We’re getting closer to a pandemic turning point | Morning Newsletter
And, Philly approves new police oversight commission.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Happy Friday, dedicated readers of The Inquirer Morning Newsletter, and I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend (despite the forecast).
First: As Pennsylvania reached a benchmark in coronavirus vaccinations, some pockets of the commonwealth lag far behind as demand remains low in rural areas.
Then: City Council approved legislation Thursday to create new police oversight group.
And: Critics say chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey’s charity could better spread its namesakes’ wealth.
— Tommy Rowan (@tommyrowan, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
Pennsylvania’s vaccination rate is in the top 10 nationwide, meaning that 70% of the state’s adults should be fully vaccinated by the end of next month.
But there are still gaps in the state’s progress. In 26 counties, more than 60% of residents haven’t gotten even one shot, according to state data through Tuesday. In some, it’s below 30%. Even Philadelphia slightly lags its neighboring counties.
The gaps are fueling ongoing efforts to combat hesitancy and to develop more vaccine incentives.
Read the full story from reporters Erin McCarthy and Justine McDaniel.
The Pennsylvania mask mandate will end on June 28, or when 70% of the adult population is fully vaccinated, whichever comes first.
As COVID-19 vaccines enable restaurants, bars, and schools in the region to reopen, health experts share their thoughts on this new freedom.
Chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey’s charity has ballooned to $17 billion, making it wealthier than the globally ambitious Ford Foundation.
But it’s mostly unknown outside Pennsylvania, as Hershey’s billions finance the education of just 2,100 low-income children at the Milton Hershey School, a private, preK-12 boarding school in the middle of the state.
Federal tax law does not require organizations like the Milton Hershey School to spend a particular amount each year on their charitable mission. But the widening chasm between what the school could spend to help poor children, and what it actually spends, has raised concerns.
Read the full story from reporters Bob Fernandez and Charlotte Keith.
Track the latest data on cases in the region.
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu, common cold, and allergies can overlap. How to tell the difference.
Side effects mean your COVID-19 vaccine is working. But what if you don’t have a reaction?
What you need to know today
Philadelphia will soon have a new police oversight body, as City Council approved legislation Thursday to create a new system that would replace the existing Police Advisory Commission.
A Philly man is arrested for allegedly setting cop cars ablaze during the racial injustice protests last year.
Debate heats up over Steak 48 restaurant’s new dress code and $100 minimum tabs.
Philly high school students should start their days later, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said Thursday — contradicting proposed new schedules presented to schools this week.
Battle lines have been drawn at Swarthmore College over a decision to partner with an organization that brings retired military personnel in as visiting faculty members.
A Philadelphia Fire Department engine crashed into a four-story building, injuring four firefighters and one civilian, and causing substantial damage on Girard Avenue late Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Some sheriff’s sales can resume, a Philly court ruled.
Through your eyes | #OurPhilly
Wonderful shot, @pp.opol.
Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout-out!
That’s interesting
🇺🇸 The story about Donald Trump, Arlen Specter, and the Patriots that set the internet ablaze.
🦅 Eagles promote Catherine Raiche to vice president of football operations.
🏖️ It’s Memorial Day weekend. Looking for something to do? We’ve collected our best Philly tips all in one place here.
Opinions
“It’s time to start saying yes to America’s young people, and enlist them in our great democratic experiment when they’re fired up and ready to go. I fear that if we push this generation away, the next insurrection will make Jan. 6 seem like child’s play,” writes columnist Will Bunch, arguing that we could potentially prevent the next Jan. 6 by allowing 16-year-olds to vote.
The U.S. government and ordinary Americans must continue to support education and schools for Afghans after U.S. troops exit in July, writes columnist Trudy Rubin, as Afghan girls and women are in grave danger when our troops leave.
Columnist Jenice Armstrong knew The Voice winner Cam Anthony was going to be a big star the moment she heard him sing six years ago. Philly audiences are notoriously tough, she writes, so it had to have been intimidating for someone so young. But he grabbed that microphone like a pro and began belting.
What we’re reading
It’s beach-read season, and the New York Times has you covered. No matter what you like — thrillers, audiobooks, cookbooks, historical fiction, music books, sci-fi, romance, horror, true crime, sports books, Hollywood tell-alls — the news outlet has recommendations.
The Ringer’s Alison Herman writes that one-year-old HBO Max, despite almost unceasing corporate shake-ups, has managed to establish itself alongside the lines of Netflix and Amazon.
Who wins Instagram giveaways? Influencers and marketing firms keep teaming up to give you cars, cash, and more. But no one ever seems to win. This Vox investigation is must-read.
Your Daily Dose of | UpSide
Farmers Against Hunger will relocate its operations to a former peach orchard turned park in Burlington County, where a small plot of crops will help teach the public about healthy eating.