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  • đŸŽ¶ Philly’s listening lounge scene | Morning Newsletter

    đŸŽ¶ Philly’s listening lounge scene | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning. Grab an umbrella on your way out — Saturday’s forecast calls for showers throughout the day.

    Today, I’m talking about bars swapping liquor displays for vinyl records.

    Plus, there’s news on a convenience store chain officially encroaching into Wawa territory, a secret menu sandwich that’s making a Philly restaurant TikTok-famous, and our report card for this week in Philadelphia news.

    — Paola PĂ©rez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    What you should know today

    Immersive music experiences

    This week, food writer Kiki Aranita put the spotlight on vinyl, hi-fi sound, and cocktails fueling a growing wave of listening bars in Philadelphia.

    Heralded as the “antidote to the loneliness,” these immersive, sonic experiences are popping off here and across the country. They are places where shelves are stacked with less liquor and more records, your DJ might also be your bartender, and you might discover music for the first time.

    Spots like 48 Record Bar in Old City and Solar Myth on South Broad are just two examples of participants of the listening room boom in Philly. They integrate music into drinking experiences beyond a run-of-the-mill playlist humming in the background of a typical bar. These lounges spin curated collections through high-fidelity sound systems, and put people onto everything from small, avant-garde artists to local musicians.

    And while Aranita notes that “thoughtful, elevated beverages still reign,” I imagine bars swapping alcohol for vinyl can be an added benefit if you’re sober-curious this Dry January.

    Is 2026 the year of the listening bar in Philly? Read on to learn how they operate here, and why Japanese “jazz kissas” cafes play an influential role.

    One viewpoint

    Councilmember Jamie Gauthier wants to produce more affordable housing. But her policy may be doing the opposite, argues Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson.

    “When it comes to public policy, good intentions are not enough,” Pearson writes.

    In this week’s Shackamaxon, Pearson tackles what happens when City Council members try to use a bad practice to serve the public good, and explores the kickoff of the race for Pennsylvania governor.

    📍 Find the location

    Somewhere in Philly, you can see this diagram for the Super Bowl LII Philly Special — the Trey Burton-to-Nick Foles touchdown play.

    Think you know where this mural is located? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Philly places to the test. Check your answer.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood

    FALSE SALT

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

    Cheers to Mary Liz Jones who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Petty’s Island. The 300-acre island in the Delaware River is now owned by Venezuela’s Citgo, but will soon likely belong to a major conservative donor’s firm.

    We were there

    Hundreds of fans attended the Flyers’ first-ever Phish Night at Stateside Live! on Thursday. Tribute band Rift performed a 90-minute pregame show as well as a postgame concert. Get a recap of the event from sports reporter Ariel Simpson and photographer Yong Kim.

    Somewhere on the internet in Philly

    Shoutout to Tricia for this adorable art of Snoopy in a Phillie Phanatic suit.

    Over on Facebook, Taqueria Amor patrons expressed appreciation for the Main Street restaurant. “We’re really excited for 2026 as we have an exciting announcement over the next few weeks,” chef Tim Spinner wrote on the post. We’ll be on the lookout for developments. 👀

    And a Redditor flagged something weird going on with our mobile app: “Why does the Inquirer need 12 GB?” Rest assured, our next app update should fix the space-hogging problem. Senior software engineer Joe Russell’s theory for the bug made me lol: “Because we digitally encoded Gritty and now he lives in your phone.”

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day, and I’ll catch up with you 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.

  • Challenging ICE detentions in court | Morning Newsletter

    Challenging ICE detentions in court | Morning Newsletter

    It’s Friday, Philly. Today may bring clouds and light wind, but Eagles fans and kickers should beware: Wind gusts of 40 mph are possible during Sunday’s playoff game.

    In dozens of cases, federal judges in Philadelphia have ruled against a Trump administration policy that mandates detention for nearly all undocumented immigrants. The pushback has added to a chorus of similar decisions in federal courts nationwide.

    And Regional Rail service is creeping back to normal. Still, packed trains and skipped stops persist on some lines, frustrating commuters.

    — Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    Philly judges push back on ICE

    A mandatory detention policy rolled out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last summer has been found unlawful dozens of times by Philly-based federal judges, as well as in courts across the country.

    The ICE directive has dramatically boosted the number of immigrants being held in detention — including those seeking to stay in the United States through legal channels — past 65,000, a two-thirds increase since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.

    Under Trump, it has also gotten harder for detainees to be released on bond, especially those without the money to hire a lawyer and sue.

    Notable quote: “They are doing it because they can, and because the consequences are that most [immigrants] cannot fight this and will end up being deported,” a local immigration attorney told The Inquirer.

    Reporters Chris Palmer and Jeff Gammage explain the dramatic change in precedent.

    In other ICE news:

    Rebounding Regional Rail

    Following a rough year for SEPTA and its riders, the transit agency reports improvements to its Regional Rail service, with more to come.

    🚆 The big picture: Regional Rail trains are operating with fewer canceled trips and running with more cars.

    🚆 By the numbers: As of Thursday, 180 of the 223 Silverliner IV cars the transit agency was mandated to inspect and repair have been cleared to return to service — though only 78 have actually returned.

    🚆 On the way: Packed two-car trains and skipped stops persist on some lines during peak travel times as SEPTA continues to add cars, including 10 passenger coaches leased from Maryland’s commuter railroad.

    Transportation reporter Tom Fitzgerald has more.

    What you should know today

    Plus: What makes something a unit block in Philadelphia?

