DEAR ABBY: My brother “Earl” and I always had a very bad relationship. When I was 6 and Earl was 13, he molested me. Actually, he took my virginity. My mother caught him but whipped both of us and told me I should have known better than to allow it to happen. Fast-forward to when I was 17. I woke up to find him lying in bed with me, stroking my face. I screamed for my mother, who said, “Oh, he probably came home drunk or something.”
Earl was never nice to me; even on his deathbed he yelled at me for forgetting to take his house keys to my other brother as his daughter asked me to do. A few weeks later, I forgave him for everything he did to me, but the last time I saw him alive, I still felt his hatred toward me.
There is a memorial planned, and I’m not sure I want to attend. I’m the youngest of seven; some of my siblings know the history and have witnessed the animosity between us. Part of me wants to go because Earl was my brother, and part of me is afraid if I don’t, my siblings will hold it against me. Another part of me feels a memorial is to pay your last respects to the deceased, and I have no respect for Earl. I don’t know what to do.
— VICTIMIZED IN GEORGIA
DEAR VICTIMIZED: From what you have written, Earl seems more like an emotional and sexual abuser than a brother. Your siblings have no right to give you a hard time if you skip the memorial. Remind them of how he treated you and how much you suffered for it if that fact has slipped their minds.
You should do whatever makes you comfortable, and if listening to your angry, abusive pervert of a brother eulogized would make you uncomfortable, stay away. Because you didn’t get counseling at the time he assaulted you, you might benefit from discussing your family history with a licensed therapist. To find one, contact an organization called RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Its toll-free phone number is 1-800-656-4673 and its website is rainn.org.
** ** **
DEAR ABBY: My 6-year-old is enrolled in a Spanish immersion kindergarten class, and we are getting through it the best we can. We are an English-speaking household, so it is a challenge. The teacher is incredible. Her energy, dedication, spirit and connection with the kids is amazing. However, she is a cringe-worthy singer.
What she sings is nowhere near the melody. I’m not the only person who feels this way. Music is a big part of learning for the kids in this class, so this is a significant problem. As a singer, I can tell you that “tone deafness” is a myth. The ability to carry a tune can be learned.
I would love to offer this teacher singing lessons, for free, of course, but I have no idea how to approach it. A comment on vocal ability could feel similar to a comment on one’s physical appearance. I brought it up to the principal early in the year. She told me she would look into it and get back to me, but never did. Should I let it be, since these teachers, staff and administration have so much on their plates right now? We have been at this for nearly six months, and I really feel it should be addressed.
— IN-TUNE MOMMY
DEAR MOMMY: Because the principal promised to get back to you and never did, it is possible that your kind offer fell through the cracks. Contact the principal again and ask how the teacher reacted to your proposition. If the response was negative, do not pursue it further. If she showed an interest, follow through.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). New Moon Focus: Small steps create big success. Choose just one focus to apply the principle — a project, an area that needs improvement, a habit or a relationship. Brainstorm what those steps would be.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). New Moon Focus: Being comfortable in your skin. Your authenticity is what earns respect, but since you contain multitudes, you sometimes wonder which ones you should bring to task. Reflect on how you’d like to move through the world.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). New Moon Focus: Hope. Hope fuels perseverance. Hope overturns seemingly impossible circumstances. Indeed, hope has altered the course of nations. Hope starts small. Articulate your hopes and the small actions you can take to nurture them.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). New Moon Focus: Read people before you lead people. The more you pick up on, the more influential you become. What keeps you from observing better? Having too much to do in the moment? Being in a rush? How can you make it easier to be a better listener?
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). New Moon Focus: Adapt and thrive anywhere. Confidence isn’t knowing exactly what will happen. It’s trusting yourself to respond well to whatever does. Think of a place, role or challenge where greater flexibility would serve you. What helps you land on your feet?
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). New Moon Focus: Trusting your own impeccable timing. Good timing comes from paying attention. Consider the opportunities you’ve hesitated over and the ones you’ve rushed. How can you create more moments to notice when it’s truly time to act?
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). New Moon Focus: Loving complexity. It’s so much easier to categorize things with black-and-white thinking, but your artistry and maturity won’t have it. What complexity can you embrace? Which contrasting ideas can you hold at once?
