As students in Philly prepare to receive report cards and wrap up the academic year, some teachers are sounding the alarm on what they call an open secret.
When report cards go out on Thursday, the last day of the 2025-26 school year, some students will learn that they earned a passing grade.
But Philly schools reporter Kristen Graham heard from two dozen teachers who say they were pressured to mark them that way, even if those students performed poorly or didn’t show up. Some say they’ve given out failing grades that were overridden.
✏️ Notable quote: “There’s a push right after grades are due,” said one teacher, who noted that administrators will say, “‘Is there anything you can do to bump these up?’”
✏️ In being discouraged from flunking students, the teachers said they are concerned about the long-term implications for kids who are passed along without the necessary skills to advance.
✏️ One K-8 teacher, a veteran of district schools for three decades, told The Inquirer a “subtle shift” started since the early 2000s, the era of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
In other Philly schools news: Olney High School stands to lose 17 staff because of budget cuts. At their graduation ceremony, some students included a protest against the looming losses.
The Justice Department is looking into whether Philly police violated the Constitution by improperly revoking people’s licenses to carry guns, officials announced Tuesday.
In the city, which has unique laws surrounding gun permits, the police department has broad authority to revoke them.
This comes weeks after five members of the Panthers, a Philadelphia-based armed Black citizens group, reportedly had their gun permits terminated. The Panthers’ leader called the move unconstitutional.
In other federal news: Three Philly hospitals are among 500 that have been warned by the Trump administration to provide the public with basic pricing information or face fines.
What you should know today
Councilmember Cindy Bass rejected a roll call vote and declared herself the winner of a Philly ward election. It might have violated party rules.
A new local improvement district may be needed to care for the Chinatown Stitch cap over the Vine Street Expressway, a city official said.
A man who called himself “the Beast” targeted defenseless Philadelphians, including his own mother. A jury has convicted him of all crimes.
Pennsylvania lawmakers could still deliver additional revenue to Philadelphia, even after City Council last week largely rejected Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s proposed tax increases for the next fiscal year.
Lower Merion is advancing a policy to eliminate iPads and laptops for K-2 students after facing intense pushback from parents who say kids are getting too much screen time in school.
Plenty of Philly hotel rooms and Airbnbs remain available just days before the FIFA World Cup kicks off.
After 18 months and traffic snarls, Market Street improvements in Old City are complete. The transformation permanently narrowed vehicular traffic, added bike lanes, and built a new public plaza.
Past Present Future, the Main Line shop that owner Sherry Tillman calls “part gift store, part mini-museum,” is shutting its doors. She plans to sell the Lancaster Avenue building, and will stay open until all the merchandise is gone (“hopefully”).
🧠Trivia time
A delegation of Philadelphians, on behalf of the National Constitution Center, brought which of the following to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this week?
A) A bundle of Villanova swag
B) A replica of George Washington’s Acts of Congress
Cheers to Lars Weintraub, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Five Below. The Philly-based discount retailer recently ditched an unpopular section of its store.
Boland and eight others were charged with trespassing after police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment at the college last spring.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer
👋🏽 Thanks for starting your day with us. Take care.
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Punch Buggy Brewing Company’s Spring City outpost will open Saturday, June 13.John McGuire
A Philadelphia brewery is getting ready to open its new outpost in Spring City. After a year in the works, Punch Buggy Brewing Company will debut its second location at 77 N. Main St. this Saturday, taking over a former hardware store.
The new location will serve Punch Buggy’s brews, which range from IPAs and lagers popular with the Philly crowd, to sours and dark beers, which have gained popularity locally thanks to the brewery’s foray into the farmer’s market.
In addition to beer, Punch Buggy will partner with Deezy’s Famous Cheesesteaks for food, and host live music on select nights.
Bob and Bonnie Dettore in the garden at their Berwyn home. Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer
After purchasing their Colonial-revival split-level in Berwyn in 1987, Bonnie and Bob Dettore set about transforming the home, inside and out.
Owned by seven people before them and full of old growth trees and bare ground, it was once “dark and damp all the time,” Bonnie said. That’s no longer the case thanks to Bob’s handiwork.
The inside of the home has been overhauled and in the past four decades, its grounds have been transformed to showcase year-round color, thanks to showy rhododendrons, redbuds, ironwoods, magnolias, dogwoods, spring bulbs, and yellow witch hazel.
Chester County remains in a drought warning as the hot summer months approach. Officials are asking residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10% to 15%.
An April Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in favor of West Chester University may have ripple effects beyond the borough. Judges ruled that the tax-exempt university didn’t have to pay for stormwater treatment after considering it a tax, not a fee. Now numerous Pennsylvania communities might see higher stormwater bills as a result, The Inquirer’s Anthony Wood explains.
Some 32,000 Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare could face service interruptions and providers going out of network if the insurer and the health system, which owns Paoli Hospital, don’t reach a deal by June 30. The two organizations are currently in negotiations.
There was another black bear sighting over the weekend, this time in East Goshen and Willistown Townships. In April, residents reported spotting a black bear in West Vincent Township. Residents are advised to take precautions and report sightings. (6abc)
West Chester-based home shopping giant QVC is among the largest companies in the U.S., ranking No. 433 on the latest Fortune 500. The company reported $9 billion in revenue last year before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this spring.
West Vincent Township’s board of supervisors is scheduled to consider Toll Brother’s proposal to build 46 single-family homes along five properties on South Chester Springs and Conestoga Roads, about 60% of which is preserved open space, at its meeting Monday at 7 p.m.
Last week, Willistown Township’s board of supervisors voted to approve creating a township sewer authority, which it will now file with the state.
West Whiteland Township’s board of supervisors will discuss adopting a new comprehensive plan, which includes goals of improving public transit services, pedestrian and bicycle access, and conservation. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the township building, as well as on Zoom.
There’s a public open house on Monday at the Caln Township building to discuss the Lincoln Highway corridor. Residents can weigh in on safety improvements, access, and preliminary designs.
🚧 Roadwork to watch out for
Coatesville and Caln, Sadsbury, Valley, and West Caln Townships: There will be an overnight lane closure on Route 30 westbound between Airport Road and Kings Highway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday.
