they patrol buses and trolleys to deter skipped payments.

Plus, ahead of this weekend’s showdown at Franklin Field, we explain how St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College High became Philadelphia’s ultimate rivalry.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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In Philadelphia on the first day of the government shutdown, the region’s federal workers faced an uncertain future. Politicians blamed each other. And tourists were unable to see the Liberty Bell. Here’s a rundown of the local impact.

On workers: Pennsylvania counts around 100,000 federal workers. Some are furloughed, but others, such as TSA officers, must work without pay until the shutdown ends. They’re also contending with layoff fears.

On tourists: Historical sites staffed by the National Park Service, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, were closed as of Wednesday morning, leaving visitors disappointed and confused.

On ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will continue to conduct arrests and detentions during the shutdown, while other parts of the nation’s immigration system may slow.

On legislators: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was one of three members of the Democratic caucus to vote with Republicans to avert a shutdown. New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim told constituents on Tuesday that he would keep “fighting for people’s healthcare” in the funding discussions.

The Senate adjourned for the day on Wednesday with no resolution on how to reopen the government. They will return Friday to vote again on the GOP measure. See the latest at Inquirer.com.

Fare evasion costs SEPTA an estimated $50 million a year, a loss that became a focus during this summer’s state budget debate over public transit funding.

🚎 SEPTA has taken measures to stop scofflaws, including via taller turnstiles at its metro stations. But it’s harder to do on buses and trolleys, where entrances have no physical barriers besides sliding doors that open at every block.

🚏 That’s where a six-person team of uniformed transit police officers comes in. They travel on routes deemed to be fare evasion hotspots, occasionally writing tickets for those who hop on without paying. More so, they say, the goal is to change a culture of rule-breaking.

🚍 Bus operators welcome the officers. Some riders do, too — just not the ones being kept from boarding because their Key Card is empty.

Transportation reporter Tom Fitzgerald rode the 21 with SEPTA transit patrol officers for this explainer.

In other patrol news: Philadelphia police officers began wearing their new midnight blue uniforms on Wednesday, the department said.

More than 10,000 fans are expected this Saturday when the Prep and La Salle meet again at Franklin Field.

🏈 In a region with some high school football rivalries dating back more than a century, this 50-year-old Catholic League matchup may be the most intense, sports reporter Matt Breen writes.

🏈 The reason why? Their prep-school players tend to come from the same backgrounds — even the same neighborhoods. They’re playing themselves.

🏈 As both teams got better, both powerful alumni networks grew. By now, future NFL coaches have played for both sides.

Breen breaks down the lore of Hawks vs. Explorers.

Which Los Angeles brand raised eyebrows this week with a cryptic social media post that mentioned Philadelphia?

A) In-N-Out Burger

B) Erewhon

C) Pink’s Hot Dogs

D) Nobu

Think you know? Check your answer.

🦥 In love with: The new baby sloth at Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo.

🎭 Remembering: The Philly Fringe Festival shows that made us laugh, think, and cry.

🥮 Plotting: Where to get mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival in Philly.

📽️ Anticipating: The 34th Philadelphia Film Festival, with films by Bradley Cooper and Guillermo del Toro.

🏀 Considering: What being a great women’s sports town really means.

Hint: Fast-food chain now (back) in Cherry Hill

SORRY OGRE

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Stacy Stone, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Chill Moody. The hip-hop entrepreneur’s new canned cocktail raises money for his youth-oriented nonprofit, We Golf Now.

🪑 One last redeveloped thing: Schauffele Plaza in Ardmore just got a makeover. Those behind the project credit “tactical urbanism.”

Enjoy your Thursday. Sam and Tommy have you covered the next two days, then I’ll be back with you Sunday morning.

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