The highway mistake Philly almost made | Morning Newsletter
And an unexpected citizenship question.
The Morning Newsletter
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Morning, Philly. Poll workers across the region reported turnout for yesterday’s primary to be “very slow,” “really, really slow,” and “the slowest it’s been in the seven elections I’ve been here.” Even so, somebody had to win. Read on for the results.
Our top story recounts the saga of the proposed Crosstown Expressway, which would have bulldozed historic neighborhoods and created a moat between Center City and South Philadelphia. The fight six decades ago echoes in today‘s debates about easing Philly traffic.
And a retired nurse canceled a surgery at Temple Hospital after being questioned about her citizenship. Find these stories and more below.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Under the proposal, every home and business between South and Bainbridge Streets from the Delaware to the Schuylkill would have been demolished.
🛣️ The Crosstown Expressway was intended to connect I-95 to the Schuylkill Expressway — a boon to the pro-car planners of the mid-20th century who wanted to make it easier for suburbanites to get downtown, but a death sentence to the South Philadelphia neighborhoods in its path. A grassroots resistance led by a Hawthorne woman eventually forced city leaders to back down after decades of back and forth.
🛣️ Philly would look quite different today if not for that pushback 60 years ago. The project’s nondevelopment enabled explosive growth in the area’s diverse, creative communities. It was also a turning point in the growth of Black political power.
🛣️ Now, Philadelphians are still arguing about traffic congestion and the interstates that slice through. The city is even making amends for the civic damage brought by another bisecting roadway, the Vine Street Expressway, by way of the $158 million Chinatown Stitch and the $360 million I-95 cap at Penn’s Landing.
The question gave Pamela Albright pause. She didn’t expect to be asked about her citizenship status while checking in for an appointment at Temple Hospital.
The retired nurse from Melrose Park is American, and the hospital says the query was a mistake. But to Albright, that’s not the point: To a noncitizen, just being asked could deter them from seeking medical care for fear of the information being shared with federal agents.
The incident, which led Albright to seek surgery elsewhere, comes amid a crackdown on undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump, and as healthcare facilities have become potential targets for enforcement.
Immigration reporter Jeff Gammage has the details.
In other national politics news: Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who spent millions in Pennsylvania toward Trump’s reelection in 2024, said he’ll spend “a lot less” on elections this year. Gov. Josh Shapiro tried to warn President Joe Biden about poor polling last summer, according to Jake Tapper’s book about Biden’s failed campaign. And trespassing charges levied against Newark mayor and New Jersey governor candidate Ras Baraka for visiting an immigration detention center have been dropped.
What you should know today
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is poised to win a third term after defeating former judge Patrick Dugan in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Plus: Downingtown is one step closer to electing Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor after Erica Deuso won the Democratic nomination.
A West Conshohocken woman who prosecutors say was killed by her boyfriend as she tried to break up with him is remembered by loved ones as driven and “full of life.”
In the first two days of the trial for former Philly police officer Mark Dial, who is charged with murder in the 2023 shooting death of Eddie Irizarry, the jury heard testimony from Dial’s former partner and from prosecutors’ expert witness. Supporters and family of Irizarry rallied outside the courthouse Tuesday and called for justice for the slain man.
Fifty years ago this week, 15-year-old Wendy Eaton vanished in Delaware County. Now, state police are renewing calls for the public’s help.
The four-alarm fire that burned for five days in February at the SPS Technologies factory in Abington had no impact on drinking water or air quality, officials said Tuesday.
Philly rose four spots in a national ranking on city parks, thanks to stronger marks for park access and amenities such as splash pads.
A 59-unit hotel is slated for a vacant lot on Frankford Avenue owned by developer Roland Kassis, who is known for his key role in remaking Fishtown into a residential and restaurant hub.
🧠 Trivia time
One of Philadelphia’s most polarizing sports figures will be the subject of a new Amazon documentary. Who is it?
A) Pete Rose
B) Terrell Owens
C) Eric Lindros
D) Allen Iverson
Think you know? Check your answer.
What (and who) we’re...
⚾ Naming: Every Phillies slugger in the 300 club, besides the newly inducted Kyle Schwarber.
⭐ Discussing: How will Michelin change Philly’s restaurants?
🪈 Anticipating: The Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer series featuring Cynthia Erivo, Star Wars, and Eagles night.
☕ Ordering: Starbucks, now delivered by Gopuff.
🎙️ Listening to: “The Bomb,” the latest episode of MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Parkway sculpture park
SCALDED RANGER
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Tim Gierschick II, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Olde Kensington. The neighborhood is home to Wissahickon Brewing’s second location, newly opened at 1526 N. American St.
Photo of the day
🎅 One last “brave” thing: Yes, Rick Reilly is aware of the snowballs incident. That doesn’t stop the New Jerseyan from dressing as St. Nick and attending Eagles and Phillies games, where fans so far have celebrated (not pelted) him.
Enjoy the day, OK? See you back here tomorrow.
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