East Coventry Township: A monthslong project to update the bridge on Ellis Woods Road over Pigeon Creek got underway this week and will continue through October, during which time the bridge will remain closed.
East Nottingham Township:Woods Road between Pugh and Hickory Hill Roads will be closed today from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pipe repairs.
London Grove Township: Resurfacing work begins today on Clay Creek Road between Garden Station Road and the Avondale Borough line, as well as on East Avondale Road between Clay Creek and Rose Hill Roads. Work is expected to continue through June 22 with daily road closures.
Wallace and West Nantmeal Townships: Creek Road between Fairview and Manor Roads will be closed on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through next Thursday.
Warwick Township: Work continues on Harmonyville Road next week, with a closure between Hopewell and Saint Peters Roads on Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Chester: Both South Church Street between University Avenue and Price Street and Sharpless Street between High and Darlington Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
Willistown Township: Milling and paving work began this week and is expected to continue for the next three weeks on roads throughout the township. See which ones will be impacted here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Great Valley School District’s board approved its 2026-27 budget earlier this month, which includes a 3.49% property tax increase.
Registration for Phoenixville Area School District’s Power Up for School program is now open. During the July 30 event, families can learn about programs and get vaccines or physicals for their children. Registration must be completed by July 17.
West Chester Area School District has approved its 2026-27 budget, with a 3.3% real estate tax increase for Chester County residents.
🍽️ On our Plate
Looking for a spot to watch the World Cup? The Inquirer’s Beatrice Forman rounded up bars to catch the game, including Kildare’s Irish Pub in West Chester, which is hosting a 21+ watch party Friday when Team USA takes on Paraguay.
Twin Valley Coffee has opened a location at 4043 Main St. in Elverson, with a “homecoming weekend” taking place Friday and Saturday.
Asad’s Hot Chicken is opening a location in Malvern this Friday at 490 Lancaster Ave. in the Frazer Shopping Center. To mark the occasion, it will offer free food from 3 to 6 p.m. The Philadelphia-born fast-casual eatery specializes in halal fried chicken.
Parlor Doughnuts is opening in Berwyn this Saturday and will give away donuts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 602 Lancaster Ave., the Indiana-based donut chain is known for its sweet and savory layered donuts with flavors like buffalo chicken, pepperoni, maple pecan, and bourbon caramel. It also offers vegan- and keto-friendly options.
Herr’s released the winning chip flavors for the 2026 spin on its “Flavored by Philly” competition this week, but instead of a single winner, the Nottingham chip company is releasing three in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday. The “Taste the 250” winners are Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbeque, and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese and will be available throughout the summer.
🎳 Things to Do
🎙️ Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: The annual concert series returns for the season, featuring a performance by Coatesville’s classical soul, funk, and jazz outfit The Sermon! There will also be food trucks. ⏰ Wednesday, June 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square
🎹 Tredyffrin Township Summer Concert Series: This year’s concert series kicks off with a performance by the Tim Williams Band. ⏰ Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wilson Farm Park, Wayne
🎨 Phoenixville Art Street Festival: Now in its ninth year, the festival will feature over 70 artists, including live performances. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Phoenixville
🍇 Mainstreet on the Vine: There will be wine, live music, vendors, and ice cream at this afternoon event. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, noon-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Wayvine Vineyard, Nottingham
☀️ Downingtown Summer Jam: There will be live music, food trucks, and drinks at this family-friendly event. ⏰ Saturday, June 13, 4-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Kerr Park, Downingtown
🍷 Kennett Summerfest: Sample sips from over a dozen local and regional wineries, cideries, and meaderies at this 21-and-over event. There will also be music, vendors, and food to purchase. Non-alcohol tickets are also available. ⏰ Sunday, June 14, 2-6 p.m. 💵 $46.35-$103 📍 100 block of South Broad Street, Kennett Square
The home’s family room features vaulted ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.Paul Ingram/PCI-Pro | Courtesy of The Stagliano Team
A three-bedroom carriage house-style home in a converted farmhouse that dates back to the 1850s is on the market for the first time. Part of the Greenbank Cottages, the home is located in what was once the defunct Upattinas School that was converted into five residences. This one spans three levels and has stone on the interior and exterior. The main level features a living room with 30-foot ceilings anchored by a stone fireplace, original beams, and several chandeliers. Other features include a lounge area with a wet bar, an office, a courtyard, and a primary suite with a built-in closet system. There’s an open house Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
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.
The school board faced pushback recently after one of its members suggested dropping an African American history course requirement amid a budget crunch, which was later withdrawn. Here’s what to know. Also this week, a township resident will become the next artistic director of an area theater, two local spots will be streaming World Cup games, plus, the Radin’s Deli sandwich our reporter loved.
P.S. The Inquirer is launching a new South Jersey morning newsletter next week. Staring Monday, you might see the free daily edition in your inbox. Not already signed up? Get it here. Get to know newsletter editor Taylor Allen and her South Jersey essentials here. And don’t worry, we’ll still be coming to you with Cherry Hill-specific news every week.
Cherry Hill will maintain an African American history course graduation requirement after a board member suggested making it an elective.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Cherry Hill Public Schools will keep its African American history course as is after a school board member suggested dropping it as a graduation requirement amid budget woes.
The suggestion last month to instead make the course an elective got pushback from students and the community alike, ultimately prompting board member Renee Cherfane to withdraw her proposal.
In 2021, Cherry Hill was the first New Jersey district to require such a course for graduation.
Cherry Hill resident Amina Robinson has been named the next artistic director of Theatre Horizon in Norristown. Robinson gained acclaim in 2018 when directing The Color Purple, for which she became the first Black woman to win the Barrymore Award for outstanding direction of a musical. The Inquirer’s Rosa Cartagena spoke with her about the new role and her passion for theater.
World Cup matches are kicking off tomorrow, with local games at Lincoln Financial Field starting Sunday. Don’t have tickets? Soccer Post Cherry Hill will be streaming games on its seven TVs and later this summer it’ll host a youth soccer camp with a mock-World Cup tournament. AMC Theatres on Route 38 will also have viewings of select games with Spanish-language broadcasts.
