Author: Paola Pérez

Welcome to Wednesday. It should be a mostly sunny day with a high near 83.

Our main read analyzes new city assessments that show increases in several changing neighborhoods, with Kensington leading the increase in property values.

And the last Philly-area Rite Aids shuttered for good nearly a year ago. We looked into how their sites have been repurposed.

Plus, a new flight route fills the void at PHL left by Spirit Airlines, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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The cost of change

Low-income neighborhoods near gentrifying areas saw the sharpest jumps in property values compared with the rest of the city, according to an Inquirer analysis of new assessment data.

And as Philadelphia ramps up efforts to address long-standing problems in Kensington, valuations there have climbed faster than in any other neighborhood.

Steepest increase: The median assessment of single-family residential properties in Kensington rose by 15% from the 2025 to 2027 tax years. Citywide, there was a 3% increase.

What the data show: It’s a further sign that market pressures in higher-income areas are pushing into pockets of the city that have long been primarily home to Black and brown working-class residents.

Notable quote: “I’m going to do whatever I have to do to make sure that residents who have lived in that community can stay there, can raise their families there,” said City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, a Democrat who represents the 7th Council District, which includes parts of Kensington.

Inquirer reporters Anna Orso, Yueyang Tang, and Lizzie Mulvey dive into the data and explain how a popular city tax break plays a role.

Also: The housing market in the Philly area is “weird” right now, agents say. Here’s why.

Reborn from Rite Aids

After years of turbulent finances, the pharmacy chain called it quits, but its presence still lingers across the Philly region.

While a few defunct Rite Aids are empty and overgrown, other buildings are getting new life as daycares, dollar stores, and other facilities.

Here are a few examples of what now fills — or what could become of — the vacant spaces:

🏈 In Center City, a sports retailer opened its first location in the heart of Philadelphia.

🏋️‍♂️ In South Jersey, some sites are becoming fitness centers.

🧼 In Delco, one could become a township’s first (and only) car wash.

Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy takes us inside former Rite Aids to see how they have found new commerce.

What you should know today

• Peco and its workers union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract Monday, ending the first strike in the company’s history on its third day.
• State and local health officials are tracking cases of an illness caused by an intestinal parasite.
• Philadelphia police released surveillance images of the white SUV suspected in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Kelly Drive last month that killed a Temple University student.
• Philadelphia so far has confirmed seven heat-related deaths in the last week, bringing the seasonal total to eight, according to the city medical examiner’s office.
• Cybercriminals stole the private information of more than 50,000 clients from a Philadelphia-based law firm, according to two lawsuits.
• Philadelphia drivers can now fill up their tanks with less-expensive gasoline promoted by President Donald Trump’s administration, but details on the entire enterprise remain scarce.
• Frontier Airlines has begun new nonstop daily service between Philadelphia International Airport and Detroit, taking over a route formerly operated by discount carrier Spirit Airlines.
• Point Breeze’s Keith Haring mural is being proposed to be added to Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places. Some are wary of the precedent the designation would set.

Quote of the day

We can thank Afro Sheen founder George E. Johnson for “The Sound of Philadelphia,” columnist Elizabeth Wellington wrote last spring. The haircare pioneer died on Monday.

🧠 Trivia time

Bryce Harper loves putting Philly on his feet, and his latest cleats from Under Armour are no exception.

What do they pay tribute to?

A) Rocky

B) Cheesesteaks

C) SEPTA

D) Pretzels

Think you know? Check your answer.

What (and whom) we’re …

☕ Noting: New and forthcoming businesses in Ardmore.

🍦 Curious to try: A new Graduate Hospital ice cream shop that’s all about big flavors and little wins.

🏫 Featuring: The educator helping to guide Philly families and staff through the district’s plan to close and modernize schools.

🍅 Learning about: South Jersey farmers’ creative efforts to bounce back from a destructive spring freeze.

🎤 Wondering: Will the city be refunded for Christina Aguilera’s canceled July Fourth concert set? The mayor’s office isn’t saying.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: In a galaxy far, far away …

RAW TSARS

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Bob Allmond, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Scott Franzke. Nick Piccone built a social media following for posting clips of the sportscaster’s radio calls during Phils games. His hustle gives a radio broadcast new life.

Photo of the day

One viewpoint to go: The USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday night was “cosmic payback” and an embarrassing end to the World Cup for the home country, writes sports columnist Mike Sielski.

👋🏽 That’s it for now. Thanks for starting your day with us.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Good morning and happy Friday, Philly.

Today’s high temps could break records, and nightfall may not bring much relief. Experts tell us why warmer nights can be more dangerous than daytime heat.

On the eve of America’s 250th, we’re flashing back five decades for a look at how Philadelphia celebrated the Bicentennial.

