📵 No more scrolling while driving | Morning Newsletter
And Quinta Brunson’s new key.
The Morning Newsletter
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Hi, Philly. It’s been a rainy May, and yes, there’s more to come.
Until now, Pennsylvania was the only state in the region that did not have a ban on use of handheld devices while driving. Our top story today explains everything you need to know about the new hands-free law before it goes into effect June 5.
And Abbott Elementary showrunner Quinta Brunson received the key to the city yesterday. We got the details on the West Philly native’s favorite murals, plus the Center City karaoke bar that makes her nostalgic.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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One week from today, it will be illegal in Pennsylvania to use handheld phones while driving.
📵 The legislation expands on an existing ban on texting while driving to include talking, scrolling, taking pictures, sending emails, or the like. The law applies even if the driver is stuck in traffic or at a red light.
📵 It’s a bipartisan effort to cut down on distracted driving in the state, where PennDot estimated nearly 10,000 related crashes occurred last year.
📵 The bipartisan law is named “Paul Miller’s Law” after a man who was killed in Monroe County in 2010 after being hit by a tractor trailer driver who was reaching for his phone.
State politics reporter Gillian McGoldrick has the details on the ban.
In other Pennsylvania news: During his first visit to Chinatown as governor, Gov. Josh Shapiro praised a neighborhood business owner for her advocacy on the 76ers arena debate and talked about the impact of federal policies among immigrant communities.
Quinta Brunson’s Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary has featured Philly institutions from the Franklin Institute to Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. Her hometown reflected some of that love back IRL Wednesday with a ceremony offering her the symbolic key to the city.
While accepting the recognition, the actor and comedian also celebrated a new mural she helped develop at her alma mater Andrew Hamilton Elementary, titled Blooming Futures. The mural features portraits of current Hamilton students and teachers, who also participated in painting.
Notable quote: “We have to see ourselves in the big picture. That’s how we know there’s a tomorrow. That’s how we know there’s a community to take care of,” Brunson told the audience. “You don’t need to see famous people on the wall. You need to see you on the wall painted, beautiful — we are beautiful.”
What can she unlock with her new key? Hearts and minds, we assume.
Arts reporter Rosa Cartagena has the story from the ceremony, and on Brunson’s favorite Philly views.
What you should know today
President Donald Trump plans to nominate Emil Bove, his former personal attorney and a controversial top official at the Justice Department, to be a Philly-based federal appeals judge.
A Bucks County man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing his stepmother, half-sister, and longtime girlfriend last year.
In what is likely to please users of FDR Park in South Philly, FIFA men’s World Cup will not use any of its athletic fields for practice in 2026, opting for University of Pennsylvania’s Rhodes Field.
A major South Jersey health center that treats children who are the victims of neglect or abuse will have its funding eliminated in Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed 2026 budget.
Rep. Brendan Boyle of Philadelphia called for a congressional hearing into what he called “collusion” between the SEC and Big Ten.
ChristianaCare won a bankruptcy auction for five of Crozer Health’s outpatient locations.
Former Temple University president Jason Wingard received more than $1.1 million in total compensation in 2023 after resigning that March, according to tax records.
The Philadelphia School District is under federal investigation for management of asbestos in its school buildings.
The Philly Zoo uninvited a drag queen from a scheduled Pride story hour. Then Philadelphia Family Pride, the event’s cohost, pulled out.
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🧠 Trivia time
Philly-area homeowners are renting out their yards through Sniffspot, which calls itself the Airbnb of what?
A) Perfume design
B) Gardening
C) Candle making
D) Dog parks
Think you know? Check your answer.
What (and who) we’re...
💍 Creating: Our dream Eagles Super Bowl ring with this interactive designer.
🥊 Anticipating: Former Sixers guard Michael Carter-Williams’ boxing debut tonight.
🤝 Admiring: This West Philadelphia pastor who has dedicated his life to guiding and supporting children charged with murder.
🏳️🌈 Preparing for: The 2025 Philly Pride march, festival, and events this weekend.
🏥 Considering: What Rite Aid closures and pharmacy deserts will mean for public health.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Centennial District arts hub turning 50 next year
CENT MANNER
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Lorraine Haggerty, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: One Fine Day. Sting and Shaggy’s only-in-Philly fest will return to the Mann this September.
Photo of the day
🏎️ One last speedy thing: The new F1 Arcade in Center City, opening today, offers 80 racing simulators. Columnist Stephanie Farr describes the vibe as "Tron meets Metropolis."
Whoosh! See ya back here tomorrow.
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