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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Philadelphia. Written by local reporters.

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Axios Philadelphia

Philadelphia isn't immune to the labor pressures disrupting summer vacation plans across the country. 

The big picture: Facing staffing shortages, airlines have been struggling to keep pace with a sudden upswing in demand, Axios' Nathan Bomey reports. Many are responding by cutting flights and reducing their commitments to regional airports.

And it's not just your Fourth of July trip that's in jeopardy. Some industry officials told Axios airline staff shortages could extend well into 2023.

Driving the news: On Monday, there were roughly 180 total delays and 27 cancellations at Philadelphia International Airport, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

Over recent weeks, it’s become typical for more than a hundred flights to be delayed or canceled at PHL.

American Airlines announced last week it's ending two service routes from PHL into New York state due to a pilot shortage, effective Sept. 7.

Catch up fast: Airlines had two years and billions of dollars in federal aid to make sure they were ready for passengers. 

Yes, but: The demand returned with a vengeance and many airlines don't have enough people to fly planes, serve passengers, or unload bags. 

Meanwhile, travel rates are outpacing inflation. 

By the numbers: Philadelphia International Airport expects 7.7 million passengers to travel through its terminals between June and August, which is just 18% below this period in 2019, its highest on record.

Travel may not be back to pre-pandemic levels, but it's 13% over this time last year. 

What to watch: Some U.S. airlines are offering to boost their pay to attract or retain workers. 

American's regional carriers Piedmont and Envoy, which both fly under the American Eagle brand, gave big raises to their pilots, including a temporary 50% pay hike through the end of August 2024.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said this month that the airline will offer bigger raises for its 14,000 mainline pilots.

Still, higher labor rates could accelerate a phaseout of small regional jets, which would leave small markets unconnected to large hub airports. 

Flight delays and airline staffing shortages hit Philadelphia

It's not just your Fourth of July trip that's in jeopardy. Some industry officials told Axios airline staff shortages could extend well into 2023.

Illustration of an airplane on a runway shaped like a "no" symbol.

Airlines

Philadelphia isn&#x27;t immune to the labor pressures disrupting summer vacation plans across the country. The big picture: Facing staffing shortages, airlines have been struggling to keep pace with a sudden upswing in demand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Nathan Bomey reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/23/airline-delays-cancellations-united-american" data-vars-content-id="1035ee9d-83f1-4ada-ac5d-40d0701ef760" data-vars-headline="Flight delays and airline staffing shortages hit Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/23/airline-delays-cancellations-united-american" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Nathan Bomey reports</a>. Many are responding by cutting flights and reducing their commitments to regional airports.

News

Data: Axios research; Cartogram: Sara Wise and Oriana Gonzalez/Axios

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Friday overturning Roe v. Wade, effectively ending all federal protections on abortion. 

What it means for Pennsylvania: Abortion remains legal up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy, with several existing restrictions, such as mandated counseling and a 24-hour waiting period. But protections are vulnerable. 

Republican lawmakers, who maintain majorities in the state House and Senate, have proposed several reproductive health bills that would severely limit abortion access in the state. 

Gov. Tom Wolf, who's term-limited, has pledged to veto any anti-abortion rights legislation that makes it to his desk. 

The big picture: November's gubernatorial election could now determine the future of abortion access in Pennsylvania. 

Democratic candidate Josh Shapiro has said he would defend abortion rights. 

Republican candidate Doug Mastriano has pledged to completely ban abortions and sponsored legislation that would ban abortion once a "fetal heartbeat" is detected. 

What they're saying: Mastriano says on his campaign website that he would sign the "Heartbeat Bill" legislation, and end state funding to Planned Parenthood if elected.

Shapiro says he "will veto any bill that would restrict abortion rights, and he will expand access to reproductive care," according to his campaign website. 

Between the lines: A constitutional amendment is also making its way through the state Legislature that says the right to abortion isn't guaranteed in the state constitution.

In Pennsylvania, a constitutional amendment, which cannot be vetoed by a governor, only needs a simple majority in two consecutive sessions before getting approval by a majority vote in a primary or general election.

It could go on the ballot as early as May 2023.

What to watch: Experts and advocates have warned that with the reversal, Pennsylvania will likely see an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions here, particularly from neighboring states that don't have similar protections.

Some worry it could put more strain on providers, many of which are already struggling to meet local need.

Roe v. Wade overturned: What it means for Pennsylvania

November's gubernatorial election could now determine the future of abortion access in Pennsylvania.