And to the surprise of some Fairmount residents, this year’s fireworks display will start around midnight. They aren’t happy about it.

Plus, a federal judge ruled that Philly can’t force ICE agents to unmask, and more news to know to kick off your holiday weekend.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Falling short

The hype was real for the Bicentennial in Philly.

With 20 million visitors projected to travel to the city, there were big dreams for projects to mark the major occasion, like a massive suspended platform at 30th Street Station and a flower-focused theme park in Fairmount Park.

Instead, the birthplace of American democracy hosted an under-attended party, and was then caught in the grips of a disease outbreak.

It’s an understatement to say reality did not live up expectations of a Bicentennial boom, but it wasn’t a complete bust. In some ways, the nation’s 200th birthday gave us some of the Philadelphia we know today.

For more on the lasting legacy, dive into the Inquirer archives with Nick Vadala.

Parkway after dark

Those who live near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway are used to the sparks and blasts for July Fourth, but some aren’t particularly thrilled about their late start this year.

🎆 Fireworks will begin closer to midnight. The star-studded lineup for the One City: Unity Concert for America is bigger this year, so the show will also start earlier and end later.

🎆 The noise is not the problem. Some residents told The Inquirer the nuisance is the events’ timing competing with youngsters’ bedtimes, referring to the move as “not a family-friendly decision.”

🎆 Traffic will be a headache, too. With 300,000 people expected, there are concerns about how the city is handling traffic leaving the Parkway.

Henry Savage has the full story.

Plus: Brush up on road closures and transportation info before heading to the Parkway.

What you should know today

• The President’s House is fair game for the Trump administration following an appeals court ruling that cleared the way for the National Park Service to install a new exhibit.
• A teenager who police say killed a Penn State student from South Philly was captured in Colorado Thursday and will be charged with murder. A second teen suspect also surrendered to authorities.
• Philadelphia can’t prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other federal officers from concealing their identities, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
• Police identified a man who they say shot and killed two men and injured a third near the Hunting Park Recreation Center. Investigators believe the crimes are linked.
• Delaware County is investigating a hack of its network systems. The scale of the breach remains unclear.
• Thirty-one people were arrested for trafficking fentanyl and other illegal drugs inside the Camden County Jail.
• Philly-based restaurateur Stephen Starr settled with the National Labor Relations Board over union-busting allegations at his D.C. steakhouse.
• Several new stores are coming to the King of Prussia Mall in the coming months.
• The University of Valley Forge has been given a serious warning that it is in danger of losing its accreditation.

Plus: How does SEPTA’s bus numbering system work?

Welcome back to Curious Philly Friday. We’ll feature both new and timeless stories from our forum for readers to ask about the city’s quirks.

This week, we have an explainer from Michelle Myers on the logic behind SEPTA’s bus route numbers.

The transit system operates more than 120 routes, but its numbers don’t necessarily indicate where they go or what streets they operate on. It turns out the digits are a relic from the streetcar era. Here’s the full story.

Have your own burning question about Philadelphia, its local oddities, or how the region works? Submit it here and you might find the answer featured in this space.

🧠 Trivia time

A local ceramicist, whose dishware can be seen at restaurants ranging from Provenance to Zahav, is rebuilding following bankruptcy and a kiln disaster. What are they called?

A) Le Creuset

B) Fiesta

C) Felt and Fat

D) East Fork

Think you know? Test your local news know-how and check your answer in our weekly quiz.

What we’re …

🥵 Avoiding: Exhaustion and dehydration in the heat, and at Philly’s last World Cup game.

🚂 Excited to see: Big Boy, the world’s largest steam locomotive, as it passes through Philly.

🏛️ Shocked by: Lawmakers almost demolished Independence Hall in the 1800s.

📺 Looking out for: Task will start filming its second season next week in Manayunk.

🌱 Learning: Soil from Revolutionary battlefields was mixed at Independence Hall on this week in Philly history.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: A destination for Main Line musicians

ANY DASHING SPROUT

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Tanya O’Neill, who solved Thursday’s anagram: Christina Aguilera. This singer has been recruiting Philly-area “soldiers” for her concert on the Fourth of July.

Photo of the day

🔔 One more Semiquincentennial thing: Members of Congress gathered in Philadelphia Thursday to commemorate the vote for independence 250 years ago. Their speeches reflected on historical struggles and present-day tensions.

👋🏽 This newsletter is taking a break in observance of the Fourth of July. We’ll be back on Monday. Until then, you can find all the latest news and our holiday weekend coverage at Inquirer.com. Take care!

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Welcome to July.

With a new month come new restaurants and bars. We compiled a roundup with 16 openings to look out for.