    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 reporter Michelle Myers on an urban planning term you might have heard in news reports: “unit block,” used to describe certain addresses in cities that operate on a grid, as Philadelphia does.

    The term might appear when a report wants to communicate where an incident happened without giving the exact address. 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.

    🩅 Heads up, Eagles fans: It’s playoff time in Philadelphia, which means you probably have a lot of questions about the Birds. Eagles beat reporter Olivia Reiner is ready to answer them during a Reddit AMA in r/Eagles today. Join the conversation at 9 a.m.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which article of clothing or accessory did CBS Philadelphia anchor Jim Donovan set the Guinness record for having the largest collection of?

    A) Socks

    B) Beanies

    C) Tie clips

    D) Ties

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

    What we’re 


    đŸ„Œ Heeding: Health officials’ call to get vaccinated as flu cases surge in Pennsylvania.

    🏈 Delighted by: The history of the rowdy Eagles-49ers game that led to Eagles Court.

    đŸ“ș Hoping for: A second season of Delco-set Mare of Easttown.

    đŸ’» Recycling: Old electronics the right way, according to e-waste experts.

    🌈 Considering: How lies feed attacks on transgender and nonbinary people.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: 300 acres in the Delaware River

    DENSITY SPLAT

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

    Cheers to Steve Cameron, who solved Thursday’s anagram: Sing Us Home. Now in its fourth year, the music festival will be staged on Venice Island in Manayunk from May 1 to 3.

    Photo of the day

    Emily Umstattd walks her dog for exercise along Columbus Boulevard.

    This good pup hopes you have a pleasant weekend (probably) and so do I. Paola has you covered with the news Saturday and Sunday, and I’ll be back with you Monday. Till then, be well.

    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.

  • The glory days of Eagles Court | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The glory days of Eagles Court | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The San Francisco 49ers expect a raucous crowd to “greet” them when they face the Eagles in a wild-card playoff game Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The fans will be fierce, to be sure, but they don’t have the edge that the crowd had back in the day at Veterans Stadium.

    Fights in the 700 Level were abundant. A flare gun was fired during a Monday Night Football game. It was the definition of “when things get out of hand” — and they got out of hand every week. Something had to be done.

    Eagles Court was born. It went into session in the Vet’s basement in November 1997 and lasted until the stadium closed after a playoff game in January 2003. Seamus McCaffery was among the judges who presided, fining offenders on the spot in the ultimate in swift justice. The cases often involved over-imbibing fans, but many had humorous moments, to say the least.

    “How do you plead?” McCaffery asked a 19-year-old man after he was charged with trespassing at the Vet in 2003.

    “I plead stupidity,” he said.

    “Is that aggravated stupidity or simple stupidity?” the judge said.

    “Whatever the lesser charge is. I was an idiot.”

    The man was acquitted. Matt Breen tells the story.

    — Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    Friendly competition

    Well-rested Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is ready to face a banged-up Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers.

    The winds will be whipping at the Linc on Sunday when the 49ers and Eagles meet in their wild-card playoff matchup, with gusts up to 40 mph in the forecast. That could affect the kicking and maybe even the passing game. So the running game might take center stage, and two of the league’s best will square off. It’s Christian McCaffrey vs. Saquon Barkley, two friends and fierce competitors.

    Of course, they won’t tasked with tackling each other, but Barkley says he still wants to beat his buddy: “It always comes down to, I can’t stop him, he can’t stop me, but I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that you want to go out there and win, especially against a guy like that.”

    Can Kevin Patullo get the Eagles offense humming in the playoffs? His job as offensive coordinator probably depends on it, David Murphy writes.

    The Eagles are the defending champions and have a chance to win another Super Bowl, but this season often has seemed like a joyless slog, Mike Sielski writes. Their toughest playoff opponent will be themselves.

    Phillies to meet with Bichette

    Free-agent infielder Bo Bichette figures to draw interest from other big-market teams, including the Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs, according to the New York Post.

    The Phillies remain focused on bringing back J.T. Realmuto, according to multiple major league sources. But with the cornerstone catcher still unsigned, the team plans to have a video meeting next week with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, a source said, confirming a report by The Athletic.

    Several hurdles exist in a potential pursuit of Bichette, not the least of which is his positional fit with the Phillies. Save for 32 innings at second base in last year’s World Series, he played only shortstop in seven seasons with the Blue Jays. The Phillies aren’t moving shortstop Trea Turner, and there is also a financial component.

    Healthy at last

    Kelly Oubre (left) contests a shot by the Wizards’ Marvin Bagley III along with Paul George on Wednesday. Oubre played for the first time since Nov. 14.

    With Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford back in action, the Sixers have their full roster available for the first time in two years. Of course, Nick Nurse will have to work around the careful management of Joel Embiid’s playing time, but the available bodies will allow him to be “a little more fluid” with his lineup combinations.

    Laughton’s return

    Maple Leafs center Scott Laughton, a longtime Flyer, waves to fans after a video tribute to him Thursday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    Scott Laughton was a longtime Flyer and made his former team pay in his return to Philly. The Maple Leafs center scored to tie the game as the Flyers lost in overtime to Toronto, 2-1. Travis Konecny opened the scoring for the Orange and Black in the second period.

    Join us before kickoff

    Gameday Central

    Live from Lincoln Financial Field: Beat writers Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner will preview the Eagles’ wild-card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at 2:55 p.m. Sunday. Tune in to Gameday Central.

    Sports snapshot

    Alejandro Bedoya is entering his 11th season with the Union.

