🚆 It’s not just SEPTA | Morning Newsletter

We made it to Wednesday, Philly.

There’s a mix of clouds and spotty showers in the forecast. A heat advisory is in effect through Thursday, so stay hydrated out there.

As the June 30 state budget deadline draws closer, it’s not just SEPTA facing a fiscal cliff. The other 32 fixed-route transit systems across the commonwealth are at risk — which means the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans blocking funding will hurt their own districts, too.

Plus, office employees are ditching uncomfortable shoes and suits in favor of more casual vibes. Here’s what that looks like at companies across Philly.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Pennsylvania’s top Senate Republican have opposed SEPTA funding increases, arguing their rural residents don’t benefit from subsidized transportation infrastructure.

But transit agencies statewide — including in rural areas — need a lifeline.

🚆 All 50 of Pennsylvania’s state senators have some form of state-subsidized public transit in their district, with the other 32 agencies offering more than 63 million rides each year. That means their constituents have something to lose, too, if they don’t give transit agencies a way to survive in a state budget by June 30.

🚆 In Western Pennsylvania, for instance, Pittsburgh Regional Transit is the state’s second most-used transit agency. PRT would slash service by 35% in the face of a $117 million deficit.

🚆 Still, it’s SEPTA that would suffer the most, with a $213 million deficit that the agency says would necessitate a 45% service cut, plus a hefty fare hike. The Philadelphia-headquartered entity served 200 million passengers in 2023.

The Inquirer’s Gillian McGoldrick, Jasen Lo, and Thomas Fitzgerald have the details in this interactive explainer.

Noticed more dressy sneakers and jeans in the office? It’s true — there’s been a shift in the way people pick out their threads for the workday.

👗 Polls show the vast majority of workers have made “business professional” a thing of the past.

👟 The rise of relaxed clothing is a reflection of a growing desire to strike a balance between a polished presence, personal expression, and functionality.

👖 Casual style is now a matter of policy at some workplaces that used to require more formal attire. Take Independence Blue Cross, whose updated dress code allows employees to wear jeans.

Learn how — and why — businesses and employees around Philadelphia have leaned into the business casual trend.

Which of the following is Philadelphia’s only FIFA-affiliated soccer pub?

A) Jose Pistola’s in Center City

B) Lion Sports Bar in Chinatown

C) Cavanaugh’s Headhouse in Society Hill

D) The Black Taxi in Fairmount

Think you know? Check your answer.

🏆 Congratulating: Phila Lorn of Mawn for winning a major James Beard chef award.

🤓 Testing: Our knowledge of what’s been happening at City Hall.

🗳️ Analyzing: How Cherry Hill progressives upset the Norcross machine.

🎭 Reading: A review of Quintessence Theatre Group’s adaptation of Giovanni’s Room.

😋 Hungry for: A feast of Central American cuisine at Pinolero.

Hint: Spotted filming the Reacher series around Rittenhouse Square

COLTS RIHANNA

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

Cheers to Judy Pidgeon, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: espresso martini. Frank Conrad of Cape May built a better version of the Jersey Shore’s unofficial cocktail. You can buy it in a can.

👋🏽 This newsletter will be taking a break in observation of Juneteenth, but we’re still reporting the latest news over on Inquirer.com. I’ll catch up with you here again on Saturday. Until then, be well.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.