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). New Moon Focus: The right question. Some questions end conversations. Others begin them. Some are asked for information; others reveal character. Think of an issue you’ve been circling. What question would change the entire discussion?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). New Moon Focus: The ethical shortcut. You have a gift for spotting unnecessary steps. Efficiency isn’t about rushing. It’s about removing the parts that aren’t pulling their weight. Consider trimming elements that may have outlived their usefulness.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). New Moon Focus: Becoming unforgettable. People remember how you made them see themselves. They remember surprises, inside jokes and stories they’ll repeat later. Which of your gifts do you want to linger in someone’s mind long after you’ve left?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). New Moon Focus: Discernment. Every project has one change that transforms it and 50 that don’t matter. Every argument has one point worth addressing and several worth ignoring. Where could a sharper filter save time and energy?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). New Moon Focus: Inventing tomorrow. Every invention sounded strange before it became ordinary. Every movement began with one brave person imagining a different future. What are your dreams of tomorrow that feel too early, too ambitious or too unusual?
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 11). It’s your Year of the Masterpiece. Your long hours, multitudes of drafts and specific choices add up to results that are as unique as they are stunning. It’s not just about physical works. Relationships, your style and physique — it’s all an art. More highlights: You’ll visit favorite destinations. A partnership doubles your reach and augments your income. Family news, celebrations and harmony. Libra and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 19, 4, 11 and 28.
The parents of a 7-week-old girl were charged with aggravated assault and related offenses after an examination at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia revealed the infant had been seriously injured, police said Monday.
Secret McCleve-Sar, 21, and Tyrone Jones, 22, both of the 2500 block of North Front Street, were arrested on Sunday and also charged with kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and obstructing justice, police said.
Bail for each was set at 10% of $1 million and both were still in custody on Monday, court records show.
A court-appointed lawyer for McCleve-Sar declined to comment on the case. The Defender Association of Philadelphia, which is representing Jones, also could not be reached for comment.
On Saturday shortly after 6:30 a.m. police responded to CHOP for a report of a prior assault involving the infant girl.
The girl had initially been taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital by her parents and then was transferred to CHOP, police said. The parents allegedly left the hospital with their infant prior to receiving the results of the medical evaluation.
The investigation remains ongoing by the Special Victims Unit.
With just 25 days until Temple football’s season opener against Rhode Island, coach K.C. Keeler and his staff seem to have a pretty good idea of the starting lineup they’ll be rolling out at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 5.
But there is one glaring decision remaining — quarterback.
Here are observations from Temple’s Monday morning practice.
Temple quarterback Ajani Sheppard takes part in drills during practice at Edberg-Olson Hall on Saturday.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
QB competition update
The quarterback competition between the transfer duo of Jaxon Smolik (Penn State) and Ajani Sheppard (Washington State) continued Monday morning.
Smolik, who got snaps in four games as a junior, found seniors Peter Clarke and Colin Chase multiple times, each for big gains.
Smolik also hit Clarke and Ryder Kusch through the middle on slant routes while finding Chase streaking down the sideline twice on big plays.
Temple coach K.C. Keeler is content to take his time making a decision on a starting quarterback.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
Keeler declined to give any indication about who might be in the lead for the starting job.
“We’re not even close,” Keeler said. “I thought they both took a step forward today. I just look at last year and Evan [Simon] didn’t establish himself until later but looked strong. I’d also say Evan was going up against a defense that had some wider windows in practice than what these guys are seeing now, and I think the defense has played really sound, which has affected these guys.”
Last year, Simon and Gevani McCoy competed into the season opener against UMass, when Simon threw for six touchdowns and claimed the starting job.
“Yeah, I’m not going to overthink it,” Keeler said when asked if he’d be OK with a similar competition this year. “I’m just going to let it play out. Everyone would obviously prefer to have a guy, but at this time I think we let it play and see how it goes.”
Depth chart shakedown
Aside from quarterback, Keeler said “everything is kind of shaking out where you would’ve wanted it to” with the rest of the roster.
“There are positions like with the defensive line where we have 10 good guys and we’re going to play 10 guys on the defensive line, same thing with linebackers,“ he said.
And if the Owls continue to line up the way they have in practice, a skill-position core of wide receivers Chase, JoJo Bermudez, and Jayce Freeman, tight end Clarke, and running back Sam Brown looks promising.