But first, Philadelphia’s July Fourth celebrations will look a little different this year, and they will also cost taxpayers millions more than previous iterations.

Plus, a heat emergency is in effect for the city, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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‘This is her big concert’

🎤 Allow me to pass the mic to City Hall reporter Sean Collins Walsh.

With the eyes of the nation on Philadelphia for America’s 250th birthday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration this year took over management of the city’s free July Fourth concert, which for years was produced by a nonprofit established by the city, Welcome America.

The mayor instead hired ESM Productions, a for-profit company, to put on the annual show featuring musical acts and fireworks over the Ben Franklin Parkway, and she changed the name from Wawa Welcome America to the “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” — a version of Parker’s well-known slogan, “One Philly: A United City.”

Another change: It will cost taxpayers far more than in the past.

The city is due to pay ESM Productions about $15.5 million for the show, which will be headlined by Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott and The Roots and will feature rapper Meek Mill, according to a copy of the city’s contract paperwork with ESM, obtained by The Inquirer. The city in March signed a $10 million contract with the Philadelphia-based company, as well as a $5.5 million contract amendment. — Sean Collins Walsh

Keep reading for Walsh’s full report on the contract, how it compares to last year’s iteration, and how Parker’s office said it plans to publicly disclose the concert’s costs and economic benefits.

In related news: The revamped July Fourt concert is impeding on World Cup fans’ access to a popular tourist attraction.

New digs

From bakeries to brewpubs, summertime will see a flurry of culinary debuts in the Philly area including:

☕ a plant-based cafe in Point Breeze

🥪 a casual sandwich shop fusing Chinese and Cuban flavors in Washington Square West

🍸 an agave-focused Mexican cocktail bar in East Kensington

Food writer Michael Klein has the full calendar.

What you should know today

• Temps in Philly could hit 100 for three consecutive days — something the city hasn’t seen in 33 years. The city declared a heat emergency, and SEPTA and Peco have contingency plans while the airport is on watch.
• The Olney man at the center of a sprawling investigation into the disappearance of at least two women in recent years was taken into federal custody Tuesday and will be detained until trial.
• Police are looking for two teenagers in connection to the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Penn State student in South Philadelphia.
• A CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township. No injuries were reported.
• A Norristown man allegedly bilked dozens out of more than $3.8 million with promises of monthly payments and full returns on principal investments.
• Two Chester County residents have been diagnosed with measles, local health officials said on Tuesday, the first cases reported in the Philadelphia region this summer.
• U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who had not been seen since March in Congress or in his competitive New Jersey district, said Tuesday that he had been hospitalized to treat depression.
• Nine protestors who were charged with trespassing for refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment at Swarthmore College last year entered no-contest pleas to summary noise-violation offenses.
• A replica Liberty Bell, a Knoebels amusement park bench, and bags of potato chips are on display as part of Pennsylvania’s showcase at President Donald Trump’s Great American State Fair.

Quote of the day

🥳 The Ben Franklin Bridge turns 100 today. Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr recently walked the iconic bridge that connects Philadelphia and Camden, and urges us all to do the same sooner rather than later. Join her bucket-list adventure here.

Keep going: Our interactive developer Jasen Lo crafted a cool way to learn how the monumental superstructure spanning the Delaware was built.

🧠 Trivia time

Which basketball player is contemplating a return to the Sixers?

A) Michael Carter-Williams

B) Nerlens Noel

C) Ben Simmons

D) None of the above

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re…

🥵 Giving tips on: How to stay cool without air conditioning in Philly.

👟 Impressed by: A Philly man’s record-setting, five-day run across Pennsylvania.

🚧 Heeding: Road closures for Wawa Hoagie Day today and other upcoming events.

⚽ Discussing: Whether the U.S. or Bosnia will win tonight’s knockout match.

🤔 Debunking: Did Pope Leo XIV actually go to a ‘Nova frat party in the 70s?

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Camden County borough

BORING RANT

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Kate Johnston, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Joe Frazier. The boxer’s statue was just moved to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Photo of the day

Philadelphia’s long-shuttered “flying saucer” building is preparing for its next mission: hosting a beer garden and a restaurant.

👋🏽 Thanks for reading. Take care out there.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

It’s Sunday. There’s a chance of showers, with a high near 84.

A longtime Philadelphia snack shop looks to social media for continued growth in the digital age as it marks 50 years in business.

Plus, go inside Urban’s headquarters to see how the company grew from Philly roots to global retailer.

Scroll along for these stories and more.

— Paola Pérez and Brian Nelson (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Cashews to clicks

Nuts To You has been cracking on in Center City since 1976, owned by the same family for three generations.

The snack haven has adapted to a variety of changes, from the rise of the internet to the emptying of the business district in a post-pandemic Philadelphia.

