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Tag: Taylor Swift

  • Philly nominees went home empty-handed at the 2026 Emmys, barring a lone ‘Task’ win

    Philly nominees went home empty-handed at the 2026 Emmys, barring a lone ‘Task’ win

    Philadelphia talent was on full display at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Monday night, but only one of the nominated actors, crew members, or shows took home trophies.

    The big, surprise exception was Tom Pelphrey, a Rutgers University alum from Howell Township, N.J., who won for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his performance as Robbie Prendergrast on Season 1 of the Delco-set HBO crime thriller Task.

    “I thank God for my life and my sobriety. I thank my family and my friends for all your love and support all these years, from Emmys to, you know, black box theaters and everything in between,” said Pelphrey in his acceptance speech before thanking Task creators including directors Jeremiah Zagar (son of South Philly mosaicist Isaiah Zagar) and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and fellow cast members Mark Ruffalo, Emilia Jones, and Raúl Castillo.

    Ruffalo was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama for his role as Tom Brandis but lost to Noah Wyle of The Pitt. The Pittsburgh-set emergency room drama received a whopping 25 nominations and took home seven Emmys, including outstanding drama series; Pelphrey beat out three supporting actor nominees from The Pitt for his win.

    Brad Ingelsby, writer/executive producer of “Task” and “Mare of Easttown,” in his office in Berwyn on July 17, 2025. Jessica Griffin / Staff Photographer

    “Thank you to Brad Ingelsby for this incredible role and this opportunity and your friendship. You are an amazing human being. I’m so proud to be your friend,” Pelphrey continued onstage as the camera showed a beaming Ingelsby, the Berwyn-based showrunner. Ingelsby is the writer/executive producer behind Task, which is currently shooting its second season in the Philadelphia area, and the Emmy-winning Mare of Easttown.

    In Task, Pelphrey played a heartfelt but troubled trash collector who begins stealing from drug houses in Philadelphia’s collar counties run by a local motorcycle gang that killed his brother. Starring alongside two-time Emmy winner Ruffalo, Pelphrey was a complicated foil to Ruffalo’s priest-turned-FBI agent who hunted him down. The recognition marks Pelphrey’s first Emmy win after he was previously nominated for outstanding guest actor in a drama in 2022 for his role in Ozark.

    “Brad is desperately insistent upon each individual’s humanity, so every character he writes is justified, in some sense, with a reason why they’re doing everything that they do — and that’s incredible, because usually that stuff gets sacrificed for plot,” Pelphrey told The Inquirer in a 2025 interview.

    Tom Pelphrey accepts the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for “Task” at the Television Academy’s 78th Emmy Awards telecast at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services)AP Photo/Danny Moloshok

    Task received six Emmy nods, including outstanding writing for a drama (recognizing Ingelsby’s heart-wrenching finale), directing, picture editing, and cinematography. The dystopian Apple TV+ show Pluribus won for outstanding writing and picture editing, while the directing trophy went to the British spy show Slow Horses and cinematography went to Spider-Noir.

    Philly’s much-adored Abbott Elementary went into the evening with seven nominations for its fifth season, including West Philly comedian Quinta Brunson’s nod for outstanding lead actress in a comedy and outstanding writing for a comedy and director Randall Einhorn’s nod for his episode shot during a live Phillies game last year (featuring guest star Kyle Schwarber on the historic night when he hit four homers).

    “Abbott Elementary” cast and crew pose with the Phanatic and Phillies player Kyle Schwarber at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 28, 2025.Vaughn C. Page Jr.

    However, the horror-tinged newcomer Widow’s Bay swept nearly all the comedy categories, dominating the stage with a record-breaking 14 wins. Abbott Elementary actors Tyler James Williams and Janelle James were up for outstanding supporting acting in their respective categories but both lost to Widow’s Bay.

    In the acting category, Brunson lost to Jean Smart as the Hacks star made history by becoming the first woman to win lead acting Emmy Awards for every season of a series. Smart’s costar Hannah Einbinder — an avid Eagles fan — was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy, which she won last year but lost this time to Kate O’Flynn for Widow’s Bay.

    Previous two-time Emmy-winner Brunson was briefly in the spotlight when Emmys host and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay asked celebrity attendees about their first jobs.

    “Oh, I was a student dance schoolteacher,” Brunson answered. Fellow West Philly-raised star Colman Domingo, who was nominated for outstanding guest actor in a drama for Euphoria and outstanding supporting actor in a comedy for Tina Fey’s The Four Seasons, also joined in. His first job, he said, was working the fries station at McDonald’s. (Domingo lost the former category to The Pitt and the latter to Widow’s Bay.)