Abortion

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Friday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overturning Roe v. Wade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/roe-wade-decision-abortion" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/roe-wade-decision-abortion" target="_self">overturning Roe v. Wade</a>, effectively ending all federal protections on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/axios-explains-abortion" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/axios-explains-abortion" target="_self">abortion</a>. What it means for Pennsylvania: Abortion remains legal up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several existing restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&amp;ttl=18&amp;div=0&amp;chpt=32" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&amp;ttl=18&amp;div=0&amp;chpt=32" target="_blank">several existing restrictions</a>, such as mandated counseling and a 24-hour waiting period. But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protections are vulnerable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/12/03/supreme-court-abortion-roe-wade-pennsylvania" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2021/12/03/supreme-court-abortion-roe-wade-pennsylvania" target="_self">protections are vulnerable</a>.

Expect some airport delays, cancellations, and long lines as demand for travel surges while the airline industry grapples with a labor shortage. 

Here are some tips for you not to lose your mind while heading to your summer getaway, according to Kate Sullivan, deputy director of strategic partnerships at Philadelphia International Airport:

Build in some flexibility. There's a chance your flight could get delayed, so be prepared for that. In other words, don't plan a flight that is only two hours ahead of your family wedding. 

Arrive early. Sullivan recommends coming to the airport three hours before your flight to ensure you have time for parking, ticketing, and check-in. 

Check flight frequencies. Know when the next flight is available in case yours gets canceled. 

One other tidbit ... Be prepared for crowded flights. "Do not count on an empty seat next to you," Sullivan says, particularly if you're traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean.

Those flights have "the most passengers we've ever seen," Sullivan adds.  

A headache-free guide to summer travel at PHL

"Do not count on an empty seat next to you."

American Airlines planes are seen at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylavania on June 20, 2022.  Photo: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

Philadelphia International Airport on June 20.  Photo: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

Air travel

Expect some airport delays, cancellations, and long lines as demand for travel surges while the airline industry grapples with a labor shortage. Here are some tips for you not to lose your mind while heading to your summer getaway, according to Kate Sullivan, deputy director of strategic partnerships at Philadelphia International Airport:

Things to Do

Pennsylvania abortion providers and funds are ramping up resources in anticipation of an influx of out-of-state patients following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

By the numbers: Planned Parenthood Keystone estimates 8,500 out-of-state patients may flock to Pennsylvania to seek abortion care this year, particularly from Ohio and West Virginia where laws significantly curtail abortion access.

Why it matters: Roughly 85% of Pennsylvania counties lack an abortion provider, per the Guttmacher Institute.

The increased demand from out-of-state patients could place extra strain on already struggling providers.

What's happening: The Abortion Liberation Fund of PA increased its funding for the next fiscal year from $610,000 to roughly $838,000.

Yes, but: Even with the extra money, the organization might not be able to meet the need, the nonprofit's executive director Elicia Gonzales told Axios. Last year, the fund used around $667,000 worth of funding to help 3,200 people pay for abortions, but the need was closer to 7,000.

Plus, out-of-state patients have additional expenses, such as costs for travel and missed days of work.

Lindsey Mauldin, VP of public policy and advocacy for Planned Parenthood Southeast Pennsylvania, tells Axios she expects clinics in western and central Pennsylvania to see a surge in new patients.

But for now, clinics across Pennsylvania have been fielding calls from patients who want to ensure they still have access to care. Mauldin says the immediate priority is reminding people that abortion is still legal in the state.

Providers are also working with law enforcement and preparing for more protests outside clinics, Mauldin says.

The organization deploys trained volunteers through their patient escort program to ensure people enter the clinics safely.

What to watch: Republican legislators and political candidates are pushing to limit abortion access in Pennsylvania.

Doug Mastriano, the GOP candidate for Pennsylvania governor, wants to ban all abortions after roughly six weeks.

Republican state lawmakers seek to pass a constitutional amendment that says there's no constitutional right to an abortion.

Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge

Providers estimate 8,500 out-of-state patients may flock to Pennsylvania to seek abortion care this year.

