More than 100,000 affected by vaccine shortage | Morning Newsletter
And, Trump Plaza building implodes at the beach.
The Morning Newsletter
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Good morning from The Inquirer newsroom. ❄️ Philly could possibly get several inches of snow today.
First: A COVID-19 vaccine shortage could delay vaccine doses for more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians.
Then: A crowd gathered to witness the building that used to house Trump Plaza implode in Atlantic City yesterday. It was a whole scene.
And: Philly’s school reopening date got pushed back again.
— Ashley Hoffman (@_ashleyhoffman, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
There’s a dose delay.
More than 100,000 Pennsylvanians might have to wait days or even weeks more before getting their COVID-19 shots. The reason the comprehensive immunization plan hit a roadblock is vaccine providers’ mistakes coupled with potential miscommunication from the state, officials said yesterday.
A number of Pennsylvania vaccine providers have been administering Moderna shots intended for second doses as first doses. It’s been going on like this for weeks undetected, and there’s no confirmation on why it took as long as it did to discover the improper usage of the doses in this two-part process.
Pa. is on the solution and is now aiming to make sure people with appointments still get their second doses within the recommended time frame. Read on for all the details on the vaccine shortage.
Trump Plaza implodes in Atlantic City
Skyline update. We all know how Trump loved a crowd.
And he drew several hundred onlookers in Atlantic City yesterday to witness the implosion of the building that housed the former president’s former golden Trump Plaza casino, which the visitors watched crumble from the beach. The button push heard ‘round the pier was a long time coming, and you can watch the full video of that here.
Our team was on the scene to talk to people who knew the place well for our story on what the casino used to be.
Can vaccinated people still spread COVID-19? We answered questions like how the shots actually work and how long does immunity last.
Where can you get a vaccine in the Philly area if you’re eligible? Use our lookup tool and find out.
Here are the updated coronavirus case numbers as COVID-19 spreads in the region.
What you need to know today
Philly’s school reopening date was delayed (again), until March 1.
Eight people were shot near Olney Transportation Center, Philly police say. No other single shooting had wounded as many people in this already-violent year.
We fact-checked all the impeachment trial claims from the Philly-area lawyers who played starring roles.
Delaware County Democrats are finally in power. Now they’re defining what they stand for.
Sprawling Longwood Gardens is getting a $250 million makeover with a whole new conservatory.
South Jersey’s public transportation hub is going to get a new modern look with a $250 million project, too.
Through your eyes | #OurPhilly
Shine on, golden goddess. Thanks for sharing, @sparkling_sus_.
Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout-out!
That’s interesting
🛍️ Restaurant reporter Mike Klein has your definitive guide to shopping for groceries in neighborhood restaurants that have you covered with wine.
🚴♀️ There’s a COVID-19 bike shortage, but here’s where you can still buy bikes in Philly.
🖨️ So you’re a medical marijuana patient. This is how that affects your employment rights in Pa.
🦅 Will the Eagles end up having to trade Carson Wentz to Indianapolis because he doesn’t want to go to Chicago? That’s what Les Bowen is wondering.
Opinions
“About damn time!” — writes columnist Helen Ubiñas about how the mayor finally responded to the Philly man staging a hunger strike outside City Hall over gun violence, once a Black woman was the one to lead him there.
Teachers need to be vaccinated before schools can reopen and stay that way, physician Rhea Powell writes.
This is what the “restraint” from police officers on Capitol Hill really tells us, journalist Solomon Jones writes.
What we’re reading
Slate has some questions about Framing Britney Spears, the documentary about your Princess of Pop’s legal battle, which there’s no escape (Toxic reference!) from on the internet.
🦄 This is a story about a brave little girl who recovered from a health scare with help from the kindness of the community and a celebratory stuffed toy unicorn named Poppy.