Temple linebacker Uyi Igiehon (55) takes part in drills during practice at Edberg-Olson Hall on Saturday.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
Giakoby Hills, Eric King, Grayson Mains, Jackson Pruitt and Kevin Terry figure to start on the offensive line. Terry was thrust into the starting right tackle position following an injury to Luke Watson this week.
Keeler and offensive line coach Al Johnson have been vocal about having multiple players switching off and on throughout the game on the line.
“I absolutely [think we can have a rotation],” Johnson said following Saturday’s practice. “If you earn the right to play, you’re going to play. If we have seven guys that earn the right to play and help Temple football win football games, we’re going to play seven guys.”
With Watson, that number could jump to nine, though John Stone and Zach Aamland seem like the players who could rotate in the most at center and right guard/tackle, respectively.
On the defensive line, Keeler plans on having 10 players rotate in and out, a group that would likely be headlined by Cam Jones, Davier Bishop and Joseph Auzenne. Kevin Hornbeak Jr., Troy Cunningham, Kaleb Artis, Russell Sykes IV, and Lamar Fairfax are expected to see regular playing time on a unit that could be kept fresh in games.
Temple players look on during practice at Edberg-Olson Hall on Saturday.Isaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer
On the edge and in the linebacker core, Jaylon Joseph and JaMair Diaz headline the outside and Curly Ordonez and Eric Stuart hold down the middle and weak-side linebacker spots, with Tyree Alualu, Jayvant Brown, Wesley Brown, Willy Love, and Aiden Britton likely to see meaningful time.
In the defensive backfield, Denzel Chavis and Adrian Laing will hold down the cornerback spots and Saboor Karriem and Avery Powell will take safety duties, with Jaeden Gould, Kolin Dinkins and Josiah Jackson in the conversation as well.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s campaign has spent about $108,000 on legal fees since the start of 2025, far more than it shelled out in any recent year, campaign finance records show.
For instance, in 2023, when Parker’s legal bills would have been expected to spike amid her winning campaign for mayor, the campaign paid about $14,900 in fees to its law firm, Dilworth Paxson, according to campaign finance reports. In 2024, Parker’s first year in office, the campaign sent Dilworth about $19,300.
But in 2025, payments to Dilworth more than quadrupled.
Aren Platt, executive director of the Democratic mayor’s campaign, People for Parker, did not respond to a request for comment on what was driving the increased legal bills.
“Our lawyers at Dilworth are an essential part of our team and it’s important that we are able to talk to them on a variety of strategic initiatives,” Platt said in a statement.
The campaign paid Dilworth about $88,700 in 2025, and an additional $19,700 between Jan. 1 and May 4 of this year, according to the most recent report.
“It’s an unusual number to see right now,” said Matthew Haverstick, a Philadelphia-based elections attorney who has primarily worked with Republican candidates. “There could be lots of prosaic or benign explanations for it, but it’s not normal.”
Election law gives campaigns wide latitude over how they spend money from donors. In addition to election-related expenses like advertisements or legal work on campaign finance compliance, campaigns can spend money on everything from constituents’ funeral expenses to airfare for candidates to attend political events. They can also support the candidates’ work in government.
Public records do not provide detailed information about campaign expenditures. After multiple requests from The Inquirer for the campaign’s legal expenses, Dilworth attorney Timothy J. Ford, who handles most of the campaign’s legal work, on Monday provided copies of invoices from 2023 through 2025.
The campaign told the Philadelphia Office of City Commissioners, which oversees elections and processed the request, that the delay was due to a mix-up involving an email address that is “not checked regularly.”
The invoices, which the commissioners said were “redacted for attorney-client privilege and client confidential information,” show Dilworth billed the campaign during that three-year period for four separate matters.
For “Matter 01,″ which included all the invoices during the election year of 2023, the firm billed the campaign for about $12,400, and almost all of the work appears to have been done by Ford. (The campaign spending reports and Dilworth’s invoices do not exactly align, due to the timing of payments and potentially other factors such as reimbursements.)
“Matter 02″ listed in the invoices lasted from February 2024 to March 2024, with Dilworth billing $2,300. Ford appeared to complete all the work.
The billings escalated with “Matter 03,” which began in March 2024, three months into Parker’s tenure, and lasted at least through October 2025, the period covered by the most recent invoice provided to The Inquirer. The firm billed about $62,100 for its work on that matter, and the invoices show that at least four people from Dilworth billed hours.