    Tina Fey as Kate and Colman Domingo as Danny in Season 2 of the Netflix comedy series “The Four Seasons.”Emily V. Aragones/Netflix

    To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Villanova-raised actor and Malvern Prep alum David Boreanaz joined star Sarah Michelle Gellar for a reunion moment onstage. The son of famous 6abc weatherman Dave Roberts, Boreanaz played the vampire with a soul Angel and later received his own spinoff show. (He’s also a diehard Philly sports fan.)

    “You know, Sarah, I always thought that Buffy and Angel would end up together,” Boreanaz said as the pair reflected on the groundbreaking show. “Well, I guess we won’t find out,” Gellar replied in a pointed critique of the recent cancellation of the Buffy reboot that had been in the works.

    Actor David Boreanaz, wearing a Randall Cunningham jersey, and his son, Jaden, in a Saquon Barkley jersey, at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.Courtesy of David Boreanaz

    Ahead of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences hosted the Creative Arts Emmys in two events honoring artists behind the scenes in technical categories. Winners from those ceremonies included South Philly comedian Rob Mac — the showrunner behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia — whose FX show Welcome to Wrexham won for outstanding sound mixing for a reality program. (It was also nominated for outstanding picture editing and outstanding unstructured reality program.)

    Bucks County pop star Sabrina Carpenter also won during the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month for performing in and executive producing the 50th anniversary special of The Muppet Show, which earned a gold statue for outstanding variety special (prerecorded) — putting her halfway to EGOT status.

    Another Philadelphia-connected nominee was Tires, the Shane Gillis-led Netflix comedy recognized for outstanding sound mixing for a half-hour comedy or drama; the trophy went to Widow’s Bay.

    At Monday night’s ceremony, one more Pennsylvania celebrity made a cameo: Superstar singer Taylor Swift, who grew up in Reading was not in attendance, but appeared in a prerecorded skit with Hargitay spoofing Law & Order along with Swift’s cat, named for Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson.

  • Jason Kelce offers his take on the Eagles, his brother Travis opens up about his wedding to Taylor Swift, and more from ‘New Heights’

    Jason Kelce offers his take on the Eagles, his brother Travis opens up about his wedding to Taylor Swift, and more from ‘New Heights’

    With the start of another NFL season comes the start of a new season for the New Heights podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce.

    The brothers returned after a short break to discuss the upcoming football season and what they’ve seen in the preseason for the Chiefs, the Eagles, and other teams around the league.

    But before they got into ball, the brothers shared what they did this summer, from Jason’s college hall of fame induction to Travis’ July 3 wedding to Taylor Swift.

    A busy offseason

    After over a month without any details or photos from the couple about their Madison Square Garden wedding, Travis opened up a little about what he called the “biggest night of both our lives.”

    While Travis gave a comment during a press conference at the Chiefs training camp in August, the podcast episode marks the first time Travis or Taylor shared notable details.

    “It’s a night we’ll never forget,” said Travis, the Chiefs’ veteran tight end. “Me and Taylor are so thankful for everybody that showed up, from the vows to seeing everyone to how much fun we had throughout the entire evening to hearing that kind of be relayed through everybody’s stories of the night. It was just so magical, man, and I wish it could have lasted even longer than it did. It feels like it just happened in the blink of an eye.”

    He went on to offer his gratitude to the people who made the event possible at a place where they “could have a very intimate and genuine setting without a lot of distractions,” and give them the “private feel” they wanted and needed.

    As for Jason, some of his big news for the summer came on Aug. 13, when he was announced as a member of the Cincinnati athletics’ 50th anniversary Hall of Fame class, alongside his former college and NFL teammate, Connor Barwin, who’s now the Eagles’ head of football development and strategy.

    “Part of an awesome class, obviously incredibly honored that Cincinnati would adorn me with this honor into the hall of fame class,” said Jason, who was the Eagles’ center for 13 seasons. “It feels a little odd knowing that I was a walk-on two-time conference second-team selection.”

    Eagles insider

    Jason’s summer also included a few visits to Eagles training camp at Jefferson Health Training Facility.

    Jason spoke at length about 5-foot-11 offensive lineman Willie Lampkin. Despite being the smallest lineman in the NFL, Jason observed that he is “stout” and plays “at a high level every time he gets an opportunity.”

    Jason Kelce had good things to say about Eagles center Willie Lampkin ahead of the season. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    “I just love that he’s a Philadelphia Eagle because I think he represents what being an Eagle is, why it’s important and why it’s awesome,” Jason said.

    He also said his former teammate, star tackle Lane Johnson, finally is getting some much-deserved recognition for his NFL dominance.

