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. A hot and partly sunny Sunday is in store.
Today’s lead story highlights how Delaware County is navigating a gap in healthcare after the closure of its highest-level trauma center.
And to mark National Ice Cream Day, we’re celebrating the sweet nostalgia of the classic summer treat at drive-ins and roadside stands across the region.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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In Delaware County, transporting gunshot victims for treatment used to mean a few-minutes-long race to Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Now, their best chance for survival means a temporary blood transfusion in transit to the nearest trauma center up to an hour away.
This is just one way healthcare providers in the area have innovated their emergency response strategies after Crozer closed down in May.
🚑 What was lost: Crozer operated the county’s busiest emergency department, its top trauma center, and its only 24-7 crisis center for mental and behavioral health. Its ambulances served about 60% of the county.
🚑 What comes next: Plans are underway for two new micro-hospitals with EDs in Aston and Springfield to ease the burden on existing medical facilities and improve timely access to care.
🚑 Not just physical services: Addressing a surge in mental health crises has become critical. Proposals for a new freestanding crisis response center are under review.
🚑 Teaching opportunities: A community education program is being expanded to train residents on what to do to stop bleeding and respond to an emergency.
Health reporter Sarah Gantz details how officials, providers and lawmakers are working to keep local healthcare services afloat.
🎤 Allow me to pass the mic to staff photographer Tom Gralish.
At the Shore, on the way to the Shore, or even when not going to the Shore, it is the sweetest stop of summer.
Time seems to slow down as you pull into a drive-in ice cream stand.
Waiting in line, the buzz of laughter and talk of memories around you blend with the hum of a neon sign; the scent of sugary toppings; and glimpses of selfies taken with dripping cones, moms wiping off young faces, or couples sharing spoons, leaning close on benches.
And the brief blast of cool air when the server slides open the order window when it’s finally your turn.
The simple satisfaction of enjoying a swirled soft serve or scoop (or two, or three) leaves you with a sense of nostalgia and comfort that transcends generations and lingers long after the last lick. And it keeps you coming back. — Tom Gralish
See patrons of all ages enjoy this simple pleasure through Gralish’s photographic journey.
What you should know today
After a 12-year-old died and an 11-year-old was critically injured when an automobile driver struck their electric scooter last month, a Delaware County community is reminding residents of a township-wide scooter ban.
A Philadelphia man who police say shot and killed a 49-year-old after an argument in Port Richmond has been charged with murder.
Some Philly-area mental health professionals and advocates say the Trump administration’s decision to shut down specialized support for LGBTQ+ people from the national suicide hotline reflects a broader effort to roll back protections for the community.
A 45-year-old woman evidently hanged herself Thursday morning at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, officials said. She is the second person to die this year in the city’s troubled jails system.
Temple University has warned its community to start exploring alternative transportation options in light of potential upcoming SEPTA service cuts that may significantly affect campus commutes.
Cheltenham school officials have discussed but made no decision regarding a petition to remove Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the high school’s Hall of Fame, following concerns raised by students.
Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi received high praise and a standing ovation from the board of trustees for her leadership as she enters her fourth year. The performance evaluation will impact her upcoming compensation review.
❓Pop quiz
Before he became Superman, David Corenswet was a Philly theater kid lighting up local stages like Old City’s Arden Theatre and Malvern’s People’s Light.
Which of the following productions was he NOT a part of?
A) All My Sons
B) Macbeth
C) Forgiving Harvest
D) Aida
Think you know? Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: The Union’s principal owner ⚽
JURY MAN SAGA
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Jim Diamond who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Jo Piazza. The Philly author talked to us about her perfect day in the city.
What you’re saying about...
Bryce Harper was spotted at City Hall, so I asked you to tell me what you thought he was doing there (wrong answers only). Here are some of your responses:
Kacey Thomas: Dropping off his garbage.
Edward Bacon: To pay his fine for stealing bases.
Christine Sulat: He was posing for a sculptor to replace Billy Penn on top of the building.
Anne Gibson: Arrested for stealing too many Philadelphians’ hearts.
And a bonus from X: “They confiscated his raw milk."
The jeweler behind the Eagles’ Super Bowl ring says it’s his best work yet. The team’s championship story is woven into its design.
🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “Too late / We lock eyes and I’m a moth to a flame.” I’m loving the way these New Jersey boys interpolated a Bee Gees classic.
One more musical thing: Wu-Tang Clan’s final show was a star-studded and emotional affair at the Wells Fargo Center. Don’t miss pop critic Dan DeLuca’s recap of the event, along with photos by Inquirer intern Kaiden J. Yu.
👋🏽 Thanks, as always, for spending part of your morning with The Inquirer.