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  • Camden’s dance sensation | Inquirer South Jersey

    Camden’s dance sensation | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey.

    Five young men known as the Camden Bop Originators are the creators of a viral dance that has garnered over a million fans and views around the world.

    And New Jersey’s new e-bike law is causing confusion over compliance.

    Plus, Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt showed up to Deptford High School’s graduation, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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    That’s the Camden way

    Five men ages 18 to 25 known as the Camden Bop Originators appear in viral TikTok videos and Instagram clips. The dance crew has amassed millions of views, with little signs of slowing down.

    Ethan Tarte, one of the members of the group, inadvertently invented the dance when he was trying to imagine what it would be like to glide around the rink at Camden’s Millennium Skate World. He practiced his moves barefoot in front of a mirror and that became the foundation of the “Camden bop.”

    It wasn’t long before he posted videos of him doing the dance with his friends on Snapchat.

    Tarte is particularly proud of the name and sees it as a way to honor his city.

    “I hear how people talk about Camden, and people are genuinely afraid sometimes to come through here,” Tarte said. “I was excited it was the ‘Camden bop,’ so that everyone knew that there was something good that came out of Camden. We’re more than what everybody thinks we are.”

    The Inquirer’s Earl Hopkins has the story.

    Confusion over New Jersey’s e-bike law

    A New Jersey state law, passed in January, requires residents with e-bikes to register them. In some cases, they also need insurance.

    The problem? Evidently, there’s no way to comply.

    The law came about after a 13-year-old boy was killed while riding an electric bike in a collision with a landscaping truck.

    And Chase Sudano, a teenage local wrestler at St. Augustine Preparatory School, died earlier this month after a crash with a UPS delivery truck in Southampton.

    The state Motor Vehicle Commission website doesn’t have a way to register an e-bike. The latest information is that the MVC will begin offering appointments for e-bike licensing and registration after the grace period ends on July 19.

    And what if you’re coming from out-of-state and looking to bring an e-bike down the Shore?

    Reporter Amy Rosenberg has more details about the law and the questions surrounding it.

    What to know today

    • ICE reportedly is planning to offload three warehouse properties it intended to use as mass detention centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
    • Veterans visited the USS New Jersey in Camden for a day of competition in Brazilian jiujitsu on Saturday. It was part of a two-day seminar and fundraiser for We Defy Foundation, a nonprofit that provides the martial art classes and mentors to combat veterans to help them transition back into civilian life.
    • Eagles linebacker Jalyz Hunt attended Deptford High School’s graduation to support the two students who created a fan account for him.
    • Before Leon Rose was the president of the New York Knicks, he was a beloved anchor in the Cherry Hill basketball community.
    • According to 42 Freeway, Villa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Deptford will close at the end of month after more than 25 years.
    • Burlington County is offering $40 farmers market vouchers to low-income seniors. Seniors in Evesham Township can redeem them at Cheyenne’s Road Market.
    • Vineland public schools are relaxing its dress code policy and allowing teachers to wear jeans until the end of the school year.

    What we’re …

    🫐 Picking: Blueberries at Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford.

    🌒Anticipating: A lunar eclipse later this summer.

    ❌ Avoiding: Mutant mice that are resistant to pest control.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Clement “Clem” Pappas is one of the cofounders and the CEO of Stateside Vodka, widely known for its popular hard iced teas, Surfside. He lives in South Jersey but where specifically?

    A) Marlton

    B) Haddonfield

    C) Bordentown

    D) Sewell

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    📬 Your South Jersey view

    A bridge leading into Saddler’s Woods in Haddon Township.Taylor Allen

    I snapped this picture Sunday morning while taking a walk and listening to an audiobook.

    Saddler’s Woods is a 25.8 acre forest known for its centuries-old trees. It’s named after Joshua Saddler, a formerly enslaved man who purchased land and built a home there in the 1800s. In his will, he wrote that none of his heirs “shall cut the timber thereon.”

    What does your community look like? Submit a photo and a brief description for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

    🗞️ What other South Jersey residents are reading

    Thank you for starting your week with The Inquirer. I’ll 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.

  • 🐭 Mutant mice | Morning Newsletter

    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

    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

    Phillies Bryce Harper celebrates his fifth inning triple on Saturday. Harper hit for the cycle.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    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.

  • ⚾ What a show | Sports Daily Newsletter

    ⚾ What a show | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Bryce Harper did something on Saturday that the Phillies star has never done in his 15 year career.

    He hit for the cycle — in only four at-bats during a 15-3 rout of the Mets.

    It marked the 11th time a Phillies player hit for the cycle, but Harper ran for it, too. Overaggressive base running has always been part of Harper’s game, and it paid off.

    To add on to the historical night, Kyle Schwarber crushed three homers and became the fourth Phillies player to homer twice in one inning.

    Their performance was quite spectacular. The two stars put on a dueling talent show for the ages. It almost makes you wonder what Schwarber and Harper could have in store for an All-Star encore.

    Neither will commit to the Home Run Derby until they know if they’ll be named to the All-Star team. But is there any doubt? If anything, they just gave everyone one heck of a preview.

    The Phillies continued to rally against the Mets on Sunday night, behind what amounted to a 6-2 series finale.

    — Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    ❓Where does Bryce Harper rank in your eyes among all-time Phillies players? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Who makes the Eagles roster?

    How Eagles general manager Howie Roseman (left) might tinker with the personnel on Vic Fangio’s defense — particularly as it applies to the safety position — remains an open question.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles still are more than two months away from cutting their roster down to 53 players by the Aug. 30 deadline. A lot can change between now and then.