“Matter 04″ began in August 2025, and has resulted in $45,300 in billing with as of October 2025. Although most of the details are redacted, the invoices show extensive billing around an “interview” on Sept. 12, 2025. From Sept. 10 to 13, Dilworth billed nearly $7,800.
Additionally, the Parker Mayoral Transition and Inaugural Committee, which aided her transition into office and has since closed, paid Dilworth about $9,700 between December 2023 and March 2024, when it was active.
Parker’s campaign has been more active with fundraising during nonelection years than the campaigns of her recent predecessors. In 2025, she raised $1.7 million, more than any another second-year mayor since at least the early 2000s, according to her campaign.
People for Parker had about $1.4 million in cash on hand as of May 4 after raising about $241,000 and spending about $390,000 in the first four months of this year. Parker is up for reelection next year, and rumors have swirled about the potential of her facing a challenger backed by the progressive movement.
Earlier this year, Parker’s campaign donated $23,000 to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and $25,000 to Pick Pennsylvania, a committee led in part by Parker to lure the Democratic National Convention back to Philadelphia.
Political consultant Jeff Sheridan, who helped lead a super PAC that was critical to Parker’s 2023 victory, was a public point person for the One Philly nonprofit. In March 2024, he said the group was formed to advance Parker’s governing agenda, not to get involved in politics.
One Philly, which is not required to disclose its donors, raised $658,500 in 2024, Parker’s first year in office, according to an annual return the nonprofit filed with the IRS. It spent $484,900 that year to “promote policies and actions championed by City leaders.”
The group also reported paying nearly $19,000 in legal bills that year, and listed its representative as the Ballard Spahr law firm.
In 2025, the group reported raising only $15,000 and spent all of its remaining money, according to its most recent disclosure, filed in May.
Sheridan did not respond to a request for comment.
Staff writer Anna Orso contributed to this article.
Rick Santos has already implemented changes to Penn football as the new head coach.
While fans won’t see those changes until the Quakers’ season kicks off on Sept. 19 against Bucknell, Santos gave a glimpse inside his program during the Ivy League’s media day on Monday.
Santos, who led New Hampshire to three FCS playoff appearances in five seasons, was hired in December to succeed longtime Quakers coach Ray Priore. He is taking over a program that finished 3-4 in Ivy League play last season and has not won a conference title since 2016.
“I don’t think there was a ton of hurdles [taking over the program],” Santos said. “I just think it was an opportunity for growth for all of us to work as hard as we could to get this thing [going] and lay the foundation that we feel like is going to be sturdy for championships to come.”
Senior guard Luke Sacchetti added: “The overall buy-in is greater than I’ve ever seen rolling into a season. It felt like every day of spring ball was like a new game. Guys were really fighting and battling, whereas some years it felt like we might have just been lulled to sleep. So I’m really excited to see what we can do in the regular season.”
Here are other notable takeaways from Ivy media day.
Penn’s starting QB
Santos confirmed that junior Karson Siqueiros-Lasky will start at quarterback this season.
Siqueiros-Lasky lacks experience in the quarterback room, but the junior, who was named a captain, backed up starter Liam O’Brien last season. Due to Ivy League rules, O’Brien was forced to transfer for his final year of eligibility following his graduation from Penn. He will play at Cincinnati this season.
Siqueiros-Lasky has not started a game in college. He was primarily a pocket passer at Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla.
“I thought it was a really good battle during the spring between Karson Siqueiros-Lasky and [sophomore] Shane Throgmartin,” Santos said. “Those guys battled back and forth. I think by the end of it … Karson really took a stronghold on the position. He finished with a really strong spring scrimmage that we had. Right now, he’s the clear-cut No. 1 going into it.”
Another name at quarterback that Santos briefly mentioned is freshman Miles Teodecki — the highest-rated Penn recruit since 2000. Teodecki originally signed with Kansas State before mutually parting ways with the Big 12 program. The Quakers could see the freshman get time under center this season.
Penn officially announces their quarterback of the future, Miles Teodecki.
Teodecki is the highest rated Penn recruit since 2000. He had originally signed with Kansas State before mutually parting ways with the program. He had multiple P4 offers, but opted for the Ivies. https://t.co/tkp0r6QtKh
Santos brought his codefensive coordinators and cornerbacks coach with him from New Hampshire. Penn will run a similar defensive scheme to the one the Wildcats employed the past few years: a 4-2-5.
