Fetterman increasingly votes with Republicans | Morning Newsletter
And healthcare giants square off.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Good morning, Philly. Whether you have the day off or not, we’ll all get to enjoy some sunshine peeking through the clouds this afternoon, as well as highs near the mid-70s.
Today, we start with a new report examining the legislative record of Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, that found the number of times he votes with fellow Democrats has fallen sharply.
And, we look at the fight between two local healthcare giants — IBX and Jefferson Health — and what it could end up costing patients.
Plus, how a brief conversation on a West Philadelphia porch left one officer dead, and another seriously wounded, and more news of the day.
— Laura Benshoff (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Democratic Sen. Fetterman has evolved into a frequent critic of his own party, prompting questions about his political future. Now, The Inquirer has charted Fetterman’s voting record and appearances to put hard numbers to that shift. Some key findings:
He votes with his party less frequently: In the final years of President Joe Biden’s term, Fetterman voted with Democrats nearly 100% of the time. Since President Donald Trump took office a second time, that has fallen to less than 80% of the time.
He is less present than most senators. Fetterman appeared at just 16% of 158 possible committee and subcommittee meetings during the current session of Congress. And he’s missed 9% of his roughly 1,500 votes.
Read on for Inquirer political reporter Sam Janesch’s full analysis.
And, in case you missed it, read part 1 of The Inquirer’s deep dive into how Fetterman approaches his job.
If you’ve made a doctor’s appointment with Jefferson Health online recently, you may have seen messages warning you that your care could be interrupted if you’re insured by Independence Blue Cross.
That’s because these two giants — the largest health system in our region and the largest health insurer — are currently in testy contract negotiations.
What they’re saying: Jefferson says it needs higher rates to keep up with inflation and sustain care in the communities it serves. Independence says it already pays Jefferson competitive rates and has offered a significant increase.
The Inquirer’s business of healthcare reporter Harold Brubaker has the full story.
What you should know today
Eric Lewis has been charged with murder, along with a host of other charges, for fatally shooting Philadelphia police Officer Shane Seiber and wounding another officer on Saturday.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stumped for Democratic U.S. House candidate Bob Harvie in Bucks County over the weekend.
Speaking of the midterms, get ready for a deluge of political ads: $90 million has been allocated in total from both parties for ads in Pennsylvania’s four contested House races.
Pope Leo XIV said he would undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small growth in his lung, throwing into question whether he would still be able to present Villanova University’s inaugural sustainability medal in his name on Tuesday.
Cheltenham High School is pivoting to a homecoming soccer game, after its football season was canceled over a locker room assault earlier this year.
Promoters of a luxury development are touting the possibility of a high-speed ferry route between Manhattan and Atlantic City next summer.
Chobani. Eli Lilly. Burlington Stores. All three plan to make major investments in Pennsylvania after receiving incentives from Gov. Shapiro’s administration.
But, The Inquirer’s Andrew Seidman reports, such deals can carry political risks.
🧠 Trivia time
Saddler’s Woods in Camden County is battling an invasive species that attacks what kind of trees?
A) Oak
B) Beech
C) Chestnut
D) Gingko
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
📰 Considering. Inquirer columnist Will Bunch visits York County, where local law enforcement have arrested more than 500 immigrants on behalf of ICE since the start of 2025.
♻️ Perusing. A Philly-area mom has started an online resale marketplace for kids clothing, per workplace reporter Ariana Perez-Castells.
💪 Checking out. Shrimp, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a La Colombe cappuccino cup. These menu items are all tattooed on local chefs and baristas, reports The Inquirer’s Emily Bloch.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Penn State’s football team
INSTANTLY ION
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Peter DiMaio who correctly guessed Sunday’s anagram: Lindsey Scannapieco. The developer known for breathing new life into the city’s old buildings shared her perfect Philly day with The Inquirer.
Photo of the day
At least Eagles fans had some fun while in London.
📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ story
This is your weekly chance to share an anecdote about something that made you feel connected to Philly or fellow Philadelphians. Thank you to everyone who responded to the callout on Friday and shared a fall memory. Keep them coming for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.
Today’s “only in Philly” story comes from reader Ann E. Dolloff, who describes her first lesson in Philadelphia geography, many falls ago:
I move to Philadelphia in August 1986, to start graduate school at Temple University. One of my best friends was starting grad school at Hahnemann University at the time. We are both New Englanders, and excited to live in Philadelphia and explore everything from our wonderful (and at that time affordable!) apartment in the Art Museum area.
One evening that fall, we were sitting at Rembrandt’s bar and chatting with the others and the bartender, when one man states that he is from the Far Northeast. Imagine my excitement! I enthusiastically share that I am from Maine, and my roommate just moved here from Vermont! With high hopes of meeting someone from my home state, I ask — where you are from? After all, you can’t get more northeast than Maine! After the incredulous looks from everyone at the bar, a smirk from the bartender, and a slightly condescending explanation of what the Far Northeast truly means, I received my first lesson in understanding and respecting the neighborhoods of Philadelphia!
👋 See you tomorrow!
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