🥜 Dealing with less foot traffic: Walk-in sales are down, but it has offset that through new online customers: 40% of sales come from its website, and the company has explored selling on TikTok.

🥜 Quality above all: “That’s what our customers expect,” said Justin Bernstein, who co-owns the business with his father, Howard, on their promise to loyal customers.

Olivia Prusky has the story on how Nuts To You’s has endured from its front-row seat to an evolving retail landscape.

Inside Urban HQ

Twenty years ago, Urban put down roots at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard. Since then, the company has grown, expanding from one building to a campus that houses 15 buildings and just over 2,500 employees.

To commemorate this momentous anniversary, a decommissioned 1977 tugboat, painted in Urban’s signature yellow and marked by its logo, is now permanently stationed outside its headquarters — as a sort of mascot to cofounder and CEO Dick Hayne.

Urban has almost 800 stores worldwide under the brand names Urban Outfitters, Free People, FP Movement, and Anthropologie and continues to grow.

Business reporter Ariana Perez-Castells dives into its past, present, and future.

What you should know today

• The FBI spent another day searching an Olney home tied to Eugene Albert Horsch as investigators continued processing the property. We have the latest on the investigation in our updated explainer, plus a closer look at Amy McHale, the woman who disappeared in 2016 after she was last seen at the home.
• Nearly 1,200 nurses at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital ratified a contract that includes raises and additional staffing at the Logan hospital.
• A Philadelphia wedding photographer was sued on Friday by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for allegedly ripping off her customers for at least $75,000.
• The historic Conkling-Armstrong House will be renovated and expanded to offer 24 affordable apartments in North Philadelphia.
• Philly and its surrounding counties are set for what could be a record-breaking $322 million in federal and state money for trails.
• The Delco jail chief resigned after less than six months on the job, according to a statement released by the county government.
• A move by the Haverford Township School District to buy artificial intelligence tools for students and teachers has been met with protest from parents who fear the technology will erode learning.
• A state Supreme Court decision on skill games could provide funding for SEPTA and dozens of financially strained mass transit systems across Pennsylvania.

This week in history

🎤 Here’s Tommy Rowan with a look back at the skirmish between unpaid Revolutionary War soldiers and members of Congress.

The power of the purse came later.

First came mutiny.

It started with a group of unpaid Revolutionary War soldiers who marched against the country’s primitive government during a weeklong saga in June 1783.

The confrontation so startled the early version of Congress that its members fled from Philly to — of all places — New Jersey.

Read on for the full story.

❓Pop quiz

In a new poll, almost 28% of Philadelphia residents said which city landmark best embodies American democracy?

A) Liberty Bell

B) Independence Hall

C) National Constitution Center

D) Rocky Steps

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re …

🌻 Loving: A rare reunion of two famous van Gogh paintings at the Art Museum.

🍤 Munching on: Fried silverfish and Argentinian empanadas among the best things we ate this week.

🇺🇸 Entertained by: Boston thinks its Revolutionary history might be better than Philly’s. We think that’s pretty cute.

🍽️ Looking to: The mainland for this summer’s biggest Jersey Shore restaurant openings.

🇬🇭 Learning: How Ghana became a part of Philly soccer lore nearly 15 years ago.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: West Chester native and “Jackass” star

ABE GRAMMAR

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Laura Oakes, who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: RittenhouseTown. It was the site of the paper mill that was the only source of paper in America for more than 40 years.

Photo of the day

💃 One more story to go: For one night each month, Carlota Ttendant has been an entertainer and an equalizer, responsible for uniting people — gay and straight, from Haddonfield to Phoenixville — around a common goal. Now, after 30 years and raising millions for people with HIV/AIDS, she’s hanging up her heels.

🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “The heat was on, rising to the top.” It’s one of my favorites from our playlist of the 76 most iconic Philadelphia songs.

👋🏽 Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Inquirer. Have a great day.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Good morning, Philly. Saturday showers may turn our World Cup game soggy, and it appears a heat wave is on the way.

Trouble is brewing in an homeowner association’s group chat. Members are tired of one neighbor treating it like the complaint department. A reader asked: Should they get the boot? Inquirer staffers share their thoughts.