    With that being said, we’re going to make our roster predictions throughout training camp, and since the Eagles just finished their offseason program and have some downtime, it’s worth taking a shot at the roster now.

    Here is our initial 53-man roster prediction for the 2026 Eagles.

    What we’re…

    👏 Applauding: Makai Lemon attended an Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention football combine to inspire the youth.

    🤔 Wondering: Why was Eagles’ Jalyx Hunt at Deptford High School’s graduation? To support the students who created his fan account.

    👀 Seeing: Kahleah Copper debuted a custom “Norf Philly” Adidas Harden Vol. 10 player-exclusive sneaker during a game vs. the Las Vegas Aces.

    📖 Reading: Behind the scenes at Pocono Raceway with 22-year-old South Jersey native Lavar Scott, who is one of three active Black drivers in NASCAR.

    A sweet escape

    A Brazil fan waves his national flag before Friday’s FIFA World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Haiti.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    As Philadelphia gets ready for another World Cup game today — France vs. Iraq at 5 p.m. — let’s look back on this past weekend’s festivities, where a true spectacle was on display.

    For the past two games in the city, the attraction has been about the fans and the unbridled passion people have for a team, its players, and the nation they represent.

    The World Cup came at the perfect time in an America that felt fractured into sides and factions — it’s the escape we didn’t know we needed, writes Kerith Gabriel.

    And can the USMNT really win this World Cup? People are starting to ask after the U.S. team’s wins at the World Cup. The truth is the games to come will be much harder than the ones so far.

    In case you missed, Delco was very much mentioned on the world’s biggest stage as Matt Freese and Auston Trusty helped the U.S. win two games in a World Cup group stage for the first time since 1930.

    NHL draft countdown

    Center Jack Hextall finished among the top 25 in five fitness tests at the NHL’s scouting combine.Staff/Jackie Spiegel

    The NHL draft is looming. Starting on Friday, the Flyers will select their next generation in the 2026 NHL draft.

    They have 21st pick in the first round, and will be making their selctions in Atlantic City. So let’s roll the dice here with another mock draft — which is only two rounds since the Flyers traded away their third-rounder to Toronto.

    Sports snapshot

    Athletes prepare to take the field during the New Balance Nationals Outdoors Championship at Franklin Field on Sunday.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
    • Changing landscape: Franklin Field played host to the New Balance Nationals this weekend, but that wasn’t the only major high school track meet happening.
    • More than a title: La Salle’s ‘super special’ boys’ lacrosse season ended with its first state crown since 2019.

    Marcus Hayes’ take…

    Nick Sirianni (left) has always had stability at quarterback with Jalen Hurts. Is that about to change?Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    It’s rare that, in the same week in June, you see three separate stories that pull back the curtain on the most secretive team in town, the Eagles. That’s what’s happened over the past few days.

    And it brought some revelations: Just 16 months ago, the coach and the quarterback were celebrating a Super Bowl LIX win. Now, there are concerns about their futures and legacies, and the owner’s kid is in the middle of it, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Jeff Neiburg, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Marcus Hayes, Jackie Spiegel, Devin Jackson, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Ethan Kopleman, and Lauren Jones.

    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 Monday ☀️ — thanks for getting your morning started with me. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella

  • The gems that make us Philly | Morning Newsletter

    The gems that make us Philly | Morning Newsletter

    It’s officially summer, Philly. Sunday will be partly cloudy with a high near 85.

    As we enter the longest day of the year, resident weather expert Tony Wood shares some summer solstice expectations.

    But first, what makes Philadelphia Philly? We curated a list of 76 neighborhood spots that tell the story of the city Philadelphians know and love.

    — Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    A city of favorites

    We collected 76 places around Philly that capture everything that’s great about our neighborhoods, but it’s not an exhaustive list by any means.

    Some are hidden gems or may be hiding in plain sight. Together, they all stitch the fabric of the city’s weird, wonderful, and one-of-a-kind spirit, such as:

    🍠 A basement yam museum

    🪩 A mosaic wonderland

    🥟 A neighborhood market that has served Philly for decades

    From panoramic views atop a shuttered public high school to a wildlife refuge, check out our list of the 76 Philly mainstays that bring us joy, and watch our video exploring some of them.

    ☀️ Hello, summer

    The astronomical summer is here as of 4:24 a.m. this morning, though it definitely already felt like it around here.

    As the sun beams its most direct light on the Tropic of Cancer, we have Inquirer editor and all-things-atmosphere writer Tony Wood on the line to tune us in to key solstice storylines. For instance:

    🌡️ Is it going to get hot again? Some experts told Wood they expect El Niño to work against punitive hot spells in the region. Others aren’t buying that.

    🌵🥵 Will the drought conditions ever end? They always have, but Philadelphia has gone 10 consecutive months of below-normal precipitation. Rain is in the forecast for Monday, which should help.

    ☄️ And for the celestial lovers (ahem, myself included), this could be a big year for the Perseids, and there’s a forthcoming lunar eclipse to look out for.

    Read on for all of the details.

    One more atmospheric thing: Centenarian Cyrus Bloom of Newark was a meteorologist during World War II. Eight decades later, he recalls it all vividly.

    What you should know today

    This week in history

    🎤 Here’s Tommy Rowan with a look back at a future L.A. Dodgers owner who planted ivy at Penn.

    There are notable alums, and then there’s Walter O’Malley.

    The pioneering baseball owner helped bring the sport to the West Coast, moving the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, where he built an iconic ballpark and a championship organization. And he became one of only 16 owners inducted into the Hall of Fame.