Applications are open for qualifying residents interested in living in Hampton Square, the newly built affordable housing community at 614 Hampton Rd. Qualifying applicants will be put on a waitlist for 45 available units and then randomly selected. Hampton Square offers studio and two- and three-bedroom units for those with very low, low, and moderate incomes. Applications are due by Aug. 7.
The township has made changes to its household appliances and metal pickups. Starting this week, the township will collect appliance and metal items on Thursdays. Residents must make an appointment for pickup by 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Four people and two dogs were potentially exposed to a rabid bat in a Cherry Hill home recently. On Monday, a state lab confirmed that the bat found was positive for rabies. The dogs were up to date on their vaccines but will be confined for four months.
Heads up for drivers: Work continues on Kresson Road, which will have a partial closure westbound between Springdale and Cropwell Roads from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday. Starting today, Kenilworth Avenue will be closed between Chapel Avenue and Route 38 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday. Cooper Landing Road will also be closed between Georgia Avenue and Route 70 overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday.
Appliances Outlet is hosting a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for its new Cherry Hill location at 1811 Route 70.
The former Cherry Hill Diner, which closed in 2023, was demolished last week to make way for a new car wash. The Courier Post captured photos of it coming down.
🏫 Schools Briefing
As the school year winds down next week, there will be elementary clap-outs on Tuesday and middle school graduations on Wednesday. Next Thursday are the high school graduations, and it’s also the last day of classes for the school year. See the district’s full calendar here.
Cherry Hill Public Library will have a pop-up graduation photo spot set up in the lobby starting tomorrow and running through next Saturday, complete with props.
6abc recently profiled the Domenica Foundation, a South Jersey organization supporting underserved communities, including by providing scholarships for students to attend Catholic schools. The foundation recently celebrated the graduation of its class of 2026 from Camden CatholicHigh School in Cherry Hill. See the segment here.
🍽️ On our Plate
One of the best things an Inquirer reporter ate last week? A hot corned beef sandwich at Radin’s Deli. Kicking it up a notch, reporter Beatrice Forman added chopped liver to the famously massive sandwich at the Evesham Road spot, which she said gave it “multi-dimensional flavors.” She added: “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.”
A new burger joint is now open in Cherry Hill. Located at 906 Route 70, Slap Burger serves smash burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, loaded fries, and milkshakes.
La Cita Authentic Mexican Restaurant is one of the best spots for Mexican food in the state, according to a recent list from NJ.com, which ranked the Marlton Pike eatery No. 13. It’s known for its tacos, but also offers other classics like fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas.
🎳 Things to Do
🎶 Twilight Concert Series: Max Weinberg’s Jukebox, which specializes in old-school tunes, headlines this week’s event. ⏰ Thursday, June 11, 8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cooper River Park Jack Curtis Stadium
🏊♀️ Youth Splash and Dash: Kids ages 7 to 12 can compete in three age-specific divisions in this running and swimming competition. ⏰ Sunday, June 14, 1-3 p.m. 💵 $32.80 📍 Katz JCC
🗓️ VinChelle’s Juneteenth Celebration: The drag show ahead of the holiday will celebrate Black culture. ⏰ Sunday, June 14, 2:30-5 p.m. 💵 $19.03 📍 Vera
The home has a covered front porch and a two-car garage.Virtual Vista | Courtesy of Jackie DiAntonio/Keller Williams – Main Street
Located in the Springdale neighborhood, this four-bedroom home has multi-level living thanks to its layout. The main level features a foyer, living room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There are four bedrooms on the upper level, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, while the lower level has a family room with a brick fireplace, a full bathroom, and a bonus room. There’s also a finished basement and a fenced backyard.
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.
In the aftermath of his trade to the New England Patriots, A.J. Brown reportedly returned to the Eagles facility to collect a few personal items, bid farewell to a few of the staff, then left his mark on the wall under his Pro Bowl picture.
It’s reported that Brown wrote: “The best to ever play here. Always open.”
Now, before we shrug it off as preposterous, let’s put it in perspective. Brown did finish with over 5,000 receiving yards, 32 touchdowns, was picked for a pair of Pro Bowls, and was an All-Pro three times.
But the best there ever was? No. Not at least statistically, anyway.
We know because Inquirer writer Gabriela Carroll dove into data, taking a look at things like total yards, total receptions, total touchdowns, and more to see where Brown stacked up on the Eagles’ all-time list. You’d be surprised where he landed.
It’s what we’re leading off with on this Wednesday. Speaking of football, by the time you read this know that we are about 24 hours away from the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup. From where to watch to what to know, check out our latest coverage right here.
We’re looking at clouds that might send in some much-needed scattered showers across the region, with temperatures hovering in the mid-80s today.
Shane Victorino, and wife Melissa celebrate the Nicetown Boys & Girls Club in 2011. In 2026, it’s undergoing another massive update as part of MLB All-Star game.Philadelphia Daily News
Next month in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star Classic coming to Philadelphia, the Boys & Girls Club in Nicetown is getting a much-needed face-lift. The organization got one in 2011 after former Phillies shortstop Shane Victorino offered a generous gift, but on July 11, MLB Together, a philanthropic arm of the league, is coming in to clean up with more than 100 volunteers.
“We’ll be rolling up our sleeves and painting the teen room, putting together some new furniture, decorating, and doing some internal work, in addition to some external work,” said April Brown, MLB’s senior vice president of social responsibility. “Some planting and some weeding and taking care of the baseball field, which is literally across the street from the Boys & Girls Club.” Inquirer writer Mia Messina has more on the MLB’s plan of attack.
Lincoln Financial Field, known as “Philadelphia Stadium,” is all set ahead of the start of Sunday’s World Cup opener in Philadelphia between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Kerith Gabriel
Goalie wars: With days before the start of the World Cup for the U.S. men’s national team, there’s still no guarantee that Wayne native Matt Freese is the No. 1.
Bait and switch: The Iranian soccer federation claims FIFA has revoked tickets for its three group stage World Cup matches in the United States.