    Our best sports 📾 of the week

    Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe tries to dunk over the Wizards’ Marvin Bagley III but draws an offensive foul.

    Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, photos include Eagles on the Art Museum steps, VJ Edgecombe’s high-flying dunks and more.

    Eagles forum

    It’s playoff time in Philadelphia, which means you probably have a lot of questions about the Birds. Eagles beat reporter Olivia Reiner is ready to answer them Friday at 9 a.m. on Reddit.com.

    What you’re saying about the 49ers

    We asked: What have you noticed about this 49ers team coming on Sunday? Among your responses:

    The Eagles sure better not take the 49ers for granted — Bill M.

    The 49ers are really beat up. If the Eagles can score early and often, that should take them out of the game. If we let them hang around, anything can happen. Oh! And someone should remind Big Dom to keep his hands in his pockets and to stay away from skirmishes! — Ronald R.

    I think the 49ers are coming for revenge after that humiliating defeat they suffered during their last visit when the Eagles knocked out their quarterbacks. 49ers have been a little more effective than the Eagles toward the end of the season and have a top 5 passing offense. The Eagles however have excellent defensive stats against the pass and have allowed the fewest TDs against the pass. Jaelan Phillips is quoted saying that the team has a sense of urgency regarding this game. The Eagles have not looked like a defending SB team for much of this year, but I think they will come up big in this game. — Everett S.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Jeff Neiburg, Mike Sielski, David Murphy, Gina Mizell, Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Katie Lewis, Dylan Johnson, Inquirer Staff Photographers, and Anthony Wood.

    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.

    Have a great weekend. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

  • đŸ’« Some Bowie stardust, Eagles postseason hype, and more| Things To Do

    đŸ’« Some Bowie stardust, Eagles postseason hype, and more| Things To Do

    We’re back, baby!

    I hope by now you’ve shaken off the holiday rust and are back to your normal routine. Me? Well, I’m still recovering from the overabundance of Christmas-themed cakes and the Champagne slushies on New Year’s Eve. But I’m slowly getting back to form for what will be a special year for all of us in the region. (Even folks at the New York Times think so).

    The new year is going to be a transformative one for the city. Y’know, the World Cup and the nation’s 250th celebration and all — and it’s already kicking off with some exciting events.

    This week, there’s a reveal of a new waterfront art installation, the opening of a Tony Award-winning musical, and some David Bowie-loving festivities happening throughout the week.

    Read below to find an event (or three) that catches your eye.

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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    First lady Abigail Adams, portrayed by Johanna Dunphy, introduces city officials and historical and cultural leaders to start a news conference at the National Constitution Center, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, announcing 52 Weeks of Firsts. In honor of the Semiquincentennial. The Philadelphia Historic District will celebrate 52 weeks of Philly firsts in 2026. Each week throughout the year, the citywide celebration will honor everything from the first African American Methodist Episcopal Church, first Flower Show, first American flag, first zoo, first Children’s Hospital, first penitentiary, first Thanksgiving parade and first Slinky.

    Philly ranked the top travel destination for 2026

    Of course, we Philadelphians already know our city is a great tourist attraction. But with everything planned in 2026, even more folks are taking notice.

    The New York Times named Philadelphia the number one travel destination in the world this year. Along with the Semiquincentennial, Philly will be home to the MLB All-Star Game, top-end World Cup matches, a pumped Fourth of July concert, and other notable happenings.

    The Times editors and reporters noted that other original colonies, like Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, and New Jersey, will also have stacked Semiquincentennial calendars. But Philly stands above the rest.

    Read the rest of my colleague Mike Newall’s story here.

    The best things to do this week

    🩅 Eagles Night at the Rink!: Kick off The Birds’ postseason with a celebratory prep rally, featuring a drum line performance and appearances from Eagles cheerleaders at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on Friday.

    đŸ•ș Some Prince and more Bowie, please: The entire week is filled with Bowie-themed parties and musical jams, but the curators at Underground Arts are adding some Prince to the mix. The venue is hosting a Bowie and Prince dance party with DJ George Purkins on Friday.

    đŸ©ș “When the Day Comes” at Theatre Exile: What happens when a documentary filmmaker collaborates with a physician diagnosed with cancer to make a film? Find out in this limited-run production written and directed by Philadelphia native, Mikel Java. Jan. 10,11.

    🎭 “Suffs” at the Academy of Music: Suffs, the Tony award-winning musical about the brave and resilient women who fought for the right to vote, is running at the Academy of Music through Jan. 18.

    🌳 A Longwood Christmas continues: Just when you thought the Christmas magic was over, Longwood Gardens is extending the joy of the whimsical holiday at its magnificent conservatory. All ages are welcome to see the glimmering fountains and towering wildlife.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler’s Village, Le Cirque de Monsieur at Fabrika, Dr. Sketchy’s Tribute to Nosferatu at Arch Enemy Arts.

    David Bowie performs with backup singer Carlos Alomar at Veterans Stadium during his Glass Spider tour July, 30, 1987.
    G. Loie Grossmann / Philadelphia Daily News

    The thing of the week: It’s all about Bowie

    In celebration of the magnetic star, who was born on Jan. 8, 1947, and died 10 years ago on Jan. 10, 48 Record Bar kicked off a Bowie-themed week with its third annual free Philly Loves Bowie Week listening party.

    But the Bowie-loving didn’t stop there, Starman. On Thursday, Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar hosts Bowie Quizzo, with DJ Robert Drake spinning and John Stanley of John’s Dollar Bin fame serving drinks.