    But before leading the Dodgers, O’Malley was Penn’s class president. Read on for the full story.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has added a new limited-edition flavor to its summer menu. It’s called “mermaid” and is only available for about a month. What’s one of its primary ingredients?

    A) Sea salt

    B) Berry

    C) Seaweed

    D) Orange

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

    What we’re …

    🌮 Savoring: Succulent tacos al pastor in Old City, among the best things we ate this week.

    🎻 Searching for: Meaning through John Williams’ score to Disclosure Day.

    🤔 Discussing: Should she support her husband’s new soccer obsession by spending $1,000 on World Cup tickets?

    ☕ Sipping on: Golden turmeric lattes with director and actor Amina Robinson.

    😊 Considering: How the joy the World Cup has brought to Philadelphia feels like the escape we didn’t know we needed, as Inquirer editor Kerith Gabriel writes.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Two Delco men, Matt Freese and _ _, helped the USMNT make World Cup history

    STAY TURNOUTS

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

    Cheers to Tom Lamont, who correctly guessed Wednesday’s answer: Cathedral Basilica. For several nights a week through mid-August, the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will go secular and become the canvas for a new immersive, custom-designed light show called “Luminiscence.”

    Photo of the day

    Crowd Pleaserz Donnie “Nyce” Thompson of North Philadelphia; daughter Aniyah, 8; and son Jaden, 16, perform at the Juneteenth celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    🎶 Today’s song goes like this: “Past mistakes are just new information / These days, I’ve got expectations.”

    👋🏽 Thanks for catching up on the news with The Inquirer. I’ll be back tomorrow to help you start the week off right. Until then, 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.

  • Lawnside vs. the Turnpike | Inquirer South Jersey

    Lawnside vs. the Turnpike | Inquirer South Jersey

    Happy Juneteenth, South Jersey. There will be festivities in the region over the weekend to celebrate.

    Lawnside residents worry a New Jersey Turnpike expansion will threaten a historic Underground Railroad stop.

    And Angelo’s Pizzeria is returning to its South Jersey roots.

    Plus, officials chose a design for a new Delaware River bridge linking Bucks and Burlington Counties, and more news of the day.

    Thank you for supporting us throughout our launch week. We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or replying to this email.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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

    Lawnside’s Underground Railroad stop

    Lawnside, originally settled by freed and runaway enslaved people, is known for being the first independent African American community to govern themselves above the Mason-Dixon line.

    Inside this borough is the Peter Mott House, believed to have once been a refuge as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

    For almost two centuries, it has remained resilient against potential threats such as the construction of the New Jersey Turnpike nearby in the 1950s, a developer’s desire to dismantle the structure in the 1980s, and a three-year closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Its next challenge looks as if it might be the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s $2 billion expansion project that a group of Lawnside residents say could endanger the historic house.

    Reporter Dugan Arnett has the story.

    Angelo’s Pizzeria is coming

    Angelo’s Pizzeria will soon return to New Jersey.

    Owner Danny DiGiampietro is opening a new branch of his famous pizza and cheesesteak shop.

    Construction work has begun at the future location in the West Collingswood Heights neighborhood of Haddon Township. When finished — hopefully in the next few months, he says — it will become a full-service shop, with table seating and a counter overlooking the kitchen.

    The first Angelo’s opened in Haddonfield in 2013 but DiGiampietro closed it in 2018 to pivot to the South Philly location.

    The Inquirer’s Michael Klein has more details.

    What to know today

    • The local wrestling community is mourning 16-year-old wrestler Chase Sudano. He died earlier this week while driving an electric bike that was involved in a crash with a UPS truck in Southampton Township near Route 70.
    • New Jersey U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, who has several years of career experience with national security issues in the Middle East, said he has “no confidence in any aspect” of President Donald Trump’s deal to end the war in Iran.
    • The officials of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes chose a design for a new $1.6 billion Delaware River bridge that will link toll roads between Bristol in Bucks County and Florence in Burlington County.
    • The New York Times reports that federal prosecutors charged a man after he hit an ICE agent with a vehicle in Ocean County. The criminal complaint says the suspect refused to roll down the window during a traffic stop and then struck the officer while driving away.
    • The Haddonfield Board of Education is grappling with how to balance screen time for district students, including the possibility of implementing screen time limits, according to South Jersey Media.
    • According to 42 Freeway, Wonder Food Hall will come to Washington Township. It will be next to the Sprouts Farmers Market now under construction.
    • For the past 10 days, several peacocks have been wandering Berlin Borough. No one knows where they came from.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The former owner of Famous 4th Street Deli in Philly has had success across the bridge with his new destination deli, Radin’s Delicatessen. It even made our list for the area’s essential restaurants, The 76. Where is it located?

    A) Westville

    B) Swedesboro

    C) Cherry Hill

    D) Moorestown

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🚗 Exploring: Weekend trips to other parts of the state. This time, in Princeton.

    🥽 Swimming: At Atsion Recreation Area in Shamong.

    🍿 Remembering: That time the British TV show United States of Birmingham came to Burlington County’s Birmingham.

    🏖️ Down the Shore

    This “Ask Down the Shore” feature appears as part of our weekly summertime series from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore newsletter here.

    Using the new Shore Line group chat, we asked readers if it’s alright to reserve spots on the beach by marking their territory with chairs and a canopy. Here are some of the responses:

    Yes, good for them for motivating early in the day!

    I hate when people do that. And 9 times out of 10 when they do it, they are obnoxiously large reservations. Putting up multiple beach cabanas, etc.

    It depends on how long they’ve been gone. If they don’t show up for an hour, you could just fold their stuff up in a nice little pile. I’d be okay with that.

    No problem with that at all. But those people can’t get upset if another group sets up close to them in their absence.