Soccer spirit: From city bars burning the midnight oil, to kid-friendly beer gardens, here’s a look at some of the best places to feel World Cup vibes.
Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts’ jerseys ranked inside the top 10 for the second year in a row.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
For the second year in a row, the Eagles running back Saquon Barkley boasts the No. 1 selling jersey on the team and is in the Top 10 in jersey and merchandise sales in the league, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Check this out for the complete list of league leaders in the selling swag department.
In more pressing news, Inquirer’s Jeff McLane offered his observations of yesterday’s minicamp practice, which revealed the offense still has some meshing to do.
Jameer Nelson (left) new Sixers executive vice president of basketball operations talks with Tad Brown (right), CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment following Mike Gansey’s introductory press conference on Monday.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Jameer Nelson wanted to remain in the Sixers front office. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was determined to keep him. Now, after elevating Nelson as vice president, the two are paired to reinvigorate the Sixers — together.
Nelson’s understanding of the current roster, the city’s passionate fan base, and media scrutiny is invaluable, says Bob Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Myers added that Nelson “has that equity with our players and the community.”
Ahead of Thursday’s opening match, join Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin for Soccer Extra!, our monthlong Gameday Central weekly pop-up dedicated to all things World Cup. The first episode kicks off tomorrow at 11 a.m. Watch here.
On this date
June 9, 1974: Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt hits a ball off the roof of the Houston Astrodome, hitting the public address speakers. Which is just insane.
[Donald] Trump always seeks to steal the shine from winners, and the Knicks, fueled by NCAA champs Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, were winning like nobody’s business … He’d wanted to sit with Spike Lee and Larry David courtside, but the Secret Service (and perhaps his more sane advisers) persuaded him to retreat to a suite. There, in the shadows, he rested as the streak ended, a 115-111 downer in Game 3. — Columnist Marcus Hayes looks at the trouble Donald Trump caused as the first active president to attend an NBA playoff game.
What you’re saying about the Phillies
We asked: The Phillies have several candidates who could make the All-Star team. Who do you hope to see get picked and why?
As the host city, there are four obvious selections: Christopher Sanchez (wins, ERA), Jhoan Duran (saves), Kyle Schwarber (HRs), and Brandon Marsh (batting). Each is among the league leaders in their respective categories. An argument could be made for Bryce Harper, a fan favorite.— Bob C.
Here’s my short list: Don Mattingly as coach, Brandon Marsh, Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Christopher Sanchez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jhoan Duran. Can you imagine what his introduction will look like at night when the whole world is watching? Even for one batter. One batter will be enough. — Ronald R.
[Cristopher] Sánchez, [Zack] Wheeler and [Kyle] Schwarber. — Ronald R.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Marcus Hayes, Jeff McLane, Jonathan Tannenwald, Gina Mizell, Lisa Carlin, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Beatrice Forman, and Henry Savage.
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 your Wednesday. Here’s hoping we made you a little more informed or at least provided an ice breaker in your virtual meeting. Catch you soon. — Kerith
This should be a moment for sports fans to be insanely happy. The finals are underway in both the NHL and NBA, and the matchups and the games so far have never been more compelling. Soccer’s World Cup — always the greatest show on earth — starts Thursday (see below). Yet, something seems off. If you wanted to attend Monday night’s Knicks-Spurs Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, it would have cost about $4,500 — not courtside, but in the last row. Equally insane and opaque ticket pricing has ruined the World Cup for many fans. Sports are supposed to be an escape from life’s problems, not a PowerPoint demonstration of them.
Orange-clad Ivorians bring soccer joy to a World Cup tune-up in Chester
Fans of the Côte d’Ivoire national soccer team erupt in cheers during their team’s 2-0 friendly match win over the Philadelphia Union II squad at Subaru Park in Chester on June 8, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Will Bunch
The cosmic vibes were not great Monday night. On the car radio, the news brought a new cycle of bombs dropping across the Middle East, and yet another onscreen meltdown from an American president who is stumbling toward his 80th birthday in confused anger. Reports from the eve of the much-anticipated return of soccer’s World Cup to North America were less about the game and more about U.S. immigration outrages, including a Somali referee turned away at the airport.
Then at about 6:59 p.m., I walked through a long tunnel in suburban Chester and into an undulating orange sea of pure joy.
On the green soccer pitch of Subaru Park, the national team from Côte d’Ivoire lined up in rapt attention as “L’Abidjanaise,” the national anthem of the West African nation, blared from a loudspeaker. But in the stands, fans wearing their native country’s iconic orange jerseys could not sit still, laughing and waving their cell phones, confirming with videos that their heroes were actually here, on U.S. soil.
For a you-can’t-beat-it ticket price of zero dollars, in a year of maximum sports greed, members of an African diaspora scattered along the Eastern Seaboard had driven up or down I-95 for hours to watch Côte d’Ivoire — also known by the anglicized Ivory Coast — easily win its World Cup tune-up match against the young American prospects of the Philadelphia Union II, 2-0.
Fatim Toure, 27, in her Côte d’Ivoire jersey, and her 26-year-old sister, Ferima, wearing her headwrap like many female fans at the stadium, had driven down from North Jersey to see the match, and were now beaming as they watched the kickoff from the tunnel as the sun set on a crisp, perfect June evening.
Fatim said the sisters “were filled with nationalism and pride, so we’re excited to see how it goes.”
The cheerfulness of the Côte d’Ivoire faithful who turned the 18,500-seat stadium bright orange — drowning out scattered dots of Philadelphians in the Union blue of the regular home squad — was infectious. It was truly what the world needs now.
Soccer fans like me have been waiting since 1994 with patience, then anticipation, and finally something bordering on dread for the World Cup — Planet Earth’s ultimate sporting event — to finally return to U.S. grass. With the opener in Mexico City (75% of the matches are in the United States, with the rest in Canada and Mexico) slated for Thursday, news about the World Cup and soccer’s corrupt, authoritarian-loving governing body, FIFA, has been dominated by grim headlines.
Indeed, the political rise of Trump — the stuff of cartoon satire not long after the first World Cup matches were played here 32 years ago — and his hostile border regime have sparked the greatest angst, and on the eve of the kickoff, these fears are coming true.