Plus, we’re talking about a $2.5 million revamp of Market Street, why an East Passyunk bar raised the price of its iconic burger, and our report card for this week in Philly news.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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What you should know today

• Drivers caught speeding on Frankford Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia will now face a minimum $100 fine thanks to ten new speed-enforcement cameras.
• The feds raided an Olney rowhouse and uncovered drugs, chemicals, fake DEA badges — and possible links to two missing women. A police report obtained by The Inquirer shows what officers found inside the car of the homeowner, who is now held in custody.
• Pennsylvania health officials on Friday said several people have been hospitalized amid a growing measles outbreak that has spread to six counties in the southeastern and central parts of the state.
• The Ocean City Council voted to declare the site of the old Wonderland Pier “in need of rehabilitation,” a designation sought by a developer who plans to build a luxury hotel.
• Market Street just got a glow-up in Old City. Now, Philadelphia officials are planning a major renovation of its sidewalks, landscaping, and streetscapes, from Sixth Street to City Hall.
• Fountain Porter’s iconic $6 burger is now $7. The East Passyunk neighborhood bar made the nearly 17% price increase official after months of watching the prices of ingredients creep up.
• The Wawa Welcome America festival will close streets throughout the city. Here are the road closures planned for the nation’s 250th.
• Several Pennsylvania state offices have been involved in private meetings with a company tied to liquid natural gas export plans for at least a year, records show.
• Next week, Philadelphia will begin a centuries-long stint as the host of a time capsule to be unearthed in 250 years.
• Philadelphia proves once again that no city blends history and absurdity quite like this one. From Revolutionary War reenactments to mascot lodging and a Nicolas Cage bar crawl, catch up on the good, bad, and weird from recent stories out of Philly.

HOA chat tensions

This week’s question is: I am in an HOA. We are all in one group chat and are friendly to one another. One of the women in our chat, who is very nice in person, uses the chat to complain, almost weekly.

She thinks the kids are too loud playing outside on a Saturday afternoon. She says one of us put our trash out 20 minutes before we’re technically allowed to. She says one of us closes our front door so hard that it shakes the whole building. She constantly asks for us to get her Amazon packages and if we say we’re not home she says, “ANYONE ELSE?” Yes, in caps.

So yeah, we don’t like her. We’ve tried! So there are some ideas floating around, the main one being: Do we mute that group chat and start a new one without her? Or do we just tell her what the deal is?

Cue “Complaint Department” by Lykke Li.

Inquirer writers Kiki Aranita and Elizabeth Wellington jumped into a group chat of their own for a conversation on this situation. They agreed on the need for ground rules, and established a few for folks to live by. To start, no complaints. “Complaints are for friend group chats, not neighbor group chats,” Aranita said.

The act of keeping it real with the source of the annoyance, however, requires great delicacy. “People need to know when they are getting on your last nerves,” Wellington said, suggesting a gentle approach to confrontation.

Read their full verdict here. And if you need advice, or just want to share your thoughts, we want to hear it. Email us here.

One viewpoint

This week 149 years ago, 10 Irish Catholic miners were hanged in Pennsylvania following murder convictions in a long-running labor war. It was the biggest mass execution in the state’s long history.

In a column for The Inquirer, Mark Bulik, a retired senior editor for the New York Times and author of a book on the Irish roots of America’s first labor war, explores a hidden link between the notorious labor rebels known as “Molly Maguires” and Philadelphia mummers.

“The connection explains many of the mysteries about the Mollies — where the name came from, why the Mollies wore odd disguises, why they did their killing around high points of the calendar, and why they were revived in Pennsylvania amid resistance to the Civil War draft,” Bulik writes.

Get Bulik’s perspective on why the key to understanding who the Irishmen really were lies in the longtime holiday tradition.

📍 Find the location

Think you know where to find this pool? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Philly’s places and streets to the test. Check your answer.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: The site of America’s first paper mill (one word)

INTENSE THROWOUT

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Susan Walton who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Fourth of July. We rounded up a list of where to watch fireworks for America’s 250th in Philly, the suburbs, South Jersey, and the Shore.

We were there

Thursday’s Group E finale at Philadelphia Stadium saw Ivory Coast take charge with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao for the FIFA World Cup.

For 19-year-old Yan Diomande, Philly will be remembered as the place the rising striker launched his star in America.

Check out the full gallery from staff photographers Jose F. Moreno and Tyger Williams.

One more read to go: FIFA has already set an all-time World Cup attendance record, and Philadelphia has been a major part of that.

Somewhere on the internet in Philly

📸 I’m loving Philly-based photographer Oreste Mercado’s ethereal captures of the city.

📰 The paper gets props for this headline presentation in print.

⚾ Owners of Nihonbashi Philly, Tokyo’s shrine to Philly culture, are calling on fellow Japanese netizens to vote for Kyle Schwarber — “NOT SHOHEI OHTANI‼️” — for the MLB All-Star Game. The Phillies’ Instagram page replied: “We are the Philadelphia Phillies and we support this message.”

🇭🇷 A wedding coinciding with a Croatian rally makes for a wholesome moment of celebration.