    Where do you land? Are you pro or anti saving prime beach space? Or somewhere in between? Have another etiquette concern? Email Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.

    📸 Photo of the week

    Amy and Zachary Bell of Hammonton sit in the backyard of their Ventnor beach home with Claire, a 3-year-old beagle, and Connie, a 14-year-old Yorkshire terrier.Tim Hawk / For The Inquirer

    🐕 One last furry thing: When the Inquirer visits a local home every week, our lovely photographers meet the pets as well. Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email (and send some digital photographs) at properties@inquirer.com.

    Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday.

    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.

  • 🥊 Don’t mess with Rocky | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🥊 Don’t mess with Rocky | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Philadelphians are known to be superstitious — especially when it comes to sports.

    And now, international soccer fans are feeling those effects. After Ecuadorian supporters fitted the Rocky statue with a yellow La Tri kit, they saw their team fall to the Ivory Coast, 1-0, in its FIFA World Cup group-stage opener on Sunday.

    Yup, that’s the “Rocky curse.”

    However, Brazilian fans didn’t plan on making the same mistake ahead of Brazil’s World Cup clash with Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium (also known as the Linc). Instead, they went to great lengths to make sure supporters did not put a Brazilian shirt on the iconic statue during a fan rally Thursday.

    Brazil enters Friday night as favorites, but underdogs have a habit of rising to the occasion in Philly. Before that game, all eyes will be on the United States men’s national team, which will play Australia at 3 p.m. (Fox29, Telemundo 62). Check out how our writers predict this one to shake out.

    And in Seattle, Team USA will be welcomed by an all-time World Cup home field advantage, and we should expect the atmosphere to be pretty rowdy.

    — Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    What we’re …

    🏟️ Learning: The UFC 330 fight card in Philly is starting to come together. Dana White announced two title fights will be on the line.

    🏒 Celebrating: Tessa Janecke was among seven Penn State women’s ice hockey players to be selected in the PWHL draft.

    🤔 Wondering: The Eagles used the week after mandatory minicamp to bolster their depth. What roster changes have been made?

    📖 Reading: The South Jersey community is mourning 16-year-old wrestler Chase Sudano, who died in an electric bike crash in Burlington County.

    Wasn’t close to signing

    The Phillies made a seven-year, $200 million offer to Bo Bichette, but he chose the Mets’ three-year, $126 million deal that includes opt-outs after the first two years.Frank Franklin II

    The Phillies may say they were on the verge of signing Bo Bichette as a free agent, but Bichette has a slightly different recollection.

    The Mets jumped on José Alvarado in seventh inning of Phillies’ 6-4 loss in Thursday’s series opener. Alvarado allowed three runs in the inning.

    And Andrew Painter was understanding when told that he was being sent down to triple A. The pitcher knew that the Phillies couldn’t keep him in the starting rotation. Not with a 1-8 record and 7.06 ERA.

    Answering your questions

    New Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey (center) will come into focus with the NBA draft and free agency happening over the next two weeks.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    The 76ers’ offseason is about to ramp up, with the NBA draft next week and free agency beginning at 6 p.m. on June 30. These will mark the first opportunities for new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey to make roster decisions.

    There is a lot to ponder and discuss — from biggest draft needs to Joel Embiid’s future — which means it’s the perfect time to answer reader questions.

    Getting his shot

    Delaware State shortstop Santino Harwood, who went to Roman Catholic, will play in the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10 at Citizens Bank Park as part of All-Star week.Mike Buscher

    Santino Harwood wanted to play baseball at a Division I school but his chances were dimming when he started his senior year at Roman Catholic without a college scholarship offer.

    Since the shortstop was 5-foot-11, he was overlooked by most college coaches. That was until he met an assistant at Delaware State, who offered Harwood a spot as a walk on.

    Now, he’ll represent Delaware State at Citizens Bank Park days before the All-Star Game when he plays in the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10.

    Watch with the world!

    Join Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin for Soccer Extra on Gameday Central.Patrick Binkley / Staff

    Join Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin, analyst for CBS Sports Golazo, as they dissect the matches, the moments, and more as Philly has its moment in soccer’s brightest spotlight. Watch our latest episode right here.

    Our best sports 📸 of the week

    Ecuador fans react as time runs out against Ivory Coast during the World Cup Group E soccer match in Philadelphia on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ivory Coast wins 1-0.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best sports images from the last seven days. From World Cup celebrations — and agony — to Garrett Stubbs on the mound, here are the best Philly sports photos of the week.

    Marcus Hayes’ take

    One of golf’s biggest hitters, Bryson DeChambeau, shown here at the Ryder Cup, doesn’t want the golf ball to fly any shorter.Robert Bukaty

    Golf’s governing bodies declared Wednesday at the U.S. Open that the rollback of hyper-engineered golf balls would be rolled back itself. Any adjustment now will go into effect in 2030 instead of 2028.

    The rollback is dead. It would take players months to adjust to a new ball, which is the most important piece of the myriad pieces of equipment they use. They will never agree to that, writes Marcus Hayes.

    What you’re saying about MLB trade deadline

    We asked: If you were Dave Dombrowski, what moves, if any, would you make and why? Among your responses:

    Right now the Phillies do not look like they can be a serious threat to the Dodgers and other top NL teams. The team is aging and Dumbrowski needs to start rebuilding. Phillies having just sent Painter down really don’t have a whole lot to deal with, but I would start by trading Nola to a contender for a couple young promising pitchers. The team really has just about one more year after this one where Schwarber, Harper, and Realmuto will be productive. — Everett S.