    Then, Sara Sherr’s Sing Your Life Karaoke goes all Bowie at MilkBoy. Two more Bowie-themed dance parties are happening at the Trestle Inn and Underground Arts, before the closing celebration returns to Union Transfer on Saturday.

    The party will feature 30 Bowie songs performed by 14 vocalists, including Richard Bush, Johnny Showcase, and Olivia Rubini.

    Winter fun this week and beyond

    🍿 “A Wrinkle in Time”: Madeleine L’Engle’s sci-fi classic, A Wrinkle in Time, comes to life at Old City’s Arden Theatre. The musical journey through time and space runs through Jan. 25.

    ❄ Winter at Dilworth Park: The winter fun continues at Dilworth Park, with the reopening of the ice rink, winter garden, and holiday market. Stop by for some hot cocoa and a whimsical evening beneath the glimmering lights through March 14.

    🎹 A new installation at Cherry Street Pier: Photographic artist Jackie Neale reveals her bold reimagining of Cherry Street Pier at the waterfront on Friday. Titled Wide Awake In Blue, the museum-scale installation incorporates stories of immigration, human rights, and collective identity through striking portraits, textiles, and sound. It runs through March 1.

    Staffer picks

    Pop music critic Dan DeLuca lists the top concerts this weekend and a few holiday pop-up jams happening this month.

    🎾 Friday: Alabama-born, Texas-based country singer Dale Watson kicks off the weekend with a performance at the Sellersville Theater on Friday, and another at Elkton Music Hall in Elkton, Md. on Saturday.

    đŸŽ€ Saturday: Philly rapper Reef the Lost Cauze and DJ Sat One will be featured, along with pioneering graffiti artist Cornbread, at a street art and hip-hop event at Vizion Gallery in Kensington on Saturday.

    đŸŽ€ Sunday: Johnny Brenda’s will host a one-night-only concert in support of former World Cafe Live workers still reeling from the venue’s mismanagement. The show will feature Philly acts Carsie Blanton, Ray Dreznor, Izzy True, and Sad13.

    The year is just getting started, but all signs are pointing to another strong year of events. And I’m the one lucky enough to compile them all for you. Stay tuned.

    — Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.com
  • Mixing love with renovations | Real Estate Newsletter

    Mixing love with renovations | Real Estate Newsletter

    Renovating a home can be stressful. Tackling it with a romantic partner can either ease or add to the stress.

    A 2025 survey found that some couples felt that renovating or building a home was fulfilling. Others considered breaking up.

    We have some tips on how to protect your relationship while designing the home you want.

    Keep scrolling for that story and more in this week’s edition:

    — Michaelle Bond

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    Renovations and relationships

    Picture this. You’ve been with your romantic partner for years, and you’ve seen each other through all kinds of ups and downs. Your relationship seems unshakeable. Then you decide to renovate your home.

    Renovations can be a source of stress for individuals and for a relationship.

    As a couples therapist in Center City put it, “the list of things that can trigger people during a renovation is very long.”

    The home remodeling and design platform Houzz surveyed hundreds of couples for its 2025 report on remodeling and relationships.

    According to the study, couples most often fight over:

    đŸ™ŽđŸœ staying on budget

    đŸ™ŽđŸœ deciding on products and materials

    đŸ™ŽđŸœ agreeing on the project’s design or scope

    Don’t feel bad if a renovation strains your relationship. Even a local couple who builds homes for a living had to bring in a third party to help settle disagreements on the design of their own home.

    Sometimes you need a mediator. Keep reading to learn more tips to make sure your relationship lasts through a renovation.

    A bipartisan effort to address homelessness

    At the end of 2024, Montgomery County had no full-time shelters, even though the number of people without homes was growing as the cost of housing increased.

    Now, the county has three emergency shelters.

    The county’s Democratic and Republican commissioners have led an unusually bipartisan effort to tackle homelessness. The Republican commissioner said he and his colleagues came to the job with similar goals around addressing the issue.

    It’s not unusual for residents to fight against new homeless shelters and low-income housing in their backyards. The county commissioners have been getting personally involved in pushing local governments to allow more housing.

    But 2026 will bring more challenges.

    Keep reading to find out what’s ahead this year, where shelters have been built, and why one commissioner says that making sure residents are housed takes “political courage” from local officials.

    The latest news to pay attention to

    Home tour: Apartment in Bella Vista

    What is it with Philly and trees growing in houses?

    While I was reporting my story about dangerous vacant homes last year, I came across two families in two different neighborhoods who were living next to empty houses with trees growing in them.

    And now Nate Carabello says that when he bought a rental property in Bella Vista in 2005, the rowhouse had been boarded up for 30 years and a tree was growing in the middle of it.

    The house is now home for Katie Kring-Schreifels, who lives in one of its apartments.

    She’s filled her space with art and things she’s found in a variety of places, including a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, eBay, and Ikea. A leather trunk in her bedroom was her great-grandmother’s. Her mom found the flock of paper bluebirds at a craft show.

    Peek inside Kring-Schreifels’ home and see how she’s furnished her apartment’s balcony.

    đŸ“· Photo quiz

    Do you know the location this photo shows?

    📼 If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

    Last week’s quiz showed a photo of the “Weaver’s Knot: Sheet Bend” public artwork on the Delaware River Trail along Columbus Boulevard. The stainless steel piece is between the Cherry Street and Race Street Piers.

    Shoutout to Lars W. for getting that right.

    Enjoy the rest of your week.

    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.