The scheme, which sees five defensive backs on the field at once, also plays to the Quakers’ strengths in the secondary. Santos noted that the team will look to lean on the “defensive backfield” spearheaded by senior safety Josh Narcisse and play “a lot of man-to-man.”
Last season, the Quakers gave up 377.4 yards per game — the second most in the Ivy League.
“We’ll take advantage of some of the experience that we have coming back,” Narcisse said. “Overall, when you look at our defense, without getting into the technicals, what you’ll see is a violent defense. We’re going to communicate every single snap before the play, during the play, and we’re going to swarm to the ball. We’re going to tackle well. We’re going to be efficient, and we’re going to limit all explosive plays. We’re going to cause chaos in the trenches.”
Yale’s Abu Kamara named captain
Delaware County’s Abu Kamara, now a senior defensive back at Yale, starred on both sides of the field at Interboro High.
During his final campaign with the Buccaneers, Kamara rushed for 2,832 yards and scored 40 total touchdowns. Defensively, he accounted for 70 tackles and 11 interceptions.
His career at Yale followed suit. Last season, Kamara recorded 76 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. For his efforts, he was named a unanimous All-Ivy selection and a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award — which is given annually to the best defensive player at the FCS level.
This offseason, Kamara was named a captain for the Bulldogs. However, he is not looking to let the new title change how he approaches his role on the team.
#Delco has taken over Franklin Field as Interboro football alum Abu Kamara is returning home as a member of the Yale Bulldogs. The sophomore defensive back comes into today's matchup versus Penn leading the FCS in solo tackles per game with 7.6. pic.twitter.com/p4hKgsi2DM
“I want to still be that same player,” Kamara said. “Still be that same person that people can come up to and ask questions and be comfortable around. I don’t want there to be some sort of barrier just because I’m of a certain status now. I still want to be known as Abu Kamara, the Yale football player, the funny, charismatic guy on the football team.”
In 2024, when Yale traveled to Penn, the Interboro faithful packed Franklin Field to cheer on Kamara — who finished his day with seven tackles, a sack, and two turnovers. Bucs fans will get the chance to do the same come Oct. 23, when the Bulldogs face Penn at Franklin Field.
Chester County authorities believe that the shooting death of a woman in East Goshen Township on Friday was a suicide and that a 9-year-old girl also was wounded by gunfire.
“The child who was shot continues to recover from her injuries. As we announced on Friday, this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the general public,” the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Monday.
Police were dispatched just before 11 a.m. to the Summit House condominium complex on West Chester Pike for a reported shooting. Inside the unit, the officers found the woman, described only as in her 40s, dead from a single gunshot wound.
The girl was treated at the scene by paramedics and was alert and able to speak, said Chief David Leahy of the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department.
Police found a gun not far from the woman’s body.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported that the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said the girl was struck by the same bullet that killed the woman.
The body believed to be that of a missing 33-year-old Chester woman was recovered Sunday from a vehicle submerged in the Delaware River, divers and family members said.
Kortney Staples, a home healthcare nurse, was last seen by her family on July 11. She was reported missing on July 18 and since then her family has waged a tenacious public campaign to find her.
Official confirmation that Staples has been found will be determined by the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“The individual’s preliminary description is consistent with that of Kortney Staples; however, formal identification is pending and will be made through the appropriate investigative and medical procedures,” Chester officials said in a statement.
Chester police said there were no initial indications of foul play, but the investigation is ongoing.
Chaos Divers, a volunteer sonar search-and-recovery team, reported that they found her body inside a gray Nissan Altima in the waters off Chester. Officials said the location was near Front and Norris Street, not far frome the Commodore Barry Bridge.
The dive team said they found the car almost immediately on Sunday afternoon and they posted a photo of the license plate taken from the sunken car. The plate matches the woman’s vehicle.
“Working in conjunction with Chester Police Department law, fire departments, Station 77 Dive and Rescue, and Rob’s Towing, Kortney and her vehicle were recovered flawlessly,” Chaos Divers posted on Facebook.
Police said the vehicle was removed from the water around 7:45 p.m.
“To Kortney’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We hope that bringing Kortney home provides some measure of answers as her loved ones begin the incredibly difficult journey ahead,” said Chaos Divers, who are based in Illinois.