Pennsylvania abortion providers and funds are ramping up resources in anticipation of an influx of out-of-state patients following the Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overturn Roe v. Wade" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/28209114.61/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDYvMjQvcm9lLXdhZGUtZGVjaXNpb24tYWJvcnRpb24_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/60999b09a3291a5ad87611d3Bcb0a9310" data-vars-content-id="cbf99ad5-6d9d-4b70-8b1d-19ffd0438743" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/28209114.61/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDYvMjQvcm9lLXdhZGUtZGVjaXNpb24tYWJvcnRpb24_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/60999b09a3291a5ad87611d3Bcb0a9310" target="_blank">overturn Roe v. Wade</a>.By the numbers: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planned Parenthood Keystone" data-vars-click-url="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2022/06/28/roe-v-wade-overturned-planned-parenthood-pennsylvania-patients/" data-vars-content-id="cbf99ad5-6d9d-4b70-8b1d-19ffd0438743" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2022/06/28/roe-v-wade-overturned-planned-parenthood-pennsylvania-patients/" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood Keystone</a> estimates 8,500 out-of-state patients may flock to Pennsylvania to seek abortion care this year, particularly from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/06/27/abortion-further-restricted-ohio" data-vars-content-id="cbf99ad5-6d9d-4b70-8b1d-19ffd0438743" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/06/27/abortion-further-restricted-ohio" target="_self">Ohio</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/25/abortion-illegal-7-states-more-bans-coming" data-vars-content-id="cbf99ad5-6d9d-4b70-8b1d-19ffd0438743" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/25/abortion-illegal-7-states-more-bans-coming" target="_self">West Virginia</a> where laws significantly curtail abortion access.

Protests against the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade erupted across Pennsylvania and the nation over the weekend.

Political candidates in the state responded with vows to either protect or curtail abortion access ahead of the November election.

Driving the news: At least 1,000 people protested against Roe's reversal outside Philadelphia City Hall Friday evening, blocking parts of Market Street downtown. 

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the Democratic candidate for governor, hosted a pro-abortion rights rally at the city's National Constitution Center Saturday that drew hundreds.

What they're saying: "I will not let our daughters grow up in a world where they have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers had in Pennsylvania," Shapiro said in a statement Friday. 

He's promised to "veto any bill that would restrict abortion rights," if elected governor.

The other side: Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, released a statement Friday, saying that "Roe v. Wade is rightly relegated to the ash heap of history," CBS3 reports.

"As the abortion debate returns to the states, Pennsylvania must be prepared to lead the nation in being a voice for the voiceless," said Mastriano, who's pledged to completely ban abortions after a "fetal heartbeat" is detected, as early as six weeks.

Zoom in: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner called on district attorneys in all 66 counties across the Commonwealth to protect reproductive rights and to not criminalize patients or medical providers.

"Women and others who can become pregnant are being bullied and marginalized by their own government," Krasner said in a statement Friday. "I will uphold my oath now and forever to protect them, their humanity, and their rights."

Krasner also ordered his office's Special Investigations Unit to monitor and investigate any potential threats against abortion providers and patients in the state. 

The big picture: Assaults against abortion clinic staff and patients rose 128% in 2021 from 2020, Axios' Oriana Gonzalez reports. 

There was also a 600% increase in stalking and an 80% increase of bomb threats. 

Protesters fill Philadelphia streets weekend after Roe v. Wade ruling

Political candidates responded with vows to either protect or curtail abortion access in the state.

Illustration of a small blue megaphone against a red background.

Protests against the Supreme Court&#x27;s decision to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overturn Roe v. Wade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/roe-wade-decision-abortion" data-vars-content-id="e47e10a6-17a4-44c3-8621-b9dc03289365" data-vars-headline="Protesters fill Philadelphia streets weekend after Roe v. Wade ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/roe-wade-decision-abortion" target="_self">overturn Roe v. Wade</a> erupted across Pennsylvania and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/25/roe-abortion-protests" data-vars-content-id="e47e10a6-17a4-44c3-8621-b9dc03289365" data-vars-headline="Protesters fill Philadelphia streets weekend after Roe v. Wade ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/25/roe-abortion-protests" target="_self">the nation</a> over the weekend.<ul><li>Political candidates in the state responded with vows to either protect or curtail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-overturned-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="e47e10a6-17a4-44c3-8621-b9dc03289365" data-vars-headline="Protesters fill Philadelphia streets weekend after Roe v. Wade ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-overturned-pennsylvania" target="_self">abortion access</a> ahead of the November election.</li></ul>

Taylor Allen

Featured stories

Pennsylvania abortion providers prepare for out-of-state patient surge

A headache-free guide to summer travel at PHL

Flight delays and airline staffing shortages hit Philadelphia

Protesters fill Philadelphia streets weekend after Roe v. Wade ruling

Roe v. Wade overturned: What it means for Pennsylvania