  • Shapiro is ready to run, as 2028 looms | Morning Newsletter

    Shapiro is ready to run, as 2028 looms | Morning Newsletter

    Hi, Philly. After all that talk of snow in yesterday’s newsletter, we have more, despite this week’s near-balmy temperatures: A snow record is officially on the books in New Jersey, 30 years later after it was set.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro will officially announce today that he is seeking reelection in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, speculation over a 2028 run for president continues to build.

    And national attention on Philadelphia has been ramping up ahead of big events for the country’s 250th birthday. Below, learn the history of yet another notable first we can claim: a certain city-sponsored New Year’s Day procession.

    — Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    Ready to run

    With expected stops in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh today, Gov. Shapiro is kicking off his campaign to be Pennsylvania’s chief executive for another four years.

    Speculation over a potential run for president just two years from now is building, too.

    Shapiro has been elusive when asked directly about plans for 2028. But he has made a number of big public moves to raise his national profile in the past year and change since he was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ short list of potential running mates.

    If he does run parallel campaigns, the gubernatorial election must take precedence, observers say.

    Notable quote: “The challenge, of course, is you have to take care of your next election first,” a polling expert told The Inquirer. “Of anything he does, he knows this is the most important thing for his potential success in 2028 if he was to run.”

    Politics reporters Julia Terruso and Gillian McGoldrick have more.

    Plus: State Sen. Doug Mastriano will not seek the GOP nomination for Pennsylvania’s governorship again this year, after months of teasing a potential run. Mastriano lost to Shapiro in the 2022 election by nearly 15 percentage points.

    Philly’s year

    Now that we’re officially in 2026, the year of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the spotlight of the world’s attention on Philadelphia is getting brighter.

    🔔 The New York Times just stuck Philly (and, yes, some nearby places in the original colonies) at the top of its popular annual “52 Places to Go” list. That distinction came two weeks after the Wall Street Journal named it the world’s top travel destination this year, too.

    🔔 At home, we’ve already begun recognizing American milestones. Philadelphia Historic District Partners’ 52 Weeks of Firsts kicked off last week by celebrating the country’s first hydrogen-powered balloon ride.

    🔔 This week, they’re honoring the first folk parade. You know the one — it involves sequins, feathers, and (probably) a hangover.

    Columnist Elizabeth Wellington has the story on the event that was founded as a festive celebration of Philly’s immigrant communities.

    Further reading: On this week in 1776, Thomas Paine published his 47-page pamphlet Common Sense — and helped ignite a revolution.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    The third-generation owner of Donkey’s Place doesn’t know where the walrus penis bone came from, but he said it’s been with the bar since he was a kid. A patron was captured on video stealing the oddity on Dec. 29.

    🧠 Trivia time

    To prevent development, Radnor Township is moving to use eminent domain to take 14 acres owned by what?

    A) Cabrini University

    B) Penn Medicine Radnor

    C) Willows Mansion

    D) Valley Forge Military Academy

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    đŸ“ș Anticipating: Donna Kelce’s reality TV debut tonight on The Traitors.

    🩅 Appreciating: Ladder 15’s response to the 49ers fans planning a playoff takeover.

    đŸ˜ïž Ogling: This $9.9 million Lower Merion mansion with a bonus house next door.

    đŸ—žïž Mourning: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which will shut down May 3.

    đŸ—łïž Considering: Why Pennsylvania’s leaders are losing Gen Z.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Manayunk music festival (three words)

    GNOME SUSHI

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

    Cheers to Lee Narozanick, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Sheetz. Stephen G. Sheetz, the former president and CEO of the Altoona convenience store chain, died Sunday. His legacy — and the Wawa vs. Sheetz rivalry — lives on.

    Photo of the day

    Two of the “Three Kings,” Luis Quinones and Joseph Incandela (right), pose with a reluctant 1-year-old Uriel as his mother tries to take a photo during a DĂ­a de los Reyes party Tuesday at the Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden.

    Cheer up, buddy, the weekend’s almost here. See you 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.

  • Meet the township’s five new commissioners | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Meet the township’s five new commissioners | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Welcome to the first full week of 2026. To kick off the year, we get to know the township’s five new commissioners, who were sworn in Monday. Also this week, a popular Manayunk bakery specializing in gluten-free breads and pastries is moving to Bryn Mawr, plus construction on The Piazza is underway.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.

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    Get to know Lower Merion’s five new commissioners

    Lower Merion has five new commissioners.

    Five new Lower Merion commissioners were sworn in Monday evening: Michael Daly, Charles Gregory, Christine McGuire, Craig Timberlake, and Shelby Sparrow. Each replaces a township official who chose not to seek reelection.

    The new commissioners come from across the township and have varied backgrounds, including local government, law, forensic psychology, business, and community organizing.

    With its new members now in place, the board will make some big decisions in the year ahead, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, overseeing Main Line Health’s redevelopment of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary property, and addressing township finances, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.

    Learn more about the new commissioners and what’s on the docket for 2026.

    A popular gluten-free bakery is moving to Bryn Mawr

    Lila Colello is bringing her popular gluten-free bakery Flakely to Bryn Mawr.

    Popular Manayunk bakery Flakely is relocating to Bryn Mawr in February, where it will take over a former hookah lounge at 1007 W. Lancaster Ave.

    Flakely is known for its gluten-free breads and pastries and is the brainchild of Lila Colello, who’s worked for the Ritz Carlton and Wolfgang Puck Catering. She came up with the business after being diagnosed with Celiac disease.

    The new location, which will be takeout only, will offer everything from fresh baguettes to browned butter chocolate chip cookies, as well as frozen take-and-bake doughs, The Inquirer’s Beatrice Forman reports.