    Willie Lampkin made his name as a wrestling champion. For his next act, he’s become one of the Eagles’ best camp stories.

    Johnson has announced that he expects this to be his last season, but Jason said you can never be sure, depending on the success Johnson could have this season and how he feels at the end of it.

    “If you look at every metric and being on an island, dropback pass, how long a quarterback holds on to the ball, all that stuff, nobody’s really done it at a better level from a pass protection standpoint than Lane Johnson,” Jason said.

    Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon is a guy that Jason Kelce urges people not to immediately write off because of his injuries. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Jason’s compliments extended to the Eagles “depth at the receiver position,” including the surprising Dontayvion Wicks, while giving grace to rookie Makai Lemon, who struggled in his preseason debut, coming off a hamstring strain. He offered some choice words to those who are already starting to write off Lemon.

    “He didn’t even practice for all the training camp,” Jason said. “Let the kid have a [expletive] season.”

    Eagles WR coach believes Makai Lemon has ‘done a great job’ despite a slow start to his career

    Assessing the Chiefs

    Aside from the Eagles, the team that received the bulk of their focus was Travis’ Chiefs.

    Returning for his 14th season with Kansas City, Travis touched on training camp in St. Joseph, Mo.

    “I think as I get older in my career I really appreciate the fact that I did take those three weeks every single year just to focus on that and to be around those guys and to really just dive in and be all in on what we’re about to endure together,” Travis said.

    While Travis was focused on the team-building, Jason was more interested in learning about the state of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off a left knee injury.

    Travis Kelce talked about preparing for his 14th season in Kansas City and his marriage to pop star Taylor Swift. Charlie Riedel

    Travis said that Mahomes has been “awesome” in training camp, but thinks it’s going to take actually being in a game for him to reacclimate and get comfortable again.

    After seeing Mahomes’ frustration in dealing with the injury and his determination to return to the field, Travis said it’s “a huge reason” that he returned for the season when contemplating retirement.

    “I know that guy. I want to be there for that guy in every aspect of the game,” Travis said. “I think that’s exciting coming into this year. We get a fresh start and we’re a motivated group.”

    Whether or not Mahomes plays Week 1 when the Chiefs face the Broncos on Monday Night Football, remains to be seen.

    “That’s a good question,” Travis said. “I might have to ask that question. I don’t know.”

    n Gift Share The Cowboys aren’t any closer to contending. But are they closer to the Eagles? | Opinion
  • Caitlin Clark unveils Taylor Swift friendship bracelet-inspired shoes — but they won’t be on sale for a while

    Caitlin Clark unveils Taylor Swift friendship bracelet-inspired shoes — but they won’t be on sale for a while

    Friendship bracelets have become a concert tradition for Taylor Swift fans. During concerts, Swifties arrive with stacks of beaded bracelets decorating their wrists to trade with other fans in attendance. The bracelets themselves feature colorful beads, different song titles, and other personal touches.

    It’s a movement that has been going on since March 2023 when the Eras Tour began. And now, Caitlin Clark is bringing that tradition to the basketball court with her new Swift-inspired “Friendship Bracelet” colorway.

    Clark debuted the sneakers during Indiana Fever practice, giving fans a closer look at the newest colorway for her Nike Caitlin 1 signature shoe.

    The sneaker features colorful beads worked into the fuzzy rope laces that spell out “CC 22,” a beads graphic is printed in the insole, and there’s an off-white upper with pastel color undertones completing the look.

    LeBron James unveils new signature shoe ahead of 24th NBA season and Sixers debut

    Earlier this month, the three-time WNBA All-Star already teased that she had a “couple of versions” that Swift may like. It should come as no surprise that Clark would pay homage to the music star, being the ultimate Swiftie herself and becoming close friends with the pop star. She’s even been spotted hanging out with the Berks Co. native, who married Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce earlier this summer, at Kelce’s games.

    Clark debuted her signature sneaker this season and has already revealed over 10 different colorways, including the “Racer Blue,” “Yellow Zest,” and “University of Iowa.”

    The “Friendship Bracelet” colorway is expected to drop on Feb. 24, 2027.

  • Shakira, Tim McGraw, Jill Scott, and Connor Barwin’s Make the World Better concerts are highlights of a busy Philly music weekend

    Shakira, Tim McGraw, Jill Scott, and Connor Barwin’s Make the World Better concerts are highlights of a busy Philly music weekend

    Philly music this week features Connor Barwin’s Make the World Better Concert Weekend at the Dell, four nights with Jill Scott at the Met, Tim McGraw in Camden, Shakira in Atlantic City, the Disco Biscuits in King of Prussia, and Shinedown in South Philly. And more.

