Good morning, Philly. Sun and high temps near 40? What is this, summer?
The city spent millions to expand a single anti-violence nonprofit. Instead, it nearly imploded — facing evictions and a federal tax lien. Our investigation examines why the NOMO Foundation shut down its affordable housing program only a few years after launching it.
And Tyrese Maxey has leveled up to become a starter in this weekend’s NBA All-Star Game. Step into his New Balances and see if you can read the game like the star 76ers guard.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Politically connected, financially unstable
In 2021, the NOMO Foundation won a $1 million grant from the city to provide after-school programming for young people affected by violence.
With that backing, the nonprofit — formally known as New Options, More Opportunities — expanded quickly, launching a low-income housing initiative and opening youth centers across the city.
NOMO ultimately received more than $6 million in public funding. Yet in 2025, less than three years after the housing program began, it was forced to end the effort while facing evictions, an IRS lien, and lawsuits alleging hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent.
Why did the nonprofit receive so much public funding despite repeated warnings from city grant managers about improper spending and mismanagement?
Reporters Ryan W. Briggs and Samantha Melamed investigate.
What you should know today
- An off-duty sheriff’s officer on Tuesday shot a 17-year-old who was allegedly breaking into his car in Southwest Philadelphia.
- A Norristown police sergeant who struck a naked, unarmed man with his patrol SUV last week has been charged with assault and other crimes, prosecutors said Tuesday.
- Hundreds rallied at the President’s House Site on Tuesday afternoon to demand the restoration of its slavery memorial after the National Park Service removed the exhibit.
- Federal immigration agents broke down a family’s door in Montgomery County on Monday to arrest a man. Officials are condemning what they call needless cruelty.
- A lawsuit against the city included accusations of sexual harassment against Sharif Street Jr., who was an aide in Councilmember Jim Harrity’s office.
- Analilia Mejia appeared to cement victory in the 13-member Democratic primary to replace New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Congress after her top opponent conceded Tuesday.
- Some Philly libraries acted as warming centers during the extended deep freeze, straining workers and leaving people without help for complex issues, staff say.
- Russell H. Conwell Middle School in Kensington just celebrated its 100th year. Now, community members and local officials are fighting its proposed closure. Plus, Esperanza Academy Charter High School teachers and staff have unionized.
- A burst pipe at the Tasker-Morris SEPTA station left a geyser of ice hanging from the ceiling early this week.
Pull up, drive, or wait?
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey will have a big presence at the NBA All-Star Weekend: He’s both a starter in Sunday’s All-Star Game and a competitor in Saturday’s three-point contest.
🏀 Maxey joined Philly’s team as a rookie in 2020 and is now in the midst of a breakout season as the Sixers’ top scorer, averaging 29.2 points per game and making 38.2% of his shots from deep.
🏀 As he steps into this leadership role — especially as other top players sit out — every decision Maxey makes on the court dictates the Sixers’ chances of contention. So far, plenty of those decisions have led the team to victory.
🏀 Can you make the right reads that he has all year? When he’s mismatched against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, for instance, how should he make use of his quickness advantage? When coming down the court in early offense, should he pull up, drive, or wait?
Play along to predict what the Sixers guard does next in this lo-fi game.
More on the Sixers:
- “Everybody is getting on the plane and I’m just crying“: Ex-teammate Jared McCain shared his emotional reaction to being traded to the Oklahoma Thunder.
- Former Sixers first-round pick Ben Simmons starred in a Super Bowl commercial about helping people get over their celebrity exes. Also featured: Travis Kelce’s ex.
Quote of the day
The Council president has largely taken a measured approach on national politics, opting to address President Donald Trump’s actions by convening task forces and holding public hearings. After watching federal agents’ deadly campaign in Minneapolis, Johnson now says he’s leading an “activist body” to push back on the administration.
🧠 Trivia time
The historic former visitor center in LOVE Park could soon get a revival, as the city seeks project ideas. What is the building shaped like?
A) An octopus
B) A flying saucer
C) A kite and key
D) The Liberty Bell
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🐎 Celebrating: Chinese New Year with these chef collaboration dinners and special menus.
🥊 Recounting: The history of Philly’s Joe Frazier statue, from inception to a potential Art Museum move.
🎥 Anticipating: This Old City studio’s doc about Mount Airy-born comedian Bob Saget.
⚾ Asking: Nine questions about the Phillies as spring training opens.
🍼 Considering: The impact of the Bryn Mawr birth center’s closure.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: High-end grocery brand
INDOOR BURBS
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to new reader Mattingly Cohen, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Vanguard. Hundreds of Infosys workers are returning to the Malvern-based investment group, which sent them to the contractor in 2020.
Photo of the day
🔨 One last rebuilt thing: With federal money targeted for boardwalks, Ventnor is one of several Jersey Shore towns replacing their signature walkways. Take a look at how they’re doing it.
Be sure to catch the sun before more clouds are expected tomorrow. ’Til then, have a good one.
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