    Read more about Flakely’s new Main Line location here.

    💡 Community News

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Harriton High School is hosting its winter one act plays today through Saturday, and a number of other schools will have concerts next week. There are evening conferences at both high schools tonight and school board committee meetings Monday, in addition to an education association council meeting. See the district’s full calendar here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Unforgettable Fire: Tickets are going fast for the U2 tribute band which will perform some of the Irish outfit’s best-known songs. ⏰ Friday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. đŸ’” $33.38 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    🍿 Paddington: See the film adaptation of the beloved children’s series on the big screen. Bryn Mawr Film Institute will have another screening on Jan. 24, plus screenings of the sequel on Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. ⏰ Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. đŸ’” $6.75-$7.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    đŸŒč Create Beautiful Paper Poppies: Add a little color to your winter by learning to make paper versions of these flowers. ⏰ Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m. đŸ’” $40 📍 Plant 4 Good

    🏡 On the Market

    A century-old stone Colonial in Merion Station

    The stone colonial was built in 1925.

    Built in 1925, this classic five-bedroom stone Colonial mixes modern amenities with classic charm. Its features include a living room with a fireplace, a family room, a dining room, and a modern kitchen with exposed wood beams and white cabinetry.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.3M | Size: 3,110 SF | Acreage: 0.32

    đŸ—žïž What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    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.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Meet this Media biochemist-turned-artist | Inquirer Greater Media

    Meet this Media biochemist-turned-artist | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Welcome to the first full week of 2026. To kick off the new year, get to know a Media artist who blends folk art from her native India with scenes from the area. Also this week, the new mayors of Media and Swarthmore have been sworn in, along with county officials, including the new district attorney.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    How a Media artist blends Indian folk art with local imagery

    Rinal Parikh poses in her Media studio with a few of her paintings.

    It’s not every day that you come across a biochemist who is also an artist, but that’s the case for Rinal Parikh.

    Born in India, Parikh has lived in the U.S. for 20 years, and from her home in Media blends several traditional styles of Indian art, drawing on observations from her own backyard.

    The 43-year-old delved into art after her son was born with health complications, stepping away from the lab to focus on him. She soon found inspiration and an artistic community, including at the Creative Living Room in Swarthmore, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.

    Today, her work, which spans the traditional Indian folk forms Warli, Madhubani, and Kalamkari, adorns her family’s home and has been exhibited throughout the region.

    Read more about what inspires Parikh’s works here.

    💡 Community News

    • This week marked a new era for a number of municipal and countywide roles, as recently elected officials took office. On Monday evening, Joi Washington was sworn in as the new mayor of Media, making her the first woman and first person of color to hold the office. And in Swarthmore, Conlen Booth was sworn in as mayor, succeeding Marty Spiegel. Booth is Swarthmore fire chief and previously worked for Crozer-Keystone Health System and its successor, Crozer Health. (The Swarthmorean)
    • Delaware County has a new district attorney. Tanner Rouse was sworn in Monday, taking over for Jack Stollsteimer. The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella spoke with Rouse about his goals, including continuing to reduce violent crime and the possibility of reciprocity agreements with his counterparts in other collar counties.
    • Also at the county level, Siddiq Kamara has been sworn in as sheriff. Just 30 years old, Kamara is the youngest sheriff in the U.S., according to the county, and the first Liberian-American to hold the office in Delco. (NBC10)
    • Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported last month on the Chester Creek Trail in Middletown Township. A 24-year-old woman from Chester was allegedly raped shortly after midnight on Dec. 5. No additional details have been released. See the report on Page 8 here.
    • Have a Christmas tree to dispose of? Middletown Township is collecting them through Jan. 16. Trees should be placed curbside by 8 a.m. Swarthmore Borough will conduct a final round of curbside pickups next week. See your schedule here. Media will collect trees wherever you put your trash out throughout the month. And Nether Providence township is collecting trees curbside through Jan. 30.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Rose Tree Media has a school board work session tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Springton Lake Middle School. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • In Wallingford-Swarthmore, there’s a Strath Haven High School Home and School Association meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. and parent-teacher organization meetings for Wallingford and Nether Providence Elementary Schools on Tuesday evening. See the district’s full calendar here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • In case you missed it, The Inquirer’s Michael Klein reflected on the most notable restaurant openings of 2025. Among them is Maris, LoĂŻc Barnieu’s Mediterranean eatery on West State Street in Media that opened late last year. See the full list here.
    • Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, which has a location in Media, is among the best takeout pizza spots in the Philadelphia suburbs, according to The Keystone, which noted the plain pie is served with cheese on the bottom and a generous coating of garlicky sauce on top.

    🎳 Things to Do

    ❄ Snowy Songs, Stories & Sparkly Art: In this month’s Second Saturday Family Fun Series, kids ages 18 months to 5 years old can explore music, art, and stories with their caregivers. Registration is recommended. ⏰ Saturday, Jan. 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore

    đŸŒ± Winter Gardening: Seed Starting for Pollinators: It’s never too early to start preparing for spring. Learn how and what seeds you can start sowing now. ⏰ Sunday, Jan. 11, 1-2:30 p.m. đŸ’” $21.25 for members, $25 for non-members 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    đŸ–Œïž January 2026 Artists Reception: Explore the latest artwork on display at the Community Arts Center, including pieces from Carolyn Kline-Coyle and Jennifer Domal. ⏰ Monday, Jan. 12, 2-4 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Community Arts Center, Wallingford

    🏡 On the Market

    A charming five-bedroom Colonial in Rose Valley

    The Rose Valley home spans over 3,600 square feet.

