Good morning, Philly. Prepare for a cloudy beginning to the week.
With significant service reductions at SEPTA approaching as Pennsylvania’s budget remains eight weeks late, the divisions in Harrisburg are becoming evident: It’s the Philadelphia area versus the rest.Here, we explore the state’s long-standing divide between rural and urban areas.
And twelve people perished in a Fairmount fire three years prior,neighbors claim the property has been overlooked by the city. Continue reading for these stories and additional content.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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The upcoming service reductions, which SEPTA states it will be required to enact this month, have brought back the tension between politicians in rural and urban areas of Pennsylvania.
Fighting words:Rural Republicans claim that policies implemented by Democrats in Philadelphia and nearby counties have been hindering the economic development of their communities for a long time. These Democrats counter that Southeastern Pennsylvania produces more revenue than any other region, yet receives only a small portion of state funding in return.
Long-standing divide:The conflict dates back to the earliest times of the commonwealth. Pennsylvania is a state that is geographically and economically varied, and in recent years, numerous political leaders — including committee chairs and mayors — have originated from the densely populated and liberal Philadelphia area.
Chaos theory:Still lacking a state budget, insiders believe SEPTA’s upcoming service reductions might push the two parties toward a resolution despite the growing frustration. “From chaos, you might achieve something,” said former State Senator Vince Fumo to The Inquirer. “Now, everyone is being tough. But the worst hasn’t happened yet, and perhaps you need to let it.”
Plus:Check out the latest summary of all we know abouthow SEPTA might be different on August 24.
In January 2022, nine children and three adults lost their lives in a fire that broke out early in the morning in Fairmount. Over three years later, residents mention that drainage problems and fly infestations at the ruined North 23rd Street site act as an “emotional reminder” of the incident.
They experience challenges in dealing with city agencies while looking for assistance. Issues reported to 311 and the Department of Licenses and Inspections appear to result in limited solutions. The Philadelphia Housing Authority, which is responsible for the property, states that continuous legal disputes have hindered the progress of necessary repairs.
But now, ultimately, momentum is building as the agency pursues regulatory clearances, financial support, and authorization to restore the structure.
Reporter Ximena Conde has additional information.
What you need to be aware of today
- Rapper Skrilla was taken into custody in Kensington while shooting a music video forallegedly firing gel bullets at a Philadelphia police officer.
- Temple Health is moving its maternity labor and delivery services to a different location.North Philadelphia location on September 3.
- A former nurse who dedicated 44 years of service to Crozer Health expressed her frustration towards Prospect Medical Holdings ina message to the bankruptcy court judge.
- Two states have the characteristic that the average newly built home is more than double the price of the average older home, and Pennsylvania is one of them.as per a LendingTree study.
- Jessica Anasti, a retail executive and part of one of the families behindPizzata Pizzeria, has passed away at 39.
- The Summer aBroad Health Festival this Saturday will present a healthy outlook for the future on North Broad Street,organizer Shalimar Thomas writes.
- In 2025, the Eagles’ cheer squad will feature three male performers — the most men they’ve ever had. Get to know Philadelphia native James LeGette, who is about to starthis fifth season with the team.
Quote of the day
The mural located at 41st and Wallace Streets showcases the smiling face of now-18-year-old Jordyn Battle, captured at the age of 11, gazing at her reflection.a happy baby version of herself, surrounded by blossoms.
🧠 Trivia time
Hundreds assembled at Fireman’s Hall Museum on Sunday to honor eight firefighters who lost their lives in the Gulf Oil refinery fire in South Philadelphia. How many years has it been since the fire occurred?
A) Five years
B) 10 years
C) 25 years
D) 50 years
Think you have the answer? Verify it.
What we’re…
💡 Learning:Advice for raising childrenan adult child still residing in the family home.
🐈 Recalling: The best (worst?) products the Always Sunny gang tried to sell.
⚕️ Considering: Five priority actions for leaders of the city’s mental health system.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint:In Bucks County
WENT OWN
Send us an email if you have the answer.. We will choose a reader randomly to speak up here.
To Eileen Weigand, who cracked Sunday’s anagram:Frankie’s Summer Club. The beer garden is located in a former University of the Arts courtyard close to 15th and Pine.Refer to it as the clandestine follow-up to Bok Bar.
Photo of the day
Photographer Kaiden J. Yu documented scenes from a Sunday at Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church and School, the first Catholic church constructed exclusivelyfor Chinese Americans in the Western Hemisphere.
📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ tale
Recall the night that transformed your life, an event unique to Philadelphia, embodying the true essence of Philly spirit. It was the moment you finally felt at home in Philly, even if you’re not a lifelong resident. Something that reignited your love for Philly — or made you proud to call it your hometown if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to behighlighted in the Monday issue of this newsletter.
This “only in Philly” tale is from a readerR. Scott Heaton, who recalls the enchantment of a Shore favorite and a counterfeit ID:
I waited nervously in line, my new identity spinning in my thoughts: name, address, birthdate. Don’t forget the zip code. It was the summer of 1975, and I was about to step into a new world. I had heard countless tales about the well-known Anchorage Tavern (“7 for 1”) in Somers Point, and tonight I was heading inside — I prayed.
The line sped up the steps and onto the porch. The bouncer by the door had arms as large as my head and no sign of a smile. Here we go, I thought — take a deep breath, stay calm. He looked me in the eye and said, “ID.” I handed him the plain paper driver’s license I had committed to memory, and he took it from my hand.
Time came to a standstill. He glanced at it. Then he looked at me. My heart raced, with adrenaline surging through me. Eventually, he nodded and returned the ID to me. Am I in? What should I do now? I took the license and rushed toward the door before he had a chance to reconsider.
The wooden door featuring one small window creaked open, and I stepped into a crowd of people, old beer, and smoke from cigarettes. I felt as if I had died and arrived in paradise. “You made it!” my friends shouted as I glanced around. In that instant, I was overwhelmed by a sense that something had shifted. There was no turning back now. I wasn’t a child anymore.
As promised, the beers were ordered in groups of seven. The bartenders moved with the skill of magicians behind the counter. The seven-ounce glasses flew as they poured one Ortlieb’s after another from the tap until, with a swift motion, they picked up seven at once using both hands and brought them to us. Sing-alongs of “Runaround Sue” and “Pennies from Heaven” continued throughout the night. The venue was full of energy.
We carried out this routine every night that summer, and each evening was a unique experience. However, nothing matched that initial night.
Much has evolved since that time – thank goodness for that. There was always a particular boldness linked to the 1970s that remains difficult to describe. However, for those of us who experienced it and made it through, we wouldn’t alter a single thing.
As I reflect on these sentiments of longing for a time I never experienced, I also hope you have a wonderful Monday. Thank you for beginning it with The Inquirer.
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