    Thursday, July 23

    Man Man

    Philly-born and Los Angeles-based experimental rock band Man Man — fronted by Ryan Kattner, who performs as Honus Honus — is playing a hometown show. Man Man’s most recent album, Carrot on Strings, came out in 2024, but the band has a new single, “So It Goes,” that found its audience through the video game Cyberpunk 2077. Also, Kattner — who has two children with Crazy Rich Asians actress Constance Wu — plays an undead bass player in the AMC series The Vampire Chronicles. Death Valley Girls opens. 8:30 p.m., Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., undergroundarts.org

    Tim McGraw is playing the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on Thursday.Courtesy of the Artist

    Tim McGraw

    Did Tim McGraw perform at Taylor Swift’s wedding? And if he did, did he sing “Tim McGraw”? We don’t know because, remarkably, the omertà code of silence remains intact about what happened during the Swift-Travis Kelce nuptials. We do know, however, that the country star will be singing in Camden, and along with including his recent singles “Pawn Shop Guitar” and “Song for America,” he will probably wear a Phillies jersey in honor of his famous father, Tug. 8 p.m., Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Place, Camden, freedommortgagepavilion.com.

    Brent Smith and Zach Meyers of Shinedown perform during the Pierre Robert Show of Life concert on Dec. 17, 2025, at the Fillmore. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/CAIN IMAGES for WMMR)William Thomas Cain/CAIN IMAGES for WMMR

    Shinedown

    Shinedown singer Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers performed as a duo in December at the Fillmore memorial concert for Pierre Robert. So now that they’re coming back with their bandmates Barry Kerch and Eric Bass on tour for their new album, Eight, expect a tribute to the beloved Philly DJ. Coheed and Cambria, From Ashes to New, and DJ Rock Feed open. 8 p.m., Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad St., xfinitymobilearena.com

    Anthony Hamilton

    Before the Make the World Better Concert Weekend rolls in to the Dell, one of the highlights of the Strawberry Mansion venue’s R&B series arrives. Rough-and-ready North Carolina vocalist Anthony Hamilton was raised in the Black church and has brought spiritual ardor to his secular music over a 30-year career. Joe and Jon B open. 7 p.m., Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, dellmusiccenter.com

    Preservation Hall Jazz Band

    Under the direction of Philly-connected sousaphonist Ben Jaffe, New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings the bon temps while always respecting Crescent City tradition. Expect this show to be a lively tribute to Ronell Johnson, the band’s trombonist who died in June at age 49. Meters bassist George Porter & the Runnin’ Pardners and John Papa Gros opening. 6 p.m., Concerts Under the Stars, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, concertsunderthestarskop.com

    Hannah Cohen plays Free at Noon on Friday at World Stage and 118 North in Wayne that evening.Courtesy of the Aritist

    Friday, July 24

    Corey Hanson

    The singer of the Los Angeles psychedelic rock band Wand has moved away from garage rock to a piano and strings sound on his not-entirely-tongue-in-cheek titled fourth solo album, I Love People. Microgoblet opens. 8 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., JohnnyBrendas.com

    Hannah Cohen

    Earthstar Mountain, Hannah Cohen’s 2025 album, is a dreamy, pastoral collection that conjures 1970s Fleetwood Mac dreams with a touch of Brazilian bossa nova, and Sufjan Stevens and Clairo as guests. Emily Moales, the pianist and songwriter who records as Star Moles and is part of the South Philly-based Historic New Jersey collective, is the opening act. 118 North, 118 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, 118NorthWayne.com.

    Philly alt-rock star Kurt Vile outside Silk City Diner on May 24, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25

    Connor Barwin’s Make the World Better Concert Weekend

    The former All-Pro Eagle’s fundraising concerts for the MTWB foundation, which rebuilds Philly parks and rec centers, are back at the Dell after one year in FDR Park. Slanted and Enchanted Stephen Malkmus-led indie avatars Pavement — the subject of Bryn Mawr native Alex Ross Perry’s 2024 meta movie Pavements — headlines Friday, with Ratboys opening. Local heroes Kurt Vile & the Violators top the bill Saturday, with They Are Gutting a Body of Water and Twisted Teens. 7:30 p.m., Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, dellmusiccenter.com

    Friday, July 24; Saturday, July 25; Monday, July 27; and Wednesday, July 29

    Jill Scott takes to the stage for One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4, 2026. The first of her four shows at the Met Philly is Friday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Jill Scott

    Jill Scott performed her entire set at the July 4 One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Ben Franklin Parkway before the skies opened and caused a four-hour delay. For her festival-length set, she was in fine form and her band sounded fantastic. Now it’s time for four full-length shows at the Met in support of her new album, To Whom This May Concern. 7:30 p.m., Met Philly, 858 N. Broad St., themetphilly.com