    Built in 1937, this five-bedroom Colonial in Rose Valley exudes charm thanks to a covered front porch, dormers, and exposed stone along the front façade. Some of its features include a living room that has an ornate fireplace with handmade inlays; a dining room with a large brick fireplace; an updated kitchen; and a family room with another fireplace. The primary suite has its own bathroom as well as built-in wardrobes.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $975,000 | Size: 3,641 SF | Acreage: 0.58

    đŸ—žïž What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    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.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 🩅 Roll the tape | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🩅 Roll the tape | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Ahead of Sunday’s Eagles wild-card playoff game against San Francisco (4:30 p.m., Fox 29), the question of “how good is this 49ers team, really?” is a fair one.

    Unless you’re a fan of the team, or really like watching game highlights or have multiple games up on your screen on Sunday, you’re like a lot of Eagles fans wondering the same thing. Sure, the team is coming off a season-ending loss, but the Niners lost to the Seattle Seahawks, the No. 1 team in the NFC this season.

    But how effective is Brock Purdy or how elusive is Christian McCaffrey, or how did a 49ers defensive unit get this far, being this banged-up and without one of the best linebackers in the game in Fred Warner? Well, today we’re leading off with the latest from The Inquirer’s Devin Jackson, who for a large part of this season has been analyzing game film on Eagles opponents, pointing out the warning signs alongside the spots the Birds can exploit.

    If you’re reading this as early as we’re dropping it, then grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever your go-to morning beverage is and breakdown some game film with us.

    It should be another nice day across the region, with temperatures in the high 40s under partly sunny skies. Perfect.

    — Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓What have you noticed about this 49ers team coming on Sunday? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Walker and Barlow’s dwindling days

    Jabari Walker, who previously played on a standard deal in Portland, has outplayed his two-way contract.

    The 76ers loaded up their frontcourt in advance of an uncertain Joel Embiid season. He’s been available more than anyone expected, creating a logjam at center and power forward. One major cause of that is the performance of two-way acquisitions Jabari Walker and Dom Barlow, who have performed more like members of the rotation.

    Because of that, they’ve spent extended time up with the Sixers and their available days on the roster could be dwindling unless their contracts are converted to standard deals. It’s something Walker tries not to focus on.

    “Every now and then, it will pop up in my mind, but just putting my energy toward what I can control right now,” Walker said. “And whatever happens, just knowing that I left an impact on my teammates and left an impact in the game. I think that’s the biggest truth.”

    What we’re 


    👀 Watching: The status of Flyers Jamie Drysdale and Bobby Brink after sustaining injuries from a pair of blindside hits in Tuesday’s game against the Ducks.

    đŸŠŸ Introducing: Villanova’s Brynn McCurry, the “bionic” presence on the Wildcats’ women’s basketball team.

    📖 Reading: The latest shenanigans coming off the most recent episode of the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast.

    🏀 Sharing: The good news is that, ahead of the Sixers’ win over the Wizards, both Trendon Watford and Kelly Oubre Jr., who were nursing injuries, were full participants at shootaround and played vs. Washington.

    đŸ€” Wondering: Is Bo Bichette really a possibility for the Phillies? Let’s explore.

    Helping Harper

    In Don Mattingly, right, Bryce Harper now has a former superstar player on the Phillies coaching staff.

    Although Bryce Harper met Don Mattingly only briefly at the 2017 All-Star Game in Miami and may not be able to recite all the pertinent numbers — .307 average, 222 homers, nine Gold Gloves, six All-Star appearances — it’s a safe bet he appreciates his nearly Hall of Fame-level place in the sport.

    And it has been years since Harper played for anyone with those credentials as a player.

    That wasn’t the primary reason the Phillies this week finalized a two-year contract with Mattingly to be the bench coach. They wanted another voice in the dugout alongside manager Rob Thomson.

    But Mattingly’s career gives him instant credibility among players, especially star players. His impact on Harper could be profound.

    Halfway home

    Trevor Zegras celebrates his first goal of the Flyers’ win over the Anaheim Ducks at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    Hockey is all about the details. So, it should be noted that the Flyers have hit the halfway mark of the NHL season with a 21-12-7 record highlighted by a win against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Now some believe coach Rick Tocchet has this team looking like one that could crack the NHL playoffs instead of just teasing the notion.

    The Inquirer’s Jackie Spiegel takes a look at some of the highlights of the team’s last game and how it reflects a bigger picture.

    Next up: The Flyers welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs (20-15-7) tonight (7 p.m., NBCSP).

    ‘Control’ freak

    Former Union standout Mark McKenzie practices in Chester with the U.S. men’s national team ahead of its game against Paraguay in November.

    Mark McKenzie is on a roller coaster. In the last six months, the former Union standout has been a regular starter for his new club, Toulouse, in the French first division, has had multiple call-ups with the U.S. men’s national team, and is about three months into fatherhood, welcoming a baby boy in October.

    McKenzie is doing all of this under the backdrop of hoping to be on U.S. men’s manager Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster in a few months. It’s a lot to juggle, but he catches up with The Inquirer to explain how he’s keeping “control” of it all.

    In the women’s side, The Inquirer’s Jonathan Tannenwald has the details on the U.S. women’s national team convening in north Jersey in March for a game against Colombia as part of the SheBelieves Cup tournament.