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots called the discovery of the body “a heartbreaking development, and our entire Chester community stands with Kortney’s family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time.
Family members also said they believe that their search is over.
“Yall no longer have to share the missing post…..it warms my heart to see my sister up & down my timeline & kno that she was much loved,” Koron Staples, Kortney’s brother, wrote on Facebook.
Chester police urged anyone with information about what happened to Kortney Staples or her gray Nissan Altima, particularly on the days between July 5 and 18, should contact Capt. El’lan Morgan at 484-745-6662 or Emorgan223@chesterpolice.org, or Det. Astrid Cottrell at835-220-9549 or acottrell321@chesterpolice.org.
“Even information that may appear insignificant could be helpful to the investigation,” the police department said.
Three members of Congress on Monday demanded that FanDuel Sportsbook end its VIP reward program and called on Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to prohibit athletes from doing promotional work for gambling entities in response to a “deeply disturbing” controversy involving Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and a VIP bettor who had a gambling addiction.
The Inquirer reported in July that a FanDuel VIP manager had sent a personal video greeting from Harper in 2024 to Terry Thompson, a Montgomery County resident who ultimately lost $1.5 million on bets that he placed with the sportsbook operator.
Harper later said that he had recorded the message through the video service Cameo, but didn’t know that FanDuel would utilize the 21-second video as a reward for a gambler.
“FanDuel should not be using reckless and unscrupulous loyalty programs to drive bettors into debt and addiction,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) and U.S. Reps. Paul D. Tonko (D., N.Y.) and Valerie P. Foushee (D., N.C.) wrote to the company’s CEO, Christian Genetski. “As such, we strongly demand FanDuel to end its VIP program for bettors, especially those suffering from a gambling addiction, on its platform.”
Thompson planned to die by suicide earlier this year, rather than confess to his family the scope of his losses, according to a lawsuit that the nonprofit Public Health Advocacy Institute filed in March on Thompson’s behalf against FanDuel and DraftKings, which had also allegedly provided him with VIP perks.
The three Democrats, who cited The Inquirer’s reporting in their letter, asked Genetski to respond by Aug. 24 to eight questions about the company’s practices, including whether FanDuel VIP managers have sent videos of other athletes or celebrities to gamblers, and if the company monitors those managers to ensure they’re not extending predatory offers to problem gamblers.
The lawmakers wrote that VIP managers foster “false friendships” with gamblers to entice them to place additional bets.
Thompson has alleged that his FanDuel VIP host sometimes asked about his family, and provided him with tickets to two Super Bowls and Champagne.
In an emailed statement, a FanDuel spokesperson did not respond to the congress members’ demand to end its VIP program, but said that the company employs a monitoring system to flag concerning patterns and “trained specialists” to help gamblers who show signs of harmful behavior.
“Customer protection informs every decision we make as an organization, and we do not compromise when it comes to doing the right thing for our customers,” the spokesperson said.
Prominent advertising for theScore Bet can now be found in right field at Citizens Bank Park. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
In a separate letter to MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred and Bruce Meyer, the players union’s interim executive director, the lawmakers called for “an end to the MLB and MLBPA policies that enabled this type of predatory promotion.”
MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, which is set to expire in December, allows athletes to appear in advertisements or make personal appearances for casinos, racetracks, or sportsbook companies, so long as the ballplayers do not encourage betting on baseball.
That players aren’t prohibited from doing promotional work for gambling companies is a “systemic failure,” the lawmakers wrote, “rooted in the deep enmeshment between leagues, teams, and sports books.”
A representative for Major League Baseball declined Monday to comment.
As part of negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement with MLB, the players union is seeking more freedom for players to seek endorsements from sportsbook operators and prediction markets, ESPN has reported.
MLBPA declined to comment.
Blumenthal, Tonko, and Foushee also asked MLB and MLBPA to respond to questions about their partnerships with sportsbook operators. The lawmakers said that the league and the players union “must not allow players, regardless of their level of awareness, to legitimize sportsbook VIP programs designed to exploit the most vulnerable fans.”
Elected officials in Pennsylvania are separately planning legislation that would restrict or eliminate sportsbook VIP programs, and in-game microbets, an effort that Joe Maloney, the president of the Sports Betting Alliance — a national advocacy organization whose members include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, and Fanatics — said the organization will oppose.