    Saturday, July 25

    Shakira

    Shakira and New Jersey: Perfect together. Last weekend, the Colombian superstar performed her global hit “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy at the FIFA World Cup final at Met Life Stadium. On Saturday, she’ll be in Atlantic City in a room that’s smaller than the vast venues she’s accustomed to playing around the world. 8:30 p.m., Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, boardwalkhall.com

    Dave P. at the Making Waves festival on the Atlantic City beach in August 2025.Dan DeLuca

    Making Waves

    The big Making Time ∞ blowout happens at Fort Mifflin in September, but the prelude will be staged this weekend in Atlantic City. Now in its second year, electronic music impresario David Pianka’s Making Waves day at the beach runs from 2 to 11 p.m. on the Atlantic Ocean side on the boardwalk at New York Avenue with DJ sets by VTSS, Detroit in Effect, Baalti, DJ Python, Fundido, and Universal Cave, then moves inside for an Anchor Rock Club after-party, with Curses, ADAAB, Jewelsea, and Dave. P himself. 2 p.m., Anchor Rock Club, 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City, makingtimeisrad.com/making-waves

    Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26

    Disco Biscuits

    University of Pennsylvania-born electronic jam band Disco Biscuits is doing two nights in King of Prussia. Longtime drummer Allen Aucoin and the band parted ways last fall after more than 20 years, and these shows will be with new drummer Marlon B. Lewis. DJ Marb Menthols of Goose opens both shows, with Eggy playing the first night and Lespecial the second. Note the early start. 4:30 p.m., Heuser Park, 694 West Beidler Road, King of Prussia, concertsunderthestarskop.com

    Sunday, July 26

    Toto, Christopher Cross & the Romantics

    1980s nostalgia in full effect. Toto guitarist Steve Lukather has been a regular visitor to Philly stages in recent years, singing his band’s hits “Africa” and “Hold the Line” on dates with Ringo Starr’s All Star Band. Now he gets to do it with his own band. Christopher Cross is iconic in Yacht Rock circles for his hit “Sailing,” which came out in 1979. He’s also a great storyteller, as evident on a recent episode of The Questlove Show podcast. The Romantics have at least two songs you know in “What I Like About You” and “Talking in Your Sleep.” 6:45 p.m., TD Pavilion at the Highmark Mann, 5201 Parkside Ave., highmarkmann.org

    Bruce Hornsby performs during the Bourbon and Beyond music festival in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 20, 2024. He plays Ocean City Music Pier on Monday. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)Amy Harris

    Monday, July 27

    Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers

    Fun facts about piano-playing “The Way It Is” hitmaker Bruce Hornsby: He’s toured with the Grateful Dead, I once saw him play accordion and sing Christmas songs with Bruce Springsteen, and the 6-foot-4 Virginian once beat his friend Allen Iverson in a game of one-on-one. He also has a freewheeling new album called Indigo Park that features guest appearances from Bonnie Raitt, Ezra Koenig, and the late Bob Weir. 7 p.m., Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J., ocnj.us.

  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $1 million to Reading food bank

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may or may not be getting married this weekend. But the pop singer and Kansas City Chiefs tight end are celebrating their impending nuptials with some philanthropy.

    The couple donated $26 million to 20 charities across the United States on Thursday — including one in Swift’s hometown of Reading. Helping Harvest, a food bank that serves “seniors and adults experiencing food insecurity” in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, received $1 million from the couple.

    The donation was unexpected, Helping Harvest said in a statement on Thursday, but greatly appreciated.

    “The $1 million that Ms. Swift and Mr. Kelce donated to us today will be used and the impact will be exponential in allowing us to rescue more food from waste and provide more food to people in need,” Helping Harvest president Jay Worrall said to The Inquirer. “[Swift] has done the people in her home community a great service, and we thank her for it.”

    Taylor Swift performs during the first of three Eras Tour performances at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday, May 12, 2023. .Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Swift has a history of donating to food banks, particularly when on tour. During the “Eras Tour” in 2023, Swift donated to Three Square Food Bank in southern Nevada, Food Lifeline in Seattle, and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in San Jose, Calif., among others.

    In December, she donated $1 million to Feeding America, of which Helping Harvest is a partner food bank.

    One of Helping Harvest’s largest expenses is its infrastructure, such as cold storage and refrigerated trucks for food distribution. The donation, Worrall said, would likely be invested in additional trucking or warehouse space that would allow them to store more food.