    On this date

    Jan. 8, 1995: Phillies slugger and 12-time All-Star Mike Schmidt gets into the Hall of Fame. How about two more? On this date in 1972, the NCAA allowed freshmen to compete in college athletics. Fast forward 12 years to 1984, and the NCAA Tournament expanded to a 64-team field.

    Standings, stats, and more

    Looking for detailed stats coming off last night’s Sixers game? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

    What you’re saying about the World Cup

    We asked: Which matchups are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?

    Nothing turns me off more than price gouging. $60,000 for a pair of tickets for a soccer game? Some games are selling for over $100,000 a pair! Seriously now. I could buy two high-end cars and have a little left over for lunch money. — Ronald R.

    I’m looking forward to France and Mbappe, England and Harry Kane. But mostly, I’m looking forward to our USA boys, to see if they can stay healthy and live up to their potential as the strongest USA team ever. Go Brenden! — Joel G.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Devin Jackson, Jackie Spiegel, Gustav Elvin, Keith Pompey, Colin Schofield, Scott Lauber, David Murphy, Katie Lewis, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Kerith Gabriel.

    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.

    That’s my time, Philly. Have a good one, we’ll catch you tomorrow. — Kerith

  • Where are the hot, new restaurants? | Let’s Eat

    Where are the hot, new restaurants? | Let’s Eat

    Welcome back! You and I have a lot to cover, starting with an exhaustive rundown of the 100-plus restaurant openings expected in 2026.

    Also in this edition:

    — Mike Klein

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    All the new restaurants for 2026

    What’s hot in 2026: French bars, bagels, and the Main Line, to point out just a few observations from my rundown of the more than 100 restaurants due to open this year in Philadelphia and the area. Read on for more analysis of this year’s dining forecast.

    🍮 Here is the full picture: New restaurants are coming from Ellen Yin, Greg Vernick, Teddy Sourias, and dozens more.

    Welcome back from the holidays!

    Let’s recap what The Inquirer’s food team has been up to over the last few weeks:

    Baby, it’s pozole outside

    The hearty, body-warming stew/soup that is pozole comes in the colors of the Mexican flag: rojo, verde, and blanco, with regional variations of each. The good news, Kiki says, is that you don’t have to go all the way to Mexico City for excellent pozole. Here are her picks.

    Where to dine outside comfortably

    Want to dine in the great outdoors despite the winter chill? Hira Qureshi found more than 40 restaurants with comfy, heated outdoor seating.

    Do the hot potato

    The baked potato is having its moment, Kiki says. The Idaho spud served at Wine Dive is no small potato. It’s roughly the size of her Chihuahua and comes topped with sour cream, cheddar, bits of bacon, and scallions.

    The best things we ate last year

    Best dishes of 2025 Philadelphia
    Best dishes of 2025

    We all dined out a lot last year (perhaps so did you). Here are our 21 favorite dishes of 2025, including a Hyderabadi paneer curry so hot it made Craig LaBan’s ears ring and left his face temporarily numb. And that was one of his favorites?! Read on to see what else made an impression.

    Restaurant report

    Restaurateur Franco Borda (that’s him shown below) loves Italian food, opera and jazz music, and South Philly. So after he closed his High Note Caffe during the pandemic, he decided to turn the joint into a nightclub. Five years later, the High Note is back, with a stage. I stopped recently to catch crooner Harry Barlo’s act, and the experience was an old-time delight. Dinner and a show for 50 bucks?

    Briefly noted

    Center City District Restaurant Week returns Jan. 18-31 with 100-plus restaurants offering three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $45 or $60 and two-course lunches for $20. Here’s the rundown.

    Yum Grills, opening this weekend at 1135 Vine St., comes from Shahezad “Shah” Contractor and the crew from Cousin’s Burger Co. The halal shop will sell smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken over rice, and wings out of a Shell station; at the Jan. 10 grand opening (1 p.m.), the first 100 people will get a double smash burger, fries, and soda.

    Gluten-free bakery Flakely is opening a proper storefront in Bryn Mawr.

    Emmett in Kensington has secured a full liquor license, allowing it to broaden its wine and spirit list beyond Pennsylvania labels. The new era starts Thursday.

    Why is the food sold at Pennsylvania Turnpike’s rest stops so … um … mid? Brett Sholtis found out.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Why is McDonald’s being sued this time? Not over coffee, but…

    A) The ice cream machine gave the plaintiff trust issues after being “temporarily unavailable” for the 400th consecutive visit.

    B) The plaintiff alleges that the McRib sandwich is not made from pork rib meat.

    C) A Happy Meal did not make the plaintiff happy. Just nostalgic and sad.

    D) The “two all-beef patties” jingle has been stuck in the plaintiff’s head since 1994, causing permanent mental occupation.

    Find out if you know the answer.

    Ask Mike anything

    I’m wondering if there is a list of restaurants that take reservations but aren’t on the two major services. I always feel like I’m missing some good places out there. — Chuck L.

    You may also check Tock for restaurants not on OpenTable or Resy. For years, OpenTable was the big player. Then Resy came online and started cherry-picking popular newcomers. Then OpenTable sweetened the deals for restaurants and began to recapture the market. (My editor Jenn Ladd wrote a fascinating article about this a year ago.) Tock has been a solid No. 3, but that’s where you’ll find tables at such places as DanDan, Elwood, South, and Barcelona Wine Bar. Some restaurants — such as Uchi, Scarpetta, and Cuba Libre — use SevenRooms on their back end, so you must book through the restaurant’s individual websites.

    📼 Have a question about food in Philly? Email your questions to me at mklein@inquirer.com for a chance to be featured in my newsletter.

    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.