An ‘important first step’ for gun control | Morning Newsletter
And Philly needs more medical examiners
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Expect a considerable drop from yesterday’s hot weather. We’ll still be in the 80s today with a chance of an afternoon shower.
Today, we dive into local reaction to the bipartisan framework deal created to stem the flow of guns flooding America’s streets.
Also, Philadelphia is suffering from a shortage of staff in the Medical Examiner’s Office, and the office is not accredited, which some say poses a bigger issue.
And, I personally can’t think of anything better to start my day off with than reading about the inspirational impact of Dawn Staley in women’s sports 🔒, in the latest conversation from The Inquirer Sports’ Title IX series.
— Kerith Gabriel (@sprtswtr, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
On Sunday, a bipartisan Senate agreement on gun safety was announced. The framework, negotiated by 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans, looks to increase investments in mental-health services, require background checks for buyers under age 21, and further limit gun ownership among convicted domestic abusers.
We heard from a few local legislators on what this move potentially means for gun control, especially in the aftermath of recent mass shootings.
Here’s what a few had to say about the agreement.
🗣️ Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.): “[I’m] encouraged by the emerging bipartisan deal on gun legislation. While we need to do more to close loopholes and keep weapons of war off our streets, this deal is an important first step.”
🗣️ U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Pa.): “[It’s a] step forward for the children. … I’m not going to be one to try to pick it apart, we need everybody working together.”
🗣️ Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.): “This framework does not have everything my Democratic colleagues and I would like to see in a gun violence prevention package … [but it’s a] meaningful step forward.”
Our reporter Zoe Greenberg has more on the agreement and what local pols are saying about it.
What you should know today
Former Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt testified on Capitol Hill yesterday as former Attorney General Bill Barr scoffed at claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania.
Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico received a James Beard Award last night for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Philly has identified 19 schools hardest hit by violence that will receive security camera upgrades.
John Fetterman knows he’s not your typical politician and he’s ready to prove it as he begins his campaign for a U.S. Senate seat.
A Princeton educator examines what he believes is hypocrisy when it comes to laws for marijuana and alcohol in Pennsylvania in this op-ed.
There’s a brand new mural and a Ferris wheel at Eakins Oval this summer.
We explore the Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which struck music superstar Justin Bieber.
Local Coronavirus Numbers: Here’s your daily look at the latest COVID-19 data.
Last week, we delivered an article on a report examining the city’s mishandling of the remains of MOVE bombing victims. The same independent report also exposed deficiencies in the city’s understaffed Medical Examiner’s Office.
The report sheds light on the fact that Philly has too few investigators and pathologists to effectively keep pace with the city’s deaths — exacerbated by a raging opioid epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a record number of homicides.
However, even if a staff shortage were surprising, some say it’s even more unusual that Philly is one of the only major cities in which its medical examiner’s office isn’t accredited by a national professional organization, a standard process that ensures quality standards are being met.
Our reporters Jason Laughlin and Aubrey Whelan dive into the deficiencies and just how long it may take to get the city up to speed. 🔒
🧠 Philly Trivia Time 🧠
During Pride Month, it’s important to recognize the bold step Philly took toward LGBTQ representation with the introduction of our own version of the Pride flag, adding two new stripes — brown and black — to the top of the rainbow. Today’s question: What year did the city add to the iconic flag? Take a guess and find the answer here.
a. 2015
b. 2017
c. 2019
d. 2020
What we’re…
👀 Watching: What will come of the push from Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers to impeach Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner.
🦄 Loving: How Terrill “Ya Fav Trashman” Haigler described seniors at Frankford High School during their graduation ceremony Monday.
🚯 Sharing: This op-ed on how Philly can better catch people illegally dumping.
🧩 Unscramble the Anagram 🧩
The last name of this Philly City Council member is a workout.
MY HEN LEG
Think you know? Send your guess our way at morningnewsletter@inquirer.com. We’ll give a shoutout to a reader at random who answers correctly. Today’s shoutout goes to Marilyn Steen, of Yardley, who correctly guessed THE SIXTH SENSE as Monday’s answer.
Photo of the day
Seize today, Philly. Until tomorrow… ✌️