👋🏽 Thanks for spending time here this morning. I’ll bring you the latest news again tomorrow.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Happy Friday, Philly. It’s a hot one with a high near 90, and a chance of evening showers.

Many small businesses say they have become dependent on “skill games” to stay afloat. A recent state Supreme Court ruling may threaten that.

Mural Arts Philadelphia and other groups took hits in the new city budget and will have to make cuts in programs as a result.

Plus, the city responds to Trump’s lawsuit over ICE legislation, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez and Brian Nelson (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Uncertain future with uncertain revenue

Skill games, or slot-machine look-alikes, are essential.

That’s according to corner stores, bars, laundromats, and smoke shops across Philadelphia, who say they keep their slim-margin businesses alive.

🎰 Skill games lived in a legal gray area for more than a decade because they aren’t taxed or regulated like typical slot machines.

🎰 That could change now that Pennsylvania’s highest court recently ruled that they are one and the same. Now the countdown starts for those terms to officially take effect in four months.

🎰 Harrisburg could intervene as the state budget deadline approaches, but state lawmakers have failed for years to agree on how to tax and regulate the machines.

Many area business owners said they’re willing to stomach a tax, but chafe at what they consider to be cumbersome regulations.

In their own words: “This business is about getting a little bit of money from every product, and the machines are a tiny source of income that adds up to that,” one corner store owner told The Inquirer.

Inquirer reporters Dana Munro, Gillian McGoldrick, Michelle Myers have the story.

Budget cuts impact city art programs

In past years, the city’s budget process has followed a certain pattern for Mural Arts Philadelphia and other groups. This year was different.

Philadelphia’s nationally acclaimed program that puts colorful murals in neighborhoods and provides jobs was hoping for a boost in city funding. But the arts nonprofit learned that it will get substantially less.

The budget, ultimately agreed to by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration and City Council, will cut funding to Mural Arts — from $5.1 million in fiscal year 2026 to $3.7 million in 2027. Mural Arts is among many arts organizations retracting its proposed plans due to the proposed cuts.

Arts and culture reporter Peter Dobrin breaks it down here.

What you should know today

• Peco union workers plan to strike on the Fourth of July if they don’t have a contract by then. It would be the first worker strike in the company’s history.
• Pennsylvania health officials have now detected measles cases in York and Northumberland Counties as cases in Lancaster County, the center of an ongoing outbreak, continued to rise.
• The Trump administration is suing Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the city, and other officials over an ordinance that bars law enforcement officers from concealing their identities as part of the ICE Out legislative package.
• The SEPTA board approved new labor contracts with the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109 and three unions representing workers in the Regional Rail Division.
• Gov. Josh Shapiro said no Pa. businesses would participate in Trump’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
• A woman has been charged with murder and other offenses after an arson attempt that killed one man and damaged five homes in Philadelphia’s Franklinville section.
• Ember & Ash restaurant in South Philly is closed indefinitely after a late-night fire Wednesday sent flames to the roof through its ventilation system.
• Collingswood is considering lifting its dry town status to boost local restaurants. Residents may have the final say.
• A 188-apartment building is the latest new development slated for North Broad Street.

Plus: Why don’t Philly’s police district numbers make sense?

Welcome back to Curious Philly Friday. We’ll feature both new and timeless stories from our forum for readers to ask about the city’s quirks.

This week, we’re resurfacing an explainer about how Philly’s 21 police districts are enigmatically numbered. Why, for example, is South Philly, split into Districts 1, 3, and 17?

The department also seems to randomly omit numbers and mysteriously lists PHL as the 77th District. Here’s the full story.

Have your own burning question about Philadelphia, its local oddities, or how the region works? Submit it here and you might find the answer featured in this space.

🧠 Trivia time

A viral dance that originated in Camden has earned over a million fans across the world. What’s it called?

A) The Camden Shuffle

B) The Camden Slide

C) The Camden Bop

D) The Camden Boogie

Think you know? Test your local news know-how and check your answer in our weekly quiz.

What (and whom) we’re …

🇫🇷 Surveying: French fans on whether Philly is really the “Paris of America.”

🧀 Bragging about: Philly cheesesteaks outranking New York pizza for World Cup tourists.

⚽ Loving: Supporters soaking up the “good vibes” during Thursday’s slate of World Cup games, including Ivory Coast’s win at Philadelphia Stadium. Curaçao may have lost, but it was still a party for them.

🎸 Revealing: Our full list of the 76 most iconic Philly songs.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: 250th 🇺🇸 🎆 🎉

HUFF JURY TOOL

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Jan Schmidt, who solved Thursday’s anagram: Jenkintown. SEPTA is planning an 86-unit apartment complex near the station.

Photo of the day

One more thing: 18-year-old Khandakar Mahin, an Upper Darby graduate, was honored at the White House earlier this month for a proposal he created for another use for AI: to combat human trafficking.