    “There have been substantial reductions in federal resources for food banks over the past few years, compounded by the reductions to the SNAP programs that are being enacted right now,” he said. “The state has tried to step up in some ways, but the increase in state funding has been modest compared to the reductions in federal funding.”

    Last year, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration invested $459,000 in Helping Harvest’s new community kitchen, which provides culinary training and is where meals are prepared for people in need.

    In the last two years, Helping Harvest’s federal funding has decreased by a little over a third. The organization received $2,687,166 in grants awarded under federal programs, compared to $4,240,293 in 2024, according to a recent audit for the 2025 fiscal year. The organization anticipates distributing over 14 million pounds of food this year, up 3 million pounds from 2024.

    A spokesperson for Swift did not immediately respond to The Inquirer’s request for comment about the donation to Helping Harvest.

    While there has been no confirmation from the couple, Swift and Kelce are reportedly tying the knot on Friday at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where Swift was most recently seen cheering on New York Knicks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

    Celebrity news publication Page Six released a video of large Sysco-branded boxes of food being brought into the venue, including lobster meat, french fries, andchicken. The Associated Press has reportedly obtained a copy of a city permit for a “special event” taking place at the venue on Friday night.

    The article has been updated to include details about Swift and Kelce’s reported wedding. Staff writer Beatrice Forman contributed to this article.

  • The lights, the party, the ball gowns: Expect a black-tie Swift-Kelce event

    The lights, the party, the ball gowns: Expect a black-tie Swift-Kelce event

    As details continue to emerge and preparations appear to be underway for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s upcoming multiple-day event at Madison Square Garden, there are still plenty of questions unanswered about what the secretive festivities might look like.

    The flowers. The food. The décor. The guest list. What those guests will wear.

    The answer to that last one is that Swift and Kelce’s celebratory event, widely expected to be their wedding, appears to be shaping up to be a formal affair. The dress code is black tie, according to two people familiar with the event who spoke to The New York Times on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Many of the women attending will be wearing gowns, one of the people also said.

    For men, that means a tuxedo, with a jacket, black bow tie and matching satin-striped trousers. Women have a little more flexibility, with floor-length gowns, elevated cocktail dresses or dressy separates all fitting the bill. (Black tie is a step down in formality from white tie, which requires tailcoats for men and, as the name implies, white bow ties.)

    Peters Clothiers, a menswear store in Kansas City, Missouri, posted a photo on Instagram last month of Andy Reid, coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, getting fitted for a tuxedo jacket. “Getting ready for the Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Wedding!” the caption read, naming Reid, as well as the team’s general manager, Brett Veach, and the team’s vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, who were also pictured. When reached by a reporter Tuesday, an employee of the store referred questions to a different employee who did not immediately respond. In May, Reid told the radio show “The Drive” that he “probably had” been invited to the wedding.

    Swift and Kelce will hold two different events at Madison Square Garden this week. There will be an intimate gathering of about 100 people Thursday evening, which is a rehearsal dinner in the Infosys Theater, not the main arena, according to a person familiar with the plans. On Friday, a larger, splashier event (with black-tie dress code) with about 1,000 guests will begin with a cocktail hour at 4 p.m. Both events will have no-phone policies for all guests, vendors and security, the same person said.

    The couple has said little publicly about the event, but there were some possible clues outside the Garden on Tuesday afternoon. Semitrucks and forklifts unloaded heavy cargo, some of it the size of a small car, wrapped in dark plastic, including objects that appear to be trees (wooden boxes labeled “trees” were also visible). One of the forklift drivers wore a T-shirt that said: “Taylor Swift CARPENTERS.” When asked if his shirt was related to his job, the man said, “I plead the Fifth.”

    Mindy Weiss, the Los Angeles-based event planner behind Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding in 2025, said this week that checking guests’ phones at the door had become de rigueur at high-profile events, noting that the guests occasionally brought multiple phones in an attempt to circumvent tech rules and that she and her team were often on the lookout at events for rogue banned devices.

    While the guests will be arriving in tuxedos and floor-skimming dresses, the most important look of the night has not been confirmed: what designer might dress the “Love Story” singer?

    Swift and Kelce both donned ensembles by Ralph Lauren in their engagement announcement photos, raising speculation that the iconic American designer might again dress the couple. Swift’s longtime friend Gomez wore a halter-neck gown by Ralph Lauren for her 2025 wedding to Blanco.

    The Hollywood Reporter reported this week that Swift would wear a Christian Dior look designed by Jonathan Anderson. Swift wore a punk-inspired yellow, plaid high-low overskirt and corset top by the brand to the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

    There are also several other possible designers among those Swift has worked with before. On her latest tour, Swift wore some costumes by Vivienne Westwood, who designed the minidress Charli XCX wore to her courthouse wedding in 2025. At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Swift wore a draped, strapless white gown by Schiaparelli, which has drawn wedding gown comparisons. Or perhaps it will be Oscar de la Renta; Swift wore a blue, floral gown by the designer to a premiere of her Eras Tour documentary.