Top soccer referee Omar Artan from the African nation of Somalia was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday, denied the pinnacle of his profession by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents for reasons still unknown. The star striker for the Swiss national squad was also initially denied entry (since reversed), while a star player from Iraq was interrogated for hours.
Players from Iran — the nation Trump decided to bomb back in late February and is still engaged in a murky war — are going ahead with matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, but U.S. officials are forcing them to immediately return to their base camp over the Mexican border in Tijuana and not stay here overnight.
Côte d’Ivoire, an ethnic melting pot of 32 million people on Africa’s Atlantic coast where French is the official language, hasn’t been immune to the xenophobic U.S. turn on immigration. The nation is one of several under a restrictive travel ban by the Trump regime, and efforts to allow visas for some soccer fans have been plagued by confusion, including a $15,000 bond that was announced, then canceled.
While Monday’s free friendly match was a gleeful coming-out party for a diaspora that’s rooted in East Coast urban neighborhoods such as Southwest Philadelphia, most acknowledged that fans back in their native Côte d’Ivoire, where soccer is the national obsession, could never afford the cost of coming here — or the risk.
“The ICE situation has killed the entire momentum of the World Cup,” a Liberian-born woman from Southwest Philly, who said she came out to support her African neighbors, told me. “America could have used this to boost the economy and generate income, but because of the whole ICE situation, a lot of people are afraid to come.”
No World Cup squad will be more deeply tied to Philadelphia than Côte d’Ivoire, which plays two of its three matches at the temporarily unbranded Lincoln Financial Field, starting against Ecuador on Sunday night. The team is training in Chester at the Union’s facilities and staying in Delaware. But with the cheapest tickets on StubHub for that Ecuador showdown starting at $836, few whom I spoke with will be attending the matches that actually count for Côte d’Ivoire’s long-shot dream of becoming the first African nation to win the World Cup.
“I wish, but I couldn’t get any tickets, unfortunately — it was too expensive,” Audrey Yao, a 32-year-old Ivorian American researcher from the University of North Carolina who was visiting Philly from Chapel Hill, told me. “So the opportunity to see the team today — that’s why I’m here.“
For many Ivorians, Monday’s free friendly was essentially their World Cup, and they partied accordingly — swaying and gyrating to piped-in African Zouglou music between breaks, and celebrating wildly as keeper Alban Lafont stopped a penalty kick for Les Éléphants against rising young Union star Cavan Sullivan.
As a die-hard — emphasis on the word die — Union supporter for their 16-year tortured history, I’ve seen some great matches in Chester, but I’ve never had so much fun.
Monday night wasn’t just how the World Cup should have, could have been. It was very much the way America is supposed to be — with people who were proud and happy to be here, with one foot still planted in their bright-orange African heritage as they lived and breathed that Philadelphia freedom, with no masked goon squads there to hassle them.
By the setting-sunlit banks of the Delaware River, there was no U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, no need to raid the ATM, no bad news from outside the stadium walls. Just 90 minutes of the Beautiful Game.
Yo, do this!
Don’t expect a lot of high-class book or film reviews this month, as my waking nonwork hours are devoted to watching the World Cup. Three games to circle this week are Thursday afternoon’s opening match in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m., Fox); the first U.S. match against Paraguay in Los Angeles Friday night (9 p.m., Fox); and Philadelphia’s first contest between Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador Sunday night at 7 p.m. on FS1, or in person at “Philadelphia Stadium” if you can spare the cash.
What if the biggest story of our time isn’t Trump’s outbursts, or even the World Cup — but the growing inability of our young people to sit down and read a book from cover to cover? The latest installment in this genre comes from university professor Tyler Jagt in a searing essay for the Chronicle of Higher Education: “My Students Can’t Read.” Is the culprit the smartphone and now AI, or the lost COVID-19 years, or the teach-to-the-test dictates of the Common Core curriculum? There’s a strong case for “All of the Above.”
Ask me anything
Question: You recently wrote about data centers. Have there been any groups who have successfully gotten data center plans aborted? What do you think are the most effective ways for communities to fight back? — @silvermoonfafo.bsky.social via Bluesky
Answer: There are already signs that the backlash against these massive, noisy, energy-and-water-sucking data centers powering the artificial intelligence revolution is becoming one of the most successful grassroots movements in American history. I wrote this spring about how everyday folks in rural Montour County, Pa., successfully blocked an Amazon-backed site that started with a lot of support from elected officials. How’d they do it? I wish there was some big secret, but basically it was: showing up. They organized petitions and got big crowds to speak at county commission and zoning board meetings, and the politicians had little choice but to listen. They have money, but we have people. Never forget that.
What you’re saying about …
Well, you won’t know it from today’s soccer-heavy newsletter, but not all readers share my deep passion for the Beautiful Game. Most questions that aren’t some variation on how much do you hate Donald Trump, or John Fetterman, or the media get low responses, but my World Cup question about a favorite team besides the U.S. set a record for reader nonparticipation. Andrew Ross is rooting for Portugal because he moved there from Philly three years ago (and we are all jealous). Weekly correspondent Mary Ann Petro isn’t rooting for anyone and hopes the Yanks “go down in flames.” I’m rooting for the U.S. and Côte d’Ivoire, but you knew this.
📮 This week’s question: Few things are more outrageous these days than Donald Trump’s expensive desecration of Washington, starting with that $1 billion-or-whatever proposed ballroom at the White House. So what happens to the ballroom when the good guys retake power? Tear the whole thing down, or blow it up on national television? Or repurpose it as a community health center or midnight basketball court, or something else? Please email me your answer, and please put “Ballroom future” in the subject line.
Backstory on how an LA mayor’s race could blow up America
Everything about the doomed bid of a B-list reality-TV star, Spencer Pratt, to become a Republican mayor in the ultra-liberal enclave of Los Angeles has been utterly predictable. That includes his campaign that was big on the kind of social media stunts that an entertainment-oriented LA media loved, and short on substantive ideas for a city with big problems that are both chronic (its incurable homelessness) and acute (violent immigration raids, the 2025 wildfires). It also includes the fact that Pratt wasn’t likely to get more than the roughly 27% his highest-profile fan, Donald Trump, received in 2024 from America’s second-largest city.
