Backing the pope or the president | Morning Newsletter
And The Vet’s secret lounge.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Good morning, Philly. It may say spring on the calendar, but temperatures this week point toward summer.
Local Catholics are up in arms after President Donald Trump railed against Pope Leo XIV (aka Nova Pope) in a recent Truth Social post.
And we take a look back at Veterans Stadium’s secret lounge, where stars could feel like one of the grounds crew.
Plus, much-needed help is on the way for Fort Mifflin, and more news of the day.
— Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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President Donald Trump’s social media screed against Pope Leo XIV, following the U.S.-born pontiff’s criticism of the war in Iran, is reverberating from Rome to the Italian Market in South Philly.
Some locals agreed with the pope: “I totally agree with the pope when it comes to Trump,” said Rita Kelly, 75, who was working behind the counter at the St. Jude Shop, a Catholic religious goods store in Havertown. “You should never talk about ending people’s civilization.”
Some locals agreed with the president: “It may not be popular, but my view is that Leo should butt out of American politics,” said Karen Pushaw, a 70-year-old social service worker with a law degree and a master’s in theology.
Get the full scope of the feud here.
Further reading: U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Bucks County Republican who sometimes breaks with his party but often refrains from harshly condemning Trump, strongly rebuked the president’s tirade against the pope.
The Vet opened in April 1971 with the 700 Level, Phil and Phillis’ cannon, and a Schmidt’s Beer sign hanging from the roof.
It also had the grounds crew room: a place where stars could feel normal and then sign the wall on their way out.
Phillies players came to visit, as did visiting players: Dave Parker, Lou Brock, and Willie Stargell also came by. Actor Kelsey Grammer once stayed in the lounge for an entire game, sportscaster Howard Cosell was there, and even singer Lou Rawls paid a visit.
“It was like a childhood dream to be in that environment,” said former groundskeeper Jody Boon, now 68. “It was some of the best times of my life.”
Reporter Matt Breen has the full story here.
What you should know today
Fort Mifflin, an American Revolutionary War historical site located on Mud Island along the Delaware River, floods regularly. Now it’s getting some much-needed help.
City Council members on Monday afternoon gave preliminary approval to a sweeping legislative package aimed at curtailing ICE operations in Philadelphia.
The bodies of two ironworkers who were trapped under the debris of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia garage that collapsed last week were recovered early Monday morning.
A Delaware County man said he shot his pregnant girlfriend by accident. A jury convicted him of murder.
Two people on an evening walk in the woods in Claymont, Del., made a surprising discovery Sunday when they stumbled upon 14,088 bags of fentanyl.
A federal judge has tossed out a lawsuit against Bryn Mawr College accusing the liberal arts school in Lower Merion of “deliberate indifference” to the needs of students with disabilities.
Gov. Josh Shapiro asked a U.S. District judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by his Abington neighbors over a parcel of land between their residences.
Southbound sections of I-95 are closing each weeknight through Thursday. It’s part of work on the $329 million cap project.
Quote of the day
Zach Ertz spoke with Eagles reporter Jeff McLane about the moment he realized that his season was over last year, his time in Philadelphia, and whether his career might be over.
🧠 Trivia time
This baked potato pop-up is getting a brick-and-mortar home on South Street.
A) A Perfect Mash
B) Hot Potatoes
C) Starch Trek
D) Mod Spuds
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🍽️ Cross-checking. The New York Times and the Washington Post recently highlighted Philly’s restaurant scene. Reporter Mike Klein breaks down what they missed.
🗳️ Designing. Montgomery County officials are seeking a new “I Voted” sticker this election season, and they want you to design it.
🏈 Draft prepping. The Inquirer’s Eagles reporting team will be breaking down each position on the roster ahead of the NFL draft. Here’s our look at options at wide receiver and offensive line.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: These are now live on a stretch of U.S. Route 13 in Northeast Philadelphia.
PACED MESS
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Beverly Woods, who solved Monday’s anagram: City Avenue. The burgeoning corridor between Philadelphia and Lower Merion now hosts luxury apartments where Lord & Taylor once stood.
Photo of the day
The king and queen of the Netherlands visited Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell on Monday, and were led by personal tour guide Gov. Josh Shapiro. They also visited a Kensington high school, and toured the Eagles practice facility.
👋 Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Back at it tomorrow.
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