    This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

  • A Wawa bag at the Vatican, a cheesesteak crisis, and Tina Fey’s Knicks fandom | Weekly Report Card

    Tina Fey and Taylor Swift’s Knicks fandom: F

    Look, we understand how these things happen.

    You move to New York, you work in New York, you spend years in New York. Eventually somebody hands you Knicks tickets and before you know it you’re sitting courtside wearing orange and blue.

    Still. Tina Fey is from Upper Darby. Taylor Swift is from Reading. At some point, Pennsylvania has to ask whether we’re comfortable with this arrangement.

    The internet’s answer arrived quickly in the form of a Sopranos screenshot declaring: “You’re weak, you’re outta control, and you’ve become an embarrassment to yourself and everybody else.”

    A bit harsh, maybe, but not entirely unfair.

    We’re not saying they have to root for the Sixers. The Sixers haven’t always made that easy.

    We’re just saying there are certain things that hit differently when they come from your own people. And watching two Pennsylvania icons cheer on the Knicks in the NBA Finals is one of them.

    Our scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could…
    by
    u/probablymagic in
    philadelphia

    Cheesesteak olive oil is either genius or evidence we’ve gone too far: B+

    Philadelphia added another item to the growing list of products that sound completely fake until you learn they’re real: cheesesteak-infused extra virgin olive oil.

    And somehow the marketing may be even better than the product. “It tastes like the oil from a real cheesesteak wrapper!” was highlighted as a testimonial, which is an astonishing sentence to see in the wild. Because that’s not a flavor profile most companies would voluntarily advertise.

    The reaction online was divided. Half the internet was horrified, and the other half was brainstorming recipes involving Sarcone’s bread, pizza, omelets, pasta, and popcorn.

    Somewhere between “that’s disgusting” and “OK, I’d try it” lies the city’s entire food identity.

    The best part, though, is that the olive oil helps support Mama-Tee Community Fridge, which stocks community refrigerators across Philadelphia with prepared meals. And, let’s be honest, nobody can convincingly argue they aren’t at least a little curious.

    A Wawa bag full of Tastykakes made it to the Vatican: A

    When a Philadelphia delegation traveled to the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV, they brought a Liberty Medal, Villanova gear, a historical document connected to George Washington… and a Wawa bag full of Tastykakes.

    According to the National Constitution Center, the pope, a Villanova graduate, gave a “big belly laugh” when he saw the Tastykakes.

    And the story contains one of the most Philadelphia sentences ever printed: “Where else would this happen that you meet up with the archbishop toting Tastykakes in a Wawa bag?” Iconic.

    The delegation was there for a serious purpose ahead of next month’s Liberty Medal ceremony. But it’s hard not to appreciate that somewhere inside the Apostolic Palace sat a Wawa bag and a box of Tastykakes.

    Amy Poehler arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell

    Amy Poehler got cursed out at PHL. Tina Fey had the perfect response: A

    Amy Poehler revealed this week that the only time she’s ever been called the c-word to her face was at Philadelphia International Airport after she declined an autograph request.

    Tina Fey’s response? “Welcome to Philly.” No outrage, no apology, and no attempt to explain the behavior.

    Just a simple acknowledgment that, yes, this sort of thing occasionally happens here. Philadelphia is one of the few places where somebody might yell at you in an airport and another person will later explain that this is actually part of the culture.

    Philly cheesesteaks at Nihonbashi Philly on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    An American cheese shortage in Japan is now a Philadelphia emergency: A-

    There are international crises, and then there are international crises.

    This week brought news that Nihonbashi Philly, Tokyo’s beloved cheesesteak outpost, is struggling after Costco Japan discontinued the American cheese that powers its sandwiches.

    Philadelphia, of course, was ready to give solutions. Offers to smuggle in Cooper Sharp. Debates over Whiz vs. provolone. Strong opinions about what constitutes an authentic cheesesteak from 6,700 miles away.

    The whole thing feels oddly moving. A couple in Tokyo became so obsessed with Philadelphia that they built a restaurant around cheesesteaks, pretzels, Tastykakes, and Eagles fandom. Now Philadelphians are responding as if a neighborhood institution is facing hard times. You stand up for us, we’ll stand up for you.