    Dombrowski has wasted the last few years and is still left needing most of an outfield, including a significant right-handed hitter, and now, a starting pitcher after allowing Suarez to go last year. One could argue that he also needs a middle infield that can hit. I like both Turner and Stott, but neither has lived up to his skills. Has Turner ever been worth what the Phillies paid for him? — Wayne H.

    Phillies need an outfielder badly. Marsh is pretty good right now but I doubt that can last. Probably under. 280 at season end. Also a decent backup catcher who can hit over. 125 as age is catching up to JT a little. Pitching will be fine eventually. — Bob M.

    I believe it is time to bring Mike Trout home.I don’t know if the Angels would even consider a trade but we absolutely should try. — Richard F.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Kerith Gabriel, Matt Breen, Jonathan Tannenwald, Rob Tornoe, Gina Mizell, Ariel Simpson, Mia Messina, Ryan Novozinsky, Isabella DiAmore, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Owen Hewitt, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

    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.

    Thanks for wrapping up the week with me. Enjoy the weekend and happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. — Bella

  • Philly celebrates Juneteenth | Things to do

    Philly celebrates Juneteenth | Things to do

    Philadelphia is feeling a little more international than usual these days.

    World Cup watch parties are drawing crowds, fans from around the globe are filling bars and public spaces, and another big match arrives at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday when Brazil faces Haiti.

    Beyond the soccer spectacle, Wawa Welcome America gets underway with a Juneteenth celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia and free access to dozens of historic attractions. Father’s Day also brings plenty of excuses to get out of the house, from family-friendly festivals to sky-high adventures.

    Keep scrolling to see what’s happening this weekend.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    • A warm welcome: WaWa Welcome America is bringing free concerts, museum entry, and events to the region starting Friday.
    • Come out and float: The 18th annual Chester County Balloon Festival returns at a new location.
    • Meet the women of the colonial age: Learn about the women who shaped the nation at the Betsy Ross House.
    • Grab the wheel: Bordentown City’s 14th Annual Street of Dreams Car Show is back for another lap.

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

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

    The Wawa Welcome America Festival is here

    A crowd of people watch Ludacris’s performance at the Wawa Welcome America Festival on July 4, 2023.Allie Ippolito / Staff Photographer

    The largest Independence Day celebration in the country kicks off this Friday.

    The festivities begin with the Juneteenth Jubilee at the African American Museum, hosted by Philadelphia’s Patty Jackson. Headliners include Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Leah Jenea, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

    The 16-day celebration will bring dozens of free concerts, six days of firework displays, and other attractions leading up to a commemorative concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4, featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Seal, and other big-name artists.

    Read more about the celebration here.

    The best things to do this week

    Hot air balloon pilot Scott Saxton, looks out from the gondola as his ship rises in the morning sky over the New Garden Flying Field in Toughkenamon, PA, as part of the sunrise balloon flight at the 13th Annual Chester County Balloon Festival on June 23, 2019.MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer

    📽️ Film lovers rejoice: The fifth annual United We Heal Festival takes over Underground Arts to celebrate 11 Black and Brown filmmakers. See and hear from these visionaries at the two-day festival.

    🎶 High times at the Highmark: Grab last-minute tickets for the musical collaboration between the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Grammy Award-winning choir, The Crossing, at the Highmark Mann Center. It’s a celebration of 50 Years of Music, honoring luminaries like Beethoven, Maurice Ravel, and Gustav Holst.

    🪂 A Father’s Day in the air: Surprise your father with something that will make him float. This Saturday the 18th Chester County Hot Air Balloon Festival is offering picturesque rides across the region’s skies.

    🏎️ Rev your engines: Hop in your car and drive down to Bordentown City for the 14th Annual Street of Dreams Car Show. There will be a fleet of classic rides and your favorite childhood Hot Wheels in real life.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Ambler Arts & Music Festival, TFI Block Party at The Franklin Institute, Midsommarfest! at American Swedish Historical Museum, World Cup Watch Parties on East Passyunk.

    Free museum days and historical site access

    A total of 47 museums and history sites are opening their doors for incoming visitors for free.

    This offering is part of this year’s WaWa Welcome America Festival. Guests can enjoy no-cost admission to at least one site every day during the 16-day celebration. Some days also offer free entry to multiple sites.

    Participating locations include the African American Museum, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and others.

    For all other locations, visit july4thphilly.com

    Early summer fun this week and beyond

    🎊 Pop up at the Plaza: Stop outside the doors of the Reading Terminal Market for additional seating, games, artisanal shops, and everything else that makes the site such a Philly essential. The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market runs now through Aug. 2.

    🎉 Juneteenth celebrations continue: For the 20th Juneteenth celebration at the Johnson House Historic Site, there will be music, food, re-enactments, and community engagement for all visitors to enjoy.

    💐 Stop and smell the roses: A Delco outdoor tradition is back with the return of the months-long, Rose Tree Summer Festival. Here is where you can freely enjoy a mix of live entertainment, from Motown to Broadway, classical to rock, and everything in between.

    🇺🇸 Women of the 18th century: Meet the women of Colonial Philadelphia at the Betsy Ross House’s courtyard. A new series that highlights the contributions of pioneers such as Susanna Cooke, Sarah Coltman, Hannah Till, Peggy Chew, and Ross herself.

    Staffer picks

    DJ Jazzy Jeff performing at the Plateau Stage at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Tyger Williams

    Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the top concerts this weekend.

    Thursday: Experimental art-rock sibling band Fiery Furnaces are stopping by the Philadelphia Ethical Society as part of the group’s six-date tour.