The Inquirer will continue to report on issues related to the growth of gambling addiction — among teens and adults — across Pennsylvania. If you or someone you know wants to speak with a reporter, please contact David Gambacorta or William Bender at dgambacorta@inquirer.com and wbender@inquirer.com
The Eagles held the ninth practice of their 2026 training camp on Monday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Here were my observations from Day 9 (and links to Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8):
Taking attendance
Wide receiver Johnny Wilson (knee), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder), and running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) were added to the injury report after recent setbacks. Wilson had stacked solid practices the last few days. Last August, his season ended before it even started when he suffered knee and ankle injuries that required surgery. It’s unclear if he reinjured the same knee. Jones projects as the top reserve outside cornerback. Pierce is competing for a roster spot.
The following Eagles remained sidelined with injuries: receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring), outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring), and receiver Danny Gray (concussion). Smith and Lemon have now missed a week of camp. Receiver Britain Covey (hamstring) and linebacker Chance Campbell (groin) were limited.
The Eagles made several roster moves before practice. They signed outside linebacker Tarron Jackson, defensive tackle David Blay, and running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. They placed running back Elijah Mitchell, who left Saturday’s workout early, on injured reserve. And they waived guard Jaeden Roberts and tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
Darius Cooper is making an early bid for a bigger role. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Super Cooper
Darius Cooper might have had his best day of camp, which is saying something. The second-year receiver is making an argument that he should be given more than just a roster spot. He’s been getting a lot of repetitions with Smith and Lemon out, and quarterback Jalen Hurts clearly trusts him.
Their best connection came midway through the workout. Cooper got cornerback Riq Woolen to bite on a double move before Hurts hit him downfield. The receiver used a stutter-step to draw the corner in before beating him over top. Hurts’ throw was a touch underthrown, but the quarterback had to be careful with safety Michael Carter II crashing from over the top. Cooper simply turned back and made the grab in the air.
Earlier, Cooper shook Woolen on an out route. He was also Hurts’ favorite target during 7-on-7s and plucked a ball thrown slightly behind him with Carter in the vicinity. In an end-of-game situation, he caught a pass and stayed upright after bouncing off linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. The Eagles brought in four new receivers to help replace A.J. Brown — Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown,and Elijah Moore — but a returnee is just as viable a candidate.
Lane Johnson was immovable in pass protection on Monday. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
Quick twitch
Lane Johnson may be nearing the end of his career, but he doesn’t appear to be slowing down. His get-off is still elite. Nolan Smith Jr. stood little chance of getting past the right tackle each time they faced off. By the time Smith was into his pass-rush move, Johnson was vertically set and virtually impossible to get by.
Fred Johnson got the nod ahead of rookie Markel Bell when Lane Johnson rested during team drills. They have been rotating and switching sides throughout camp. There was one notable change on the offensive line. Drew Kendall took all the snaps at center with the second unit. Jake Majors has mostly held that role as Kendall cross-trained at guard. Kendall was still Landon Dickerson’s replacement at left guard with the first offense, but he’s back to his normal position with the twos. Majors dropped to third-team center.
Ty Robinson (95) turned heads on Monday and not just because of his brawl with Tyler Steen. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer
Tale of the tape
We had what could definitively be labeled the first fight of camp. It came early in the first team drill period, but it had been brewing for days. I had noticed guard Tyler Steen and defensive tackle Ty Robinson mixing it up post-play a few times last week. But they went way beyond the whistle this time.
I didn’t see who started it, but apparently Robinson took exception to Steen blocking him beyond what he deemed necessary. Robinson somehow ended up at the bottom of a pile with Steen and center Cam Jurgens on top. Several players tried to break the scrum up, but there was little budging as it took some time to peel off players.
Robinson has been getting occasional snaps with the first defense. But the second-year D-tackle stood out as a pass rusher with the second unit. He slipped through the interior for an early pressure. And later on, he used his patented club-swim move to beat Majors — who was at guard — for a sack. Robinson has been working on his arsenal and got Majors off balance with a bull rush on the next play.
Quinyon Mitchell logged his second pick of camp on Monday. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Quinterception
Quinyon Mitchell notched his second interception of camp. While the first came during 7-on-7s a week ago, this one was in team drills. It came during an end-of-game scenario in which the offense trailed by four points. Hurts had to force the issue, but the turnover came on first down. Brown was the intended receiver, but Mitchell jumped his route and punted the ball after the pick in celebration.