    A large FIFA World Cup banner hangs from an entrance of Philadelphia City Hall as the city prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Philadelphia.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The World Cup hotel boom hasn’t exactly arrived: C+

    For years, the World Cup was sold as a tourism bonanza that would fill hotel rooms, pack Airbnbs, and send visitors flooding into host cities.

    So far, Philadelphia’s hotel industry seems to be responding with a polite shrug.

    Days before kickoff, plenty of hotel rooms remain available. Some Airbnb hosts who expected a month-long gold rush are still waiting for bookings. One South Philly host told The Inquirer she expected to be full all month and has gotten just a few nights reserved.

    That’s not exactly soccer Coachella.

    To be fair, this doesn’t mean the World Cup won’t be successful. Tens of thousands of fans are still coming, and hotels expect a solid summer between FIFA, the Semiquincentennial, and the MLB All-Star Game.

    They’re just apparently not paying $900 a night for an Airbnb in South Philly.

  • Taylor Swift repped the Knicks at the Garden and some Philly fans feel betrayed. But should they?

    If you ask some Philadelphia fans, Taylor Swift’s claim to the city should be revoked.

    On Wednesday, Swift sat on Madison Square Garden’s celebrity row to watch the New York Knicks, who swept the Sixers out of the playoffs last month, claw back from a 29-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs to take a three-games-to-one series lead in the NBA Finals. Swift, who’s from Reading and spent her childhood summers in Stone Harbor, N.J., cheered on New York despite her strong ties to the Philadelphia area.

    The pop star wore a blue T-shirt with “Stevie Knicks” — a nod to Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks — printed in Knicks orange. She was seated between friends and fellow musicians Este and Alana Haim, who sported “Knickole Kidman” and “Knickelback” shirts, and Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay, whose character, Olivia Benson, inspired one of Swift’s cats’ names.

    After Swift was spotted at the Garden, Philadelphia fans took to social media to voice their displeasure with the singer’s apparent New York fandom.

    So, what’s actually going on? Did Swift ever rep the Sixers or has she always been a big Knicks fan?

    In April 2002, a 12-year old Swift performed the national anthem before the Sixers tipped off against the Detroit Pistons at the First Union Center (now Xfinity Mobile Arena). Sixers public address announcer Matt Cord, who retired after this past season, introduced the future global star as “Taylor Swift from Reading, Pa.”

    Swift, who also performed the anthem before Game 3 of the 2008 World Series at Citizens Bank Park, recently reflected on singing at her hometown NBA team’s arena during a December appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but she did not mention where her NBA fandom lies. She instead focused on the American flag-themed attire she wore.

    “You know, when you’re like 11 and you’ve got that one outfit that you just know goes so hard,” Swift said. “You just know that when you put this on, you’re like, ‘I’m sorry, I’m unstoppable today.’”

    In 2014, Swift told Time magazine that she began to root for New York earlier that year when she moved to the Big Apple. That year, the “Process Sixers” went 19-63, but the Knicks were not worldbeaters either, finishing 37-45. Her reason for embracing the Knicks evidently was not because of how the team was playing. Instead, it was because of a friendship she formed with New York big man Amar’e Stoudemire.

    “So you run into a bunch of different, interesting types of people at the Met Ball,” Swift told Time. “I’ve gone the last four years. And the most normal people at that event, every single time, are Amar’e Stoudemire and his wife Alexis. I talk with them and hang with them every time I’m there. So I’ve always had this sort of love of the Knicks, just because Amar’e is so cool.”

    It also seems the Sixers did not claim a special place in Swift’s heart because they invited her to sing, either. In fact, as she told Time, she also performed at Madison Square Garden as a child. The Mecca seemed to leave a greater impression on her than the Sixers’ South Philly arena.

    “And also I performed at the Knicks’ — at Madison Square Garden’s kids talent competition at halftime when I was 12 or 13,” Swift said. “And ever since then, I’ve had this kind of sparkly, magical opinion of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks, since they let me sing when I was a little kid.”

    As some on social media have pointed out, Swift also attended Game 3 of the Knicks’ Eastern Conference finals matchup at the Cleveland Cavaliers. At that game, seated next to her fiancé and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, she appeared to root for the Cavaliers — not the Knicks. Kelce and his brother, retired Eagles great Jason Kelce, are from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and have been public in their support for the Cavs.

    Swift’s relationship with the Eagles does not leave many clues to where her loyalty lies, either. Despite previously performing in Eagles jerseys and mentioning the team in her 2020 song “gold rush,” Swift seemingly ditched the Birds after she began to date Kelce. Since then, she has supported Kansas City.

    It seems that Swift will have to correct the record on her favorite teams. Until then, a small sect of Philadelphia Swifties will likely hold out hope. The rest? They seem to have given up.