    Friday: Hurray for the Riff Raff, fronted by Puerto Rican songwriter Alynda Lee Segarra, is headed to King of Prussia to perform at Concerts Under the Stars.

    Saturday: Father’s Day weekend will be booming at the Shore. North Philly’s own Meek Mill will headline a star-studded lineup, featuring T.I., Eve, Shyne, Havoc of Mob Deep, and Ms. Jade, at the Boardwalk Hall on Saturday.

    Monday: Prolific country artist Charley Crockett, whose released 17 albums since 2015, is headed to Met Philly on Monday for a night of Americana tunes and outlaw ballads.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Where was the nation’s first Father’s Day celebration?

    a) Here in Philly (duh)

    b) Burlington, VT

    c) Abilene, TX

    d) Spokane, WA

    Ask Earl anything

    I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Any questions you have now and in the future, email me for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

    World Cup matches and watch parties aren’t the only thing taking over the city this weekend. There’s so much to do and celebrate, and this week’s Things To Do edition is proof.

    – Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • 🥑 $18 avocado toast, $16 omelets, $13 hot dogs | Down the Shore

    🥑 $18 avocado toast, $16 omelets, $13 hot dogs | Down the Shore

    One Friday afternoon recently, I was in Wildwood on deadline for a story. Famished, with three dollar bills in my pocket, I went over to the Snow White restaurant on the boardwalk and asked for french fries. Alas, it was cash-only, and $3 was not going to get me french fries. But I was offered their $1 hotdog, complete with mustard and sauerkraut. It is a nostalgia-fueled menu item, they said, befitting a family-owned joint that opened in the 1940s. I left a $2 tip.

    So look, it’s possible to eat cheap at the Jersey Shore.

    It’s also possible to go a little nuts. Rory Tees, a faithful reader, urged me to go to the new Lighthouse Kitchen and Cafe on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, where he said he’d ordered a $16 omelet and then was charged a la carte for home fries and toast, making the total for two people close to $60. But that seems to have been an opening week glitch because when I went, my $16 Greek omelet included potatoes (thin discs that looked like potato chips but were soft inside) and toast. The menu does say the omelets come with toast and home fries. The cup of coffee, which the server explained came from hand-harvested and hand-roasted beans sourced from the owner’s mother’s farm in Chiapas, Mexico, was $4 — and I’d argue worth every penny. They refilled my cup for free. There are cheaper spots in Wildwood, but it was a delicious meal and a classy (bougie?) treat right there on resurgent Pacific Avenue. I wish them well.

    Anyway, I let Rory know he might be entitled to a refund on his a la carte potatoes and toast, but there is still some truth to his experience in Wildwood and elsewhere down the Shore. “I hate that the Wildwoods are becoming unaffordable with the influx of new money,” Rory wrote.

    My colleague Michaelle Bond writes this week that starter homes in these 10 Jersey Shore towns average $1 million and up: Avalon, Stone Harbor, Strathmere, Cape May Point, and five of Long Beach Island’s six towns: Harvey Cedars, Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, Surf City, and Beach Haven.

    Meanwhile, I leveled up and had a hot dog in Margate for $13 this week, albeit one topped with mustard, relish, peppers, onions, pickle, celery salt, and tomato. It’s at the new Dock’s Dogs, run by Hillary Bor, the former owner of Philly’s acclaimed but now-closed Pumpkin BYOB. Bor is now a year-round Shore resident and she and her boyfriend, Tim Nedzwecky, have brought a casual sunset vibe to the bay, complete with music jams on Wednesdays and a spectacular view. There’s a crab cake version of a hot dog ($22), and non-dog chicken and egg salad options. Look for my story on the Bor’s new Shore venture.

    📮 Are you a $1 or $13 hot dog person? Any hidden gems or other ways to eat cheaply at the Jersey Shore? Send tips here, and I’ll include some responses in a future newsletter. Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Send them to me here.

    🌤️ Weekend looks mostly lovely, with a bit of a cooling trend.

    — Amy S. Rosenberg (Follow me @amysrosenberg or on Instagram at @amysrosenberg. 📧 Email me here.)

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

    Shore talk

    🦪 Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker of NBC’s Today Show were visiting Atlantic City this week for a feature set to air , June 23, in the third hour, including a visit to Dock’s Oyster House. They also wound up at Lucy the Elephant.

    💔 Cape May’s Sincere Rhea, a former track and field hurdler standout, is still in the thick of the drama on Peacock’s Love Island USA. His mother has thoughts.

    📱 Neighbors are upset about a proposed 125-foot cell tower in the 3300 block of Bay Avenue in Ocean City.

    🚧 Bart Blatstein has big plans for A.C.’s Garden Pier, portions of which he has leveled.

    🇭🇹 Les Grenadiers, the World Cup team from Haiti that is based in Atlantic City, are looking for the big upset against Brazil in Philadelphia on Friday.

    🪼 Researchers are cautioning about clinging jellyfish at the Shore.

    What to eat/What to do

    🏈 June 24 begins the Kelce takeover in Sea Isle in service of the Eagles Autism Foundation.

    🎤 Meek Mill is performing Saturday at Boardwalk Hall.

    🙌🏿 The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey has a full Juneteenth lineup of speakers, tributes, music, food, vendors, and story telling. Ubunto the Community is hosting a Juneteenth cookout in Oscar McClinton Park in the inlet in Atlantic City.

    👣 The Barefoot Country Music festival comes to Wildwood this weekend. Headliners include Post Malone, Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey, Eric Church, and Kelsea Ballerini.

    🏖️ Caesars’ new oceanfront Beach Club is opening on Friday.

    🛝 Beach Haven’s new all-inclusive playground at Nelson Avenue Park is open.