👋🏽 Thanks to Inquirer intern Brian Nelson for his help co-writing today’s newsletter, and thanks to you for kicking off your weekend with us. Have a great one when you get there.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Welcome to Wednesday.

It should be sunny with a high near 84. Evidently, despite the deluge earlier this week, the Philly region’s drought conditions persist.

A new poll shows how people in Philly feel about the city under the leadership of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.

Following an Inquirer investigation into Philadelphia’s police union’s questionable funeral expenses, the FOP is pinning payout failures on the city.

Plus, why 6abc says it’s being targeted by the federal government, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Survey says…

An Inquirer poll in collaboration with Suffolk University asked 500 Philadelphians across the city about issues Mayor Parker promised to address in her tenure.

The questions included concerns about crime, quality of life, city services, and education.

Among the responses, they found:

👍 An overwhelming majority of Philadelphians feel safe, and more than 40% believe the city is cleaner.

👎 The quality of public schools remain a major concern, as well as the persistent opioid crisis in Kensington. More than half of the respondents indicated that the mayor’s strategy in the neighborhood is not working.

🗳️ There are mixed results on Parker’s political fortunes as she heads into an expected reelection campaign next year.

City Hall reporter Anna Orso breaks down the survey findings, including Parker’s biggest vulnerability.

One more takeaway from the poll: Gov. Josh Shapiro is by far the most popular political figure among Philadelphia residents.

Shifting blame

Earlier this month, an Inquirer investigation uncovered how the Fraternal Order of Police has for years billed the city following an officer’s death for expenses that are unrelated to funeral home and cemetery costs.

To the tune of tens of thousands of dollars, taxpayers were footing the bills for everything from bar and restaurant tabs to socks and underwear.

Now, the FOP is pushing back on its role in the matter.

Notable quote: “The problem has always been and continues to be the city of Philadelphia’s ineptitude to pay bills in a timely fashion,” the FOP wrote. It continued on to say that survivors’ families are left to make big financial decisions as they are grieving.

The discovery prompted questions about the union’s charitable organization, which has spent money on funerals even in years when no officers died in the line of duty. The FOP criticized The Inquirer’s request to clarify these expenses through public records.

Investigative reporter Barbara Laker has the latest.

What you should know today

• Two Philadelphia pastors were charged with sexual exploitation and corruption of minors. Both men were released from jail after posting bail.
• The FCC is threatening to pull some ABC licenses and take stations off the air. Philly’s affiliate 6abc is asking viewers for help.
• President Donald Trump talked tariffs — and transgender athletes, weight-loss drugs, and the UFC fight on the White House lawn — during a Lehigh Valley stop. He appeared to snub GOP gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity.
• More than a third of short-term rental agencies like Airbnb and VRBO in Philadelphia have licensing issues, according to a new report from the City Controller’s office released Tuesday.
• Bayside State Prison in Cumberland County, N.J., is the subject of a new report detailing overcrowding, intolerable heat, and other deficiencies.
• The Spring-Ford school district is moving to fire a Spanish teacher despite protests from parents and students who say she’s being unfairly terminated.
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia announced who will take over for Madeline Bell, who started her career there as a nurse almost 40 years ago.
• Philly has the cheapest office space of any Northeast city, according to a new report.

Quote of the day

The ICE arrest of the owners of South Jersey Kebab sparked wide condemnation last year. Their son Muhammed Emanet said he is trying to be upbeat as he faces the prospect of being separated from his wife and two sons, all U.S. citizens.

🧠 Trivia time

A Delco man built this in his dad’s basement and could win $10,000 for it:

A) a shrine to the Phillie Phanatic

B) a replica of the Liberty Bell made out of pretzels

C) a toothpick diorama of Independence Hall

D) a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re…

🏀 Promoting: Community wellness at the pro-am Invitational Clash event.

🇺🇸 Anticipating: Meek Mill joins the star-studded bill July 4 concert lineup.

📺 Watching: A Jalen-Hurts lookalike and Drexel alum who just entered the Love Island villa.

🎤 Belting out to: Billie Holiday, Pink, and more in day 2 of our countdown of the 76 most iconic Philly songs.

📜 Considering: A revisiting of America’s founding documents and what they mean.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Spring Garden brewery

TWITTER BINGO PROBLEM

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Kim Hyde, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Oh Mary! Tickets go on sale this week for the first national tour of the Tony-award winning campy comedy.

Photo of the day

👋🏽 That’s it for now. Thanks for reading, and have a great day.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Welcome to a new week, Philly. Strong storms and downpours could impact the France vs. Iraq World Cup match.