And now the least surprising thing of all: The right-wing conspiracy theories that Pratt’s apparent defeat by two Democratic women of color — incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and progressive upstart Nithya Raman — is their long-sought proof of massive voter fraud, after Pratt had started the lengthy vote counting in second place.
It’s not just the usual loudmouths on X. Trump is taking the lead role, again, in spreading election lies, telling Kristen Welker of NBC’s Meet the Press in their now-notorious Wisconsin interview that the California voting was rife with fraud, and, when asked for any proof, blurted angrily: “No, they’re crooked … Just like you’re crooked.” When House Speaker Mike Johnson was asked about these lies on Capitol Hill, he only amplified them, stating that “everybody knows instinctively that something is wrong.” No proof, just “instincts.” Trump’s handpicked and apparently incompetent top prosecutor for Southern California is now threatening an investigation.
Here’s the thing. California’s elections are among the most democratic and inclusive in America. There is extensive opportunity for the convenience of mail-in voting, and voters are allowed to send these ballots right up until Election Day. Local officials then have up to 30 days to meticulously count all the votes. That means a) it takes longer to declare a winner in California than anywhere else, and b) it unexpectedly turns out there are significant differences between who votes by mail instead of in-person, and the shape of the race can change dramatically from election night to the end of the lengthy counting. To today’s GOP, any fair and measured vote-counting must be a conspiracy.
Why does it matter? Pratt loses and — according to some reports — moves out of LA. End of story, right? Not exactly. We don’t know yet what ridiculous claims California’s train wreck federal prosecutor will make about supposed election fraud, but it’s almost guaranteed that the Trump regime is looking to make California the bogus argument for extreme measures to influence the general election in November.
Sending in troops? Seizing election machines? Invalidating results? It will all be on the table for Team MAGA in November, and the fact that the former bad boy from MTV’s The Hills couldn’t get elected mayor of one of the nation’s most diverse and liberal cities will be cited as a reason. Spencer Pratt has landed a starring role in the worst reality show ever.
What I wrote on this date in 2023
Even though it was only three short years ago, memories of this week in early June back in 2023 are a little foggy — because the skies here in Philadelphia and around the Eastern Seaboard were filled with suffocating, thick smoky haze from wildfires up in Canada. Before digging up my column, I’d forgotten that a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park was canceled because of the horrendous air quality. I wrote: “In a perfect world, [President Joe] Biden would have donned an N-95 mask Wednesday and spoken in front of the orange blur of the Statue of Liberty to declare unconditional war on fossil fuels.”
I’ve never had so many column ideas swirling around in my head as this chaotic start to the summer of 2026. Last week’s Sunday column looked at the openly fascist coming-out party for the former U.S. chief immigration raider Greg Bovino, who attended a European white supremacist conference. I said it matters a lot that he is now screaming the not-that-quiet part about U.S. xenophobia out loud. I shifted gears over the weekend and wrote about the growing panic of U.S. elites over grassroots opposition to data centers, which has sparked bizarre accusations of Chinese influence, as well as spying on activists by some police agencies. The 1 Percent can’t admit it’s really the noise pollution and higher electric bills.
Wrapping up this week’s theme in a bow, I have to say I’ve been blown away both by the quality and the quantity of The Inquirer’s coverage of the World Cup, which has truly matched, if not surpassed, some of the national outlets. Lead writer Jonathan Tannenwald, with a well-deserved reputation as one of the nation’s top soccer journalists, has been following the U.S. team in its Georgia training and at its warmup matches, profiling key American players like its star Christian Pulisic, and filing other human interest stories like a Penn soccer standout who’ll be taking the pitch for Haiti. Other Inquirer writers have contributed with in-depth features about everything from the role the late Tug McGraw’s widow played in bringing soccer to Philadelphia, to the storied history of the cinder (ouch!) pitch in Fishtown that brought Philly “attytood” to the sport’s slow rise here. That’s not to mention the comprehensive guide we published earlier this year. You won’t be able to read all this without a subscription, so now is the time to finally sign up. And let the games begin.
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.
Five years later, the board has debated whether the course should be dropped as a requirement in light of budget problems in the largest South Jersey school system.
And while officials have assured the community that the course will remain part of the curriculum, the debate highlights the difficult choices that districts are facing during a tough budget year.
If you want to keep it super local, sign up herefor our weekly Cherry Hill newsletter, which is a free and easy-to-read guide to everything from local headlines to weekend plans.
And next week we’re launching a daily South-Jersey-centric newsletter that is part of our expanded reporting across the region. Sign up here.
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal announced a major restructuring of her office to reduce a problem she previously claimed she’d fixed. Some details aren’t public.
Fifteen people were arrested on Sunday during Pride events in the Gayborhood, officials said. The policeresponse drew criticism from residents over how crowd control was handled.
District Attorney Larry Krasner publicly criticized Mayor Cherelle Parker on Monday over what he said was an inadequate budget. Krasner’s televised appeal came as rumors swirl that he may run for mayor next year.
The Bucks County district attorney has sued the makers of Roblox, which he said had allowed sexual predators to exploit children.
A body believed to be that of a swimmer who went missing in the Delaware River was found by police after it washed ashore on Monday in Palmyra Township, Burlington County.
Former President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance at the annual Stonewall Awards in Philadelphia on Sunday, delivering a 20-minute speech to a packed crowd in Center City.
FIFA Fan Festopens Thursday and will feature music, food, shopping, and a showing of World Cup games. There will also be transportation headaches.
Quote of the day
After 50 years of service, this Old City Italian restaurant remains a retro experience. It’s still a unique and worthy place to dine, restaurant critic Craig LaBan writes.
🧠Trivia time
What famous boy band member was recently in Delaware and ate at a Craig LaBan-approved restaurant?
🎶 Harmonizing. Some Main Line dads started getting together in the ’90s to do some old-fashioned harmonizing. Their fanbase is now international.