    Shore snapshot

    An early-morning dog walk in Atlantic City on June 12, 26.Amy S. Rosenberg/Staff

    🧠 Trivia time

    Two New Jersey beaches made an Island.com list of the nine cleanest beaches in America. One was Point Pleasant Beach in Ocean County. The other was a beach from Cape May County.

    Was it:

    A. Stone Harbor

    B. Wildwood Crest

    C. Cape May

    D. Avalon

    If you think you know the answer, click on this story to find out.

    Ask Down the Shore

    We asked our Shore Line group chat whether it’s OK to reserve spots early on the beach by setting up chairs and a canopy. The results are in! (Join our chat here.)

    The majority of people responding were fine with it, while 15% wanted to see some consideration on how much space was taken up. But 30% of you thought it was a breach of etiquette.

    Here’s a sampling:

    Yes, good for them for motivating early in the day!

    I hate when people do that. And 9 times out of 10 when they do it, they are obnoxiously large reservations. Putting up multiple beach cabanas, etc.

    It depends on how long they’ve been gone. If they don’t show up for an hour, you could just fold their stuff up in a nice little pile. I’d be okay with that.

    No problem with that at all. But those people can’t get upset if another group sets up close to them in their absence.

    Have your own thought on this topic? Other etiquette questions you’d like us to tackle? Let us know here.

    Your Shore memory

    Ernie Russom, of Highland Park, Pa., and Wildwood Crest, texted us this memory:

    Around 1991 or 1992, we would bring our now soon-to-be 38-year-old son to the beach at the end of our street in Wildwood Crest. The beach was expansive. Nearly as wide as they are today. We wanted a way for him to know where we were on the beach. I sectioned and used a 12-foot pvc pipe as a flag pole. Back then, we were the only flag flying in our immediate area. Our flag was for his safety.

    Today, our 12-foot pole is dwarfed by the 15-to-20-foot telescoping aluminum flag poles. The large number of flags flying resemble tailgating outside of a college football game. We now have a telescoping pole with a unique flag of the day. Our flag is a marker that tells us how far up or down beach the ocean currents have taken us while we are enjoying the surf. It also is the maker of today’s “home base” at the beach.

    Send us your Shore memory! In 200 words, tell us how the Shore taps into something deep for you, and we will publish them in this space during the summer.

    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.

  • 🍴 Find your new favorite restaurant | Inquirer South Jersey

    🍴 Find your new favorite restaurant | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Take an umbrella to work: Strong thunderstorms are possible today.

    There are so many quality restaurants in the region that we made a quiz to help narrow down your options.

    And a new internship program provides hands-on job training for students with disabilities to build careers in hospitals.

    Plus, Mount Holly canceled its Fourth of July celebration, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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

    Your new favorite restaurant

    Take our quiz and find your new favorite restaurant from The 76

    Back in October, The Inquirer released its annual list of the most essential restaurants in the Philly area, dubbed The 76.

    The South Jersey representation includes:

    • Dolsan Korean BBQ in Mount Laurel
    • Radin’s Delicatessen in Cherry Hill
    • Corinne’s Place* in Camden
    • Karachi Kafe in Voorhees
    • June BYOB in Collingswood
    • Le Beirut in Collingswood
    • Oda Mediterranean Grill in Collingswood

    *Note: This soul food spot also ended up on our list for the region’s most iconic dishes for its classic fried chicken.

    Which one best matches your cravings?

    Let our quiz help you decide your next date night or evening out with friends.

    🥂 In related news: Several new South Jersey restaurants opened this spring. Enjoy eating your way across the region.

    A new kind of internship

    The inaugural class of Project SEARCH, a nine-month internship program that provides career training to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, graduated this week.

    Through the program that is a collaboration between Virtua Health and the Burlington County Special Services School District, the six students who made up the graduating class completed 10-week rotations in multiple hospital departments over the school year.

    The participants gathered hands-on experience working in multiple departments such as cardiology, physical therapy, food services, and patient transport.

    “I have built real skills, gained so much confidence, and discovered what I am truly capable of achieving,” Alyssa Eiring said in her commencement speech at the graduation ceremony in Westhampton.

    Multiple students have already landed a job.

    Reporter Wendy Ruderman has the story.

    What to know today

    • Mount Holly canceled its Independence Day celebration, citing safety concerns.
    • The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office released a 560-page report covering disciplinary actions against law enforcement, including the firing of a Burlington County corrections officer.
    • Rowan University will close a health center for abused children, Rowan-Virtua Child Abuse Research Education and Service Institute (CARES) in Vineland because of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget plan. Another CARES office in Stratford will remain open.
    • Food insecurity in the Philly region, including South Jersey, has increased after a federal law altered the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and reduced its benefits under President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act.
    • Some New Jersey lawmakers are looking for pathways to incentivize farmers to produce more hazelnuts, according to New Jersey Monitor.
    • NBC10 reports that Jersey Mike’s is now America’s favorite fast food chain, dethroning Chick-fil-A, based on a recent survey.

    🗓️ The best things to do this week

    ⚽ World Cup Outdoor Watch Party: Cheer on Team USA against Team Australia. Evesham Township is partnering with The Promenade at Sagemore Shopping Center and LaScala’s Fire restaurant for the festivities. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. ⏰ Friday, June 19, begins at 3 p.m. 💵 Pay-as-you go 📍500 NJ-73, Marlton

    🎤 Peabody’s Wayback Machine Summer Concert: Indulge your nostalgia with Peabody’s Wayback Machine, the throwback band that specializes in 1980s music. It’s the first of Gloucester County’s concert series this season. ⏰ June 20, 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free📍 James G. Atkinson Park, 138 Bethel Mill Rd., Sewell

    🗓️ Camden’s Junteenth Festival: Celebrate with this large festival full of art, culture, and celebration. The featured events include live music, live art demonstrations, and more. ⏰ Sunday, June 21, noon-8 p.m. .💵 Pay-as-you go 📍Farnham Park, 1648 Baird Blvd., Camden

    See more event listings here.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which TV show had its characters vacation in Jersey?