New research uncovers a gnawing problem for pest control in the Philadelphia area.

And a 60-year-old Northeast Philly shopping center is getting a big facelift.

Plus, Sheraton hotel workers went on strike in Philly after contract negotiations fell apart, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Oh rats

To the frustration of residents and pest control professionals, urban rodents in big cities like Philadelphia and New York are routinely surviving rodenticide treatments.

A recent Rutgers study may explain why. It found mice in Philly, Trenton, and some area suburbs carry a genetic mutation that helps them survive common poisons.

🪤 What can be done? The research suggests pests are actively evolving to resist the chemical baits, so pest control companies may need to develop different strategies.

🐀 What about rats? While they haven’t been found to harbor chemical-resistant mutations, they do seem to be cognitively sophisticated enough to evade and outsmart traps entirely, according to the study’s author.

Environmental reporter Frank Kummer explains the findings.

Embracing modernity

As some local malls decline, Roosevelt Mall is seeing a big boost by way of a $70 million-plus makeover that promises to usher it to the modern age.

The transformation is spearheaded by Brixmor Property Group, which is now led by CEO Brian Finnegan of Roxborough.

Drawing tenants, upgrading facades, and implementing a better layout are all a part of the plan. They also briefly considered changing the landmark’s name, but ultimately decided not to rebrand it.

Notable quote: “It’s an iconic name,” said David Vender, Brixmor’s executive vice president for the north region. “People know it as a landmark.”

The community’s perception of the mall plays a role in its redevelopment, as Brixmor considers how local residents who shop, eat, and drive by their centers are affected by the changes.

Go inside the major makeover with consumer reporter Erin McCarthy.

What you should know today

• Unionized hotel workers at Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown walked off the job Sunday after the union and management failed to come to an agreement, and as FIFA World Cup soccer matches flood the city with hotel guests.
• Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and other top leaders of the city government and the Philadelphia School District will travel to Harrisburg on Monday for a high-stakes trip aimed at securing millions of dollars in new funding for the financially strapped public schools.
• One of Mayor Parker’s top officials of the Department of Licenses & Inspections “is no longer with the City.” Her office won’t say why.
• Mayor Parker declared a public safety emergency at Bartram Village after squatters moved in and caused extensive damage.
• The Philadelphia School Board voted to nonrenew a charter school run by a veteran former district administrator, pointing to poor test scores and operational problems.
• A shooting in the wee hours of Sunday left two men dead and two others injured in the Fairhill section of Philadelphia, police said.
• Shore-goers are receiving mixed signals with New Jersey’s new e-bike law. Pennsylvanians are exempt, and no one seems to know how to comply.
• The city has launched an anti-graffiti cleanup campaign to make its best first impression on visitors, but the program doesn’t cover areas where residents most request attention.
• City Tavern’s garden will reopen this week as a summer pop-up with food, drinks, and events behind the shuttered restaurant.

Quote of the day

For the third year in a row, Philadelphia’s ports ranked as the fastest in North America, according to the latest annual Container Port Performance Index. Here’s why Philly longshoremen say the city’s ports outpace the rest.

🧠 Trivia time

Hillary Bor closed Philly’s Pumpkin BYOB in 2024 and moved down the Shore.

What is she selling there now?

A) Cheesesteaks

B) Water ice

C) Soft pretzels

D) Hot dogs

Think you know? Check your answer.

What (and whom) we’re…

🇫🇷 Talking to: Four Frenchmen who skipped work to come see the World Cup in Philly.

🕺 Dancing to: The Camden Bop, the region’s latest viral dance.

🧼 Examining: The staying power of a 150-year-old cleaning supply store in a bankrupt city.

🌊 Planning: A perfect summer weekend on Seven Mile Island.

🏀 Learning: Before Leon Rose built the Knicks, he was a gym rat at Cherry Hill East.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: 🎸 “I’ll keep you my dirty little secret”

ARTS CERAMIC JANELLE

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Dave Davies, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Auston Trusty. Trusty and Matt Freese of Delco helped the helped the U.S. win two games in a World Cup group stage for the first time since 1930.

One more USMNT thing: Can they really win the whole thing? Inquirer soccer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald levels expectations, at least for us outsiders.

Photo of the day

Congrats to Bryce Harper, who just hit his first-career cycle Saturday — against the Mets, no less. It was also a big night for Kyle Schwarber, who hit two homers in the same inning.

📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ story

Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from David McMenamin, who describes a memory marked by music:

It was probably Fall 1969. A group of high school seniors in a car coming up Broad Street from the south. The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” long version came on the radio. We rolled down the windows, started singing along and circled City Hall three times before heading west on Market Street. That was a signature moment of my Philadelphia life.

👋🏽 Go Phils, and have a great day.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.