🎭 Recognizing. Amina Robinson made history as the first Black woman to win a Barrymore for directing a musical. And now she’s going to lead Theatre Horizon.
Translating. The colorful markings on Philly-area streets and sidewalks might look like gibberish, but they are the language of utility companies.
🏀 Cautiously optimistic about: In his first news conference since taking the Sixers’ top job, Mike Gansey didn’t sound like he planned on undertaking a major roster overhaul.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: What store recently ditched an unpopular section.
Cheers to Matthew Zipin, who solved Monday’s anagram: Haverford College. Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges have long had a partnership that allows students on both campuses to take classes at the other.
Photo of the day
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro held a news conference in the newest building at the Urban Outfitters campus in the Navy Yard on Monday.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer
Urban Outfitters says it plans to hire 1,000 workers in the Philly region. Most will be added at a new distribution site in the suburbs.
👋 Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Paola Pérez has you covered tomorrow.
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Forget trust the process. For the Sixers, it’s about finding a solution, and Jameer Nelson wants to be part of it.
Nelson reportedly was the primary internal candidate for the president of basketball operations job that went to Mike Gansey. Instead, the Chester native and former St. Joseph’s star was promoted from assistant general manager to executive vice president of basketball operations.
Nelson’s understanding of the current roster, city’s passionate fan base, and media scrutiny is valuable. In past years, he has received job interest from other teams, but he feels “responsibility to help this organization move forward.”
Gansey intends to do the same.
He doesn’t plan on undertaking a major roster overhaul, but rather maximize Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George in the short term. However, it’s no secret that getting those stars on the floor at the same time is easier said than done.
Gansey said the Sixers are not championship caliber as it stands, but he’s looking to bring in players to build that roster.
Don Mattingly was the Blue Jays’ bench coach for three years and took the same role with the Phillies this offseason. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
Don Mattingly was back in Rogers Centre for the first time since the Blue Jay’s 5-4 loss that cemented the Dodgers as back-to-back World Series champions.
With more than four decades in baseball as a player, manager, and coach, 2025 was Mattingly’s first time being involved in a World Series. He initially planned to retire after stepping away from the Blue Jays as their bench coach this past offseason.
The Flyers draft at No. 21 in the first round and only have five draft picks, so they were busy evaluating prospects at last week’s combine.Jeffrey T. Barnes
General manager Danny Brière met with 50 players at the NHL scouting combine, including Blake Zielinski, a native of Berlin, Camden County, who grew up a diehard Flyers fan.
The Flyers have just five picks over seven rounds in the draft, and while the prospects met with front office staff and went through the gauntlet of fitness testing, the week in Western New York also is a chance for general managers to chat with each other and agents.
Here’s some key notes to know about the Flyers’ free agency, who they met, and more.
Christian Pulisic made his United States men’s national team debut about ten years ago.Scott Kinser
Ten years ago, Christian Pulisic, who was born in Hershey, came to Philadelphia as a U.S. men’s national team player during the Copa América Centenario. He’s now on the cusp of one of soccer’s rarest privileges: playing in a World Cup on home soil.
The 27-year-old star is still very much an American poster boy — even as the sport has grown so much that he’s no longer the only one. Though, his age is a soccer player’s prime, and it’s right on time for the biggest stage of his life.
Mike Gansey helped oversee some good, old-fashioned roster building in Cleveland. Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Gansey’s first news conference as the Sixers president of basketball operations offered little detail about the team’s path forward. All of this was to be expected.
Sam Hinkie’s biggest problem wasn’t The Process itself. It was his explicit acknowledgment of it. Daryl Morey was ultimately defined by his unabashed and steadfast belief in the power of veteran superstars rather than his draft night successes.
We asked: What game or team are you looking forward to watching in the World Cup? Among your responses:
Spain — if Lamine Yamal is healthy, this is their year. — Richard V.
Of course, it’ll be Team USA, with its four Union homeboys, but I’ll also be following Harry Kane and England, as well as France, the team I think will win, and Curaçao, because why not? — Joel G.
USA all the way. The deepest run they have made in the modern era was the quarterfinals in 2002 24 years ago. Can they do it? I will have to ask my Jr. College Hall of Fame soccer coach friend Mike. — Everett S.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jackie Spiegel, Conor Smith, and Owen Hewitt.
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 spending another morning with me. Have a terrific Tuesday. — Bella
Hi everyone! Happy Monday. The warm weather persists with highs nearing 80 degrees today.
Some Democrats who watched Chris Rabb notch one of the left’s biggest wins in Pennsylvania see an opportunity to boost a progressive in the 2028 Senate primary. Others say that’s a tall task in the swing state.
The euphoria at Chris Rabb’s election night party last month hadn’t even started to wane before the democratic socialist and his supporters — dancing and hugging after capturing a rarely open Philadelphia seat in Congress — spoke of setting their sights even higher.
With the 2026 Pennsylvania Democratic primary in the rearview mirror, that conversation has broadly and quickly turned to the next biggest prize in the state: The U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat John Fetterman.
The senator has not said whether he will run for a second six-year term in 2028. But in an unusual situation for an high-profile elected official, a robust intraparty competition to replace him is expected to start either way in the next year as Fetterman increasingly sides with Republicans and as polls show that his support among Democratic voters has nose-dived.
In a district packed with Democratic voters, Rabb’s ability to turn out progressive voters should draw the attention of anyone looking to win the state’s Democratic Senate primary in 2028, a strategist said. But campaigning on a far-left — or a far-right — platform doesn’t often equate to success on a statewide level in a swing state like Pennsylvania, some experts say.
Keenya Banks lives in Philadelphia with her husband and the two grandchildren they care for. She has never been to Fishkill in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Yet, that’s where someone spent more than $650 in food assistance benefits for her family at a Sam’s Club in April in an alleged case of EBT skimming, just one of the more than 5,100 cases reported in Pennsylvania between the start of the year and May.
It’s likely Banks used her EBT card in a point-of-sale machine rigged with a device designed to copy her card information and PIN. Someone then applied her EBT information to a different physical card and drained her monthly benefits the next day.