The third-year corner is still looking for his first career regular-season interception. He has two in the postseason. He’s not a natural ball-catcher, but the additional JUGS work he’s been putting in may be paying off. Mitchell is already an All-Pro, but more interceptions could result in him becoming the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL next offseason.
To his credit, he doesn’t go hunting for interceptions. Hurts threw one pass up for grabs with tight end Dallas Goerdert in the area, but Mitchell came flying across and batted the ball to the ground.
Mac-man
Like Robinson, cornerback Mac McWilliams didn’t play much last season as a rookie. But the lightbulb could be switching on in Year 2. He’s been getting intermittent looks with the first unit and had a pass breakup on a Hurts toss to Wicks during team drills.
McWilliams’ development could make either Jakorian Bennett or Kelee Ringo expendable, especially if he can play both in the slot and outside. Bennett had a PBU of his own on a Hurts pass to Wicks.
Ringo has mostly been relegated to the third unit. With Jones out, Tariq Castro-Fields took the initial snaps at outside corner opposite Bennett. Ringo has long been a top gunner on special teams, but he’s been increasingly prone to taking penalties. Still, the Eagles may not have a better option. Sydney Brown was the other gunner last season, but he was traded in the offseason.
Elijah Moore (19) and Jalen Hurts have connected during camp.
Moore not less
Moore continued to make the most of his reps in the slot with Lemon on ice. Hurts found him alone on a short crossing route during team drills. The receiver motored into the secondary thanks in part to running back Tank Bigsby’s downfield block on Woolen.
Later on, the offense had one last gasp in another end-of-game situation in which they trailed by eight points. Hurts and Co. advanced into the red zone with two seconds left. With the defense rushing only three, the quarterback bought time and rolled to his right. He threw across his body and Moore elevated over cornerback Cooper DeJean for the touchdown.
Nolan Smith Jr. argued that Hurts would have been sacked — and profanely expressed his frustration — but there didn’t appear to be a defender who got near the passer. The two-point conversion failed, however, when an open Hollywood Brown slipped before Hurts’ throw arrived.
Backup plan
Quarterback Andy Dalton was first up with the second offense in 7-on-7s. It didn’t go well. He missed Moore on his first attempt and Woolen nearly had a pick. He then threw behind an open Cooper and Covey on successive plays. He did hook up with rookie tight end Eli Stowers to end the set.
Dalton had several completions during team drills, but he overthrew receiver Quez Watkins when he found tons of space on a deep corner. I wondered if Watkins’ route was precise, but Dalton waited for his receiver after the play and judging by his body language seemed to think he should have completed the throw.
Tanner McKee was a little sharper. The quarterback short-hopped an early toss to receiver Samori Toure. But he found Watkins at the second level, and later laced a downfield dart to receiver Brandon Hayes. He missed Hayes on the next play, but there was a miscommunication as McKee signaled where he wanted his receiver.
Landon Dickerson helped ignite a breakout run from Saquon Barkley on Monday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
That and this
Dickerson can still move with suddenness, as he showed on a pull block that sprung running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s athleticism never ceases to amaze. He got knocked to the ground after a run, did a somersault and vaulted to his feet. He could have been an Olympic gymnast.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra had a couple catches with the first offense. I don’t know if he can make the team with blocking becoming more prominent at his position. But receiving has never been the problem. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell had a tackle for loss.
Linebacker Smael Mondon got a number of opportunities to blitz. Bigsby shielded him off on one attempt, but Mondon found a few creases to McKee. Shaun Wade played some second-unit dime as the sixth defensive back.
Extra points
I’m still not sure if Cole Payton will be the third quarterback. He’s shown more so far than Kyle McCord — another third-day pick — did last camp. But he can be wild. He airmailed a pass over Hayes’ head at one point. But he showed his mobility with a zigzagging scramble during the developmental period. … During punt drills, the returners were in order: Covey, Moore and DeJean. … Long snapper Rocco Underwood’s first snap nearly went over punter Braden Mann’s head, but Mann did well to catch it. Underwood’s next few tries were a little to the right, but he finished strong. He doesn’t have the job locked up by any means. … The Eagles practice on Tuesday and will have a closed walkthrough on Wednesday.
