🚗 Phillies fans call foul on Uber | Morning Newsletter
And plane crash victims wait for aid.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Hi, Philly. The region just set a temperature record, and an encore is likely today. But the first heat wave of 2025 may be shorter than had been expected — which is good news for the thousands of Peco customers who lost power Monday.
Why is it suddenly so hard to get an Uber from Citizens Bank Park? Phillies fans say it’s become “impossible” to hail a ride at the stadium this season.
And Northeast Philadelphia was promised relief after the plane crash damaged homes and businesses. Some families are still waiting for help.
Plus, city parents are fighting to ensure their kids will be guaranteed bathroom and water breaks at school.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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You just got out of a Phillies game. You’re trying to get home, maybe to the suburbs, but don’t feel like waiting for a train — or maybe there isn’t one going where you need to get to.
🚗 So, you hail an Uber. But the ride is canceled. Then another one is canceled. And another.
🚗 Scores of would-be riders say it’s become frustratingly difficult this season to get a car at Citizens Bank Park, citing a chaotic system and lengthy wait times. That’s despite a newish, dedicated Uber RideShare lot meant to streamline the experience.
🚗 In previous years, hailing a ride “was bad but it wasn’t impossible,” one Northern Liberties resident said. “I have friends who are like ‘It’s so hard to get out of there that I don’t want to go.’”
What gives? Read on to learn how Phillies fans are maneuvering the system.
Local officials were quick to pledge support for those impacted by January’s devastating plane crash on Cottman Avenue, which killed eight people and left Northeast Philadelphia reeling.
In the months since, the city has connected residents to free trauma sessions and financial aid via the just-launched One Philly Fund, as well as recovery grants for small businesses and other resources.
But while those residents say they appreciate the help, some told The Inquirer it hasn’t been nearly enough to recoup lost wages, cover medical bills, or pay for new apartments after their homes were destroyed. Other say they haven’t received any help at all — or didn’t know such help was available.
Further reading: See the full slate of resources the city made available for Northeast Philly families and businesses in need.
What you should know today
Chester County officials are asking the public for help as they investigate why a Malvern man brought a gun to a “No Kings” protest earlier this month, and had a rifle in his car and multiple pipe bombs in his home.
Did a Bucks County teen intentionally kill a Temple University police officer? Jurors at his murder trial will be asked to determine the answer over the next several days.
The George Norcross-backed group that lost a June election for county committee in Cherry Hill to a slate of progressive Democrats filed a suit to dispute the outcome.
A bipartisan Pennsylvania House bill cosponsored by local Democrats would create a tax deduction for overtime pay.
Planned Parenthood leaders hoped Philly would step up after federal funding cuts. Instead, the city slashed all money for the local chapter.
Two NASA research aircrafts are conducting low-altitude flights over the region until Thursday as part of a training program.
Former University of Pennsylvania president Amy Gutmann is set to receive a prestigious award from Philadelphia’s American Jewish history museum.
Seorabol, one of the city’s long-running Korean restaurants, is closing its original location in Olney. Tria also plans to shutter its 18-year-old wine, beer, and cheese bar in Washington Square West.
In the Philadelphia School District, children’s ability to use the bathroom or take water breaks is left to the discretion of teachers.
Lift Every Voice Philly, a parent-led nonprofit, is working to change that. After successfully pushing the district to end collective punishment and guarantee recess for all K-8 students, the group’s latest effort aims to ensure kids get explicit, dedicated breaks with no restrictions.
“It’s a very reasonable and important standard for children to have basic forms of dignity in schools,” the parent of an elementary schooler told The Inquirer.
Education reporter Kristen A. Graham has the details.
In other education news: The district announced Monday it will now cover costs for its career and technical educators to get the teaching certifications that will allow them to remain in Philly classrooms long term. And some New Jersey students are getting two diplomas, earning associate’s degrees as they graduate high school, thanks to this vocational-technical school program.
🧠 Trivia time
Members of which group are increasingly choosing to rent in Philadelphia instead of buying a home?
A) Married people
B) Mummers
C) Mayfair residents
D) Millionaires
Think you know? Check your answer.
What (and who) we’re...
🥪 Plotting: To get a free sandwich on Wawa Hoagie Day this Thursday.
🌊 Coveting: This biotech exec’s Stone Harbor home, listed for nearly $14 million.
📜 Honoring: Dinah Nevil, no longer a historical footnote in Philadelphia’s story of abolitionism.
🏈 Preordering: Jalen Hurts’ children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown.
💪 Considering: The Pulaski Banner and the international roots of America’s fight for freedom.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Cape May County town
CITES EASILY
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Danielle McAvoy, who solved Monday’s anagram: Globe Dye Works. Two popular popup bakers lease a kitchen together at the Frankford factory-turned-shared workspace and broadcast their co-working antics on Instagram.
Photo of the day
May you, too, find a joyful (and safe) way to beat the heat this week. Back at it tomorrow.
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