Last May, Pennsylvania launched ConnectEBT, an app that allows people to lock their cards until they are at the checkout line, ready to use them. Some state officials are also eyeing chip EBT cards as a possible way to curb skimming.
What you should know today
President Donald Trump dismissed the idea that launching the war with Iran this year betrayed his refrain of “No new wars” that he made repeatedly as he campaigned again for the White House.
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the UFC fight card on the White House South Lawn with a mixed martial arts show timed for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and as part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Philly Pride 2026 took over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the first time after four years in the Gayborhood, and drew a large crowd.
A 22-year-old Penn State student died after being shot steps away from his home in South Philadelphia on Saturday, police said.
A court ruling in a Chester County case may mean higher stormwater bills in scores of Pennsylvania towns.
Ariel Lajara, a top Philly school official, is leaving the district to be a superintendent in South Jersey.
Quote of the day
The Tonics is a viral, Philly-based a cappella group made up of middle-aged guys in khaki slacks and sensible loafers.
🧠Trivia time
Who did the Sixers just promote to executive vice president of basketball operations?
Cheers to Noreen Gloninger, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Spirit Halloween. A case of the summer scaries hit the Wildwood boardwalk on Friday, courtesy of the folks at Spirit Halloween. Things got weirder than usual.
Photo of the day
Diane Hurst poses for a friend’s photo at Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle during the annual Pride Parade in Philadelphia, Pa. on Sunday, June 7, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
📬 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 reader Ann Hess, who describes the kindness of Philadelphians:
Never underestimate the kindness of Philly strangers…
On a recent Saturday, I was babysitting my 9-year-old grandson, Gabe. We were about to walk to the Fumo Family Library, when I mentioned that I saw the little boy across the street picking up trash in front of his house.
Gabe announced, “I want to pick up trash!” He went down to the basement and came back with a reacher.
Walking back to his house, Gabe was collecting trash and depositing it in a bag using his reacher. A woman was parked along the street, rolled down her window, and asked him, “Are you picking up trash?”
We answered “yes” and she said it was a great idea and thanked him for doing it, “because there’s a lot of trash in the city and we need all the help we can get!“
She said she wanted to give him something for his hard work and asked him to come over to the car window. Gabe walked over and said ”Thank you” to the woman. She said, ”I wanted to thank you for doing this — go buy yourself a water ice!”
It turned out this appreciative stranger had handed him $5!
What an amazing, generous, and kind gesture this stranger offered to another stranger. This is how you Philly.
Gabe collected and filled two small bags of trash from Broad Street to South Warnock on the walk home.
👋 Bye all! Have a great week.
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The World Cup is set to begin later this week, and Philadelphia will host its first match on Sunday. The United States last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup in 1994, and this year marks the first time that Philadelphia is a host city.
But why didn’t Philly welcome the World Cup the last time it was here? Well, it was actually up for consideration, thanks to Diane McGraw.
Before she married Phillies reliever Tug McGraw, Diane led the charge to make Philly and Veterans Stadium a host city for the 1994 World Cup.
Diane, who went from having no interest in sports to living a life full of them, organized celebrity tennis tournaments and national and international sporting events throughout her career. She eventually found herself atop sports and entertainment commissions in four U.S. cities — Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Louisville, Ky,, and Orlando.
But her most fulfilling project was one that never came to be. Now, she feels grateful to have played a small part in the largest sporting event in the world coming to Philly.
Andrew Painter has a 6.21 ERA, 108th among 111 pitchers who have worked at least 55 innings this season.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Sometimes you have to go back to the basics, and for Andrew Painter, that’s as basic as throwing a strike. Eleven starts into his major-league career, Painter has a 6.21 ERA, 108th among 111 pitchers who have worked at least 55 innings this season. It’s not what the Phillies expected from the 23-year-old.
Meanwhile, interim manager Don Mattingly confirmed that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts asked him to join the National League coaching staff.
👕 Wearing: After two years of planning, the U.S. Soccer Federation released its 11X11 World Cup clothing collection in a collaboration with designers from each hosting city.
📖 Reading: James Develin grew up in Gilbertsville, Pa., rooting for the Eagles before defying long odds to play in the NFL with New England. Now he’s selling smoothies down the Shore.
🤔 Wondering: What advice Kyle Schwarber had to offer to Brandon Marsh and how it’s helped him break through against left-handed pitching.
Alexander Command could be available when the Flyers select at No. 21 overall later this month.Jackie Spiegel
Alexander Command, a Swedish center, could be available when the Flyers select at No. 21 overall in the NHL draft on June 26-27. He finished tied for 11th in the peak power output test that concluded the combine for each player. Also, consensus top pick Gavin McKenna was among those who dominated the testing during the final day of the NHL combine.
Haiti midfielder Duke Lacroix grew up in New Egypt, N.J., and played college soccer at Penn.AFP via Getty Images
Fifteen years ago, Markhus “Duke” Lacroix arrived at Penn from New Egypt, N.J. He has spent a decade grinding through a series of lower-division American clubs. Earlier this month, he earned a place on Haiti’s tournament squad.
St. John’s pitcher Liam O’Leary hugs his coach. St. John’s is in the NCAA super regionals against host Alabama.St. John's Athletics
Winding road: Souderton’s Liam O’Leary considered stepping away from baseball. Now, he’s playing in a super regional with St. John’s.
Falling short: West Chester baseball fell into a hole it couldn’t escape in an 8-4 loss in Saturday’s winner-take-all game vs. Tampa in Division II championship series.
A.J. Brown (right) hurt the Eagles financially and limited his one-time close friend Jalen Hurts’ on-field options.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Philadelphians generally seem relieved that A.J. Brown’s diva act no longer will be a distraction for a perennial title contender.
That’s just Brown fatigue. What he has done is no better than what Carson Wentz did five years ago: hamstrung his franchise, dissed the fan base, and hung his teammates out to dry, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Marcus Hayes, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Gina Mizell, Brett Friedlander, and Becca O’Reilly.
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, and thanks for reading. I’ll be back in your inbox with Tuesday’s newsletter. — Bella
