‘All Ukrainians wept’ | Morning Newsletter
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Today we continue to look at the ongoing situation in Ukraine through the lens of its emotional, psychological, and financial cost to our region.
It’s going to be a wet day, with temperatures rising only to the low 50s.
Also, just a reminder that if you see this 🔒 on stories within the newsletter, in order to read them, you will have to become a subscriber.
— Kerith Gabriel (@sprtswtr, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
The outcome of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine remains to be seen, but the immediate effect for thousands of Ukrainians across our region is a feeling of real dread.
The numbers: There are roughly 5.3k Ukrainian immigrants who call Philadelphia and its surrounding counties home and another 54,324 who reside here who are born of Ukrainian ancestry.
What area Ukrainians are saying: “The worst nightmare is happening. I’m living a nightmare,” said Eugene Luciw, president of the local chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. “At the same time, we are united for Ukraine.”
Immediate actions: There is a planned pro-Ukraine rally in Center City today and, tentatively, a larger national gathering in Washington D.C. on March 6.
The impact of war: With Russia being a premier supplier of petroleum to the world, the price of gasoline might be soaring to $4 a gallon a lot sooner than we think. And despite the hit to markets worldwide, experts strongly suggest investors sit tight and don’t allow geopolitical affairs to scare them into selloffs.
How you can help: Here’s a rundown of charities accepting donations for those affected by the unrest along with this helpful guide on how to talk to children about the situation between Russia and Ukraine – especially for children who have been through trauma.
For more on the situation and what happens next: Trudy Rubin, our world affairs columnist who was in Ukraine this month ahead of the invasion sets the scene in the next Inquirer Live alongside opinion editor Erica Palan today at 11 a.m. To watch live, register here.
What you should know today
SEPTA plans to sell off more than $800 million in bonds to invest in infrastructure projects and improvements.
Only two carriers are currently flying direct routes from Philadelphia International Airport to destinations in Europe.
Brandon Bostian, the Amtrak engineer on trial for the 2015 Frankford crash, has rejected a plea deal.
The number of Philly teachers quitting in the middle of the school year is up 200%.
There is a Philly-area-based billion-dollar software firm that employs thousands of engineers in Ukraine.
Philly hoops legend Herb Magee coached his final game this week. Our columnist Mike Sielski takes a look at his remarkable career.
The parent company of South Jersey Gas, which proposed a pipeline across the New Jersey Pineland, is being sold for $8.1 billion to a private investment fund.
Local Coronavirus Numbers: Here’s your daily look at the latest COVID-19 data.
🧠 Philly Trivia Time 🧠
Black History and accomplishments have been streamlined into some of the most famous Broadway and off-Broadway shows. But there’s one in particular that allows the littlest members of its cast to impart knowledge of Black achievements onto their fellow cast members. Today’s question: Do you know which show makes this a tradition? Take a guess and find the answer here.
a. Hamilton
b. The Lion King
c. Cats
What we’re…
🥶 Reading: About the group of Philly women flocking to rivers for daily polar plunges.
🧐 Examining: Which side of Pennsylvania’s political spectrum does its new redistricting map truly benefit.
🗓️ Planning: A trip not-too-far outside the city limits to Ardmore this weekend.
🥨 Anagram jawns 🥨
Think you know this two-word Philly neighborhood we’re referring to? Take a guess and send your answer our way at morningnewsletter@inquirer.com. We’ll give a shoutout to the first person in our inbox who nailed it. Hint: 🚢 💰.
ROTR PCIOMNDH.
Photo of the day
That’s my week. As always, Ashley Hoffman will recap the week and deliver some deep reads on Sunday and we’ll meet again in your inbox on Monday. Take care, Philadelphia. ✌️