Good morning, Philly. Temperatures are expected to inch a bit closer to 70 today, continuing our sunny fall streak.
Today, we start with how local police departments are embracing drones to combat crimes such as retail and car theft.
And, with the Sixers’ first game tonight, we look at the challenges that come with too many dominant players.
Plus, 6abc names a new chief meteorologist, and tons more news of the day.
— Laura Benshoff (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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When Upper Darby police received notice that an alleged car thief was making his way through the township in June, they put a drone on the case.
Rather than trying to pin down the driver with a risky high-speed car chase, they quietly tracked him to a side street before making the arrest, said Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt.
Such scenarios are growing more common in our region, as some police departments embrace drones as “first responders.” The Upper Darby Police Department in Delaware County is the latest, but others include Bensalem Township police in Lower Bucks and some police districts in Philadelphia.
Notable quote: “That police officer in a marked car with lights and sirens going, the adrenaline is going, we no longer need that,” Bernhardt said.
The debate: Local police say drones have allowed them to more effectively investigate certain kinds of crime, such as retail theft. Experts say drone use by police raises privacy concerns.
With yesterday’s crushing news about Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, the Sixers couldn’t be returning at a better time. They face the Knicks tonight in New York.
Anticipation is running high due to the late additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, writes Sixers beat reporter Gina Mizell. But she says those new starters pose a challenge in their own right.
James and Brown join top talent Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, meaning the team must now “quickly blend four players who have been their team’s leading scorer” and put winning over individual glory. In his first appearance as a Sixer, James said the key would be “collective sacrifice.”
Read on for Mizell’s full take on what the players have been doing to try to gel.
Keep going: The Inquirer ran simulated 76ers seasons with the new lineup in the video game ‘NBA 2K27’ 76 times. Here’s how it went.
What you should know today
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6abc has picked Adam Joseph as the station’s next chief meteorologist, replacing Cecily Tynan.
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The Pennsylvania House has passed a bill that would ban cell phones in schools.
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Funeral services for slain Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will close some roads in Center City today.
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A U.S. Postal Service clerk in Philly was sentenced to more than five years in prison for stealing millions of dollars worth of U.S. Treasury checks.
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In an unusual move, several incumbent Republicans in tight races in Pennsylvania have featured Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in their advertisements.
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Haverford College announced Monday that it’s tapping a Tulane University dean to become its next president.
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World Stage, the West Philly music venue formerly known as World Cafe Live, will close later this month.
The online sportsbook FanDuel is offering some VIP bettors and their kids complimentary perks at the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween festivities, “Boo at the Zoo.”
The Inquirer’s David Gambacorta and William Bender report that having a gambling program presence at a children’s event sets off alarm bells for addiction experts.
🧠 Trivia time
Which one of these local celebrities is the most-searched on Wikipedia?
A) Bradley Cooper
B) Matthew Lawrence
C) Matthew Fox
D) Reggie Jackson
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🩺 Learning. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs. Inquirer health reporter Kayla Yup explains what that means.
📺 Watching. Two Deptford seniors who regularly play poker together now share another game: Both have now appeared on Wheel of Fortune, writes Jersey reporter Sarah Nicell.
🥡 Compiling. As someone who hates spending money on mediocre takeout, The Inquirer’s new list of vetted to-go spots is perfect.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Incarcerated rapper and producer known for songs like “I’ll Be Missing You” and “Been Around the World.”
BONES SCAM
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Marlene Smolen, who correctly solved Monday’s anagram: King of Prussia. Cunningham Piano, which recently closed its historic factory in Germantown, has reopened a new factory in this suburb.
Photo of the day
This picture is more poignant now that we know that Jalen Hurts was facing a bigger health scare than any of us knew at the time.
👋 Here’s to his speedy recovery. Take care out there, everyone.
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