    A) The Four Seasons

    B) Euphoria

    C) Severance

    D) House of the Dragon

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🛣️ Avoiding: Highway closures on I-295 and Route 42.

    🥄 Craving: Water ice cakes.

    🦟 Noting: Mosquito spraying in Camden County today.

    🏡 On the market

    A four-bedroom home with an open-floor plan

    Tucked away on a peaceful street, this four-bedroom home in Sewell provides a lot of privacy. Built in 2023, the home has modern amenities. The updated kitchen leads into a dining area and a spacious living room. The home includes 2.5 bathrooms and a finished basement with ample space for a home office or a media room. Both the front and back porches allow for outdoor seating for entertaining guests.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $470,000 | Size: 2,273 SF | Acreage: 0.25

    That is all I have for you this morning. Thank you for spending it with The Inquirer.

    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.

  • Sheriff’s fixers have money problems | Morning Newsletter

    Howdy and hello, fine humans. It’s looking like a stormy Fridee Jr. According to superb weather reporter Tony Wood, “the Philly region may be in for tropical-storm force gusts and strong thunderstorms Thursday.”

    Otherwise, we’re starting with a look at the Sheriff’s Office, which announced new top officials but kept their names secret.

    We also have a quiz that will help you find your new favorite restaurant from The 76.

    Plus, an activist offered money to a committeeperson and asked him to vote against Councilmember Cindy Bass, and more news of the day.

    — Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    New leaders, questionable qualifications

    Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal announced last week that she has appointed new top officials to fix a series of financial issues, including the dysfunctional sheriff’s sale process.

    She just won’t say who the people are.

    But The Inquirer has learned that two individuals she has tapped for those roles have each lost their own properties in a sheriff’s sale and faced other serious financial issues.

    Read the full story from investigative reporters William Bender and Ryan W. Briggs.

    Find your new place to eat

    Take our quiz and find your new favorite restaurant from The 76

    In case you missed it, The 76, The Inquirer’s annual list of the most essential restaurants in the Philadelphia area, returned in October 2025 for its second year.

    The new list looked a little different, with more than half the restaurants changing from the previous year. It’s still just as comprehensive, so we forgive you if you don’t know where to start.

    That’s why we’re here to help you narrow down your favorites with our 76 quiz. Answer a few questions, and we’ll recommend a few spots based on your preferences.

    What you should know today

    • In a 22nd Ward election controversy, an activist offered money to a committeeperson and asked them to vote against Councilmember Cindy Bass, videos obtained by The Inquirer show.
    • Police say a firearms instructor who cared about gun safety and reducing crime shot three Philly officers. Those who knew him are perplexed.
    • Three weeks after members of Congress listened to and then publicly shared concerns from inside Pennsylvania’s largest immigrant detention center for the first time, U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean said she was blocked from speaking with detainees while visiting the same facility.
    • More people in Philly and the surrounding region are struggling with insufficient food after President Donald Trump’s cuts have increased hunger to the highest levels in six years, according to a study released last week by the New York Federal Reserve.
    • Measles was detected in wastewater samples taken in Delaware County on two days last week, officials said.
    • The union representing transit police and SEPTA reached a tentative deal on a new three-year contract Wednesday that includes a 12% raise and avoids a possible strike during the region’s summer of big events.
    • Citing increased safety concerns, a Burlington County township has canceled this year’s annual Independence Day celebration.

    Quote of the day

    Philadelphia School District bus drivers, maintenance workers, cleaners, and tradespeople are entering contract season. Leaders of 32BJ SEIU District 1201, which represents 2,000 workers, are scheduled to begin talks with Philadelphia School District officials Thursday. Their current contract expires Aug. 31. The bottom line for members of 32BJ SEIU District 1201 is higher pay, officials said.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Before Leon Rose built the NBA’s New York Knicks, he was a gym rat at this local high school.

    A) Father Judge

    B) Haverford

    C) Cherry Hill East

    D) Roman Catholic

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🎨 Appreciating. A pop art mural painted on the side of a Point Breeze rowhouse is the last of its kind. And you can live there.

    ⚾ Sad about. The Phillies demoted up-and-coming pitcher Andrew Painter to the minor leagues.

    🏡 Lamenting. Villanova is the only community in the Philadelphia region with million-dollar entry-level homes. Since the pandemic, the number of these communities in the U.S. has tripled.

    ⛳ Respecting. Charlie Sifford is known as the Jackie Robinson of golf. Now, a scholarship in his honor helps students attend historically Black colleges and universities.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: This sacred place is the canvas for a new immersive light show.

    ABRA CLASHED ITALIC

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

    Cheers to John Piernikowski, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Whole Foods. The grocery store’s Philly workers voted to join a union in 2025. This week they cleared a major hurdle, paving the way to negotiating their first union contract.

    Photo of the day

    A worker paints the steeple.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    We end with this lovely photo of a worker painting the steeple atop Trinity Presbyterian Church on a sunny day in Cherry Hill, N.J.

    👋 This newsletter will be taking a break in observation of Juneteenth, but we’re still reporting the latest news over on Inquirer.com. Paola Pérez will catch up with you here again on Sunday. Until 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.