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.
Some area residents’ electric bills hit record highs this summer, doubling or more from past years. From the Main Line to the Jersey Shore, they worry big warm-weather spikes are the new normal.
And as City Council holds its first meeting of the fall legislative session, expect discussion of paper bag fees, housing funding, and 2026 festivities preparation.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Philly-area residents expect some variance in their electric bills as the seasons change, especially across June, July, and August, when air-conditioning units are working overtime. But for some, this summer’s bills hit harder than ever.
🔌 Between June 2024 and June 2025, electricity prices increased by 11% in Pennsylvania, nearly double the national average during that time — and 25% in New Jersey.
🔌 That meant a single month’s bill topping $400 for one 1,400-square-foot home in Drexel Hill, and close to $1,000 for a six-bedroom vacation home in Atlantic City.
🔌 Utilities companies attribute the rise to higher supply rates implemented on June 1, as well as a slew of heat waves. Autumn’s cooldown should bring some relief for both bodies and wallets.
🔌 Still, “I’m worried that this is going to be the norm,” said a Somers Point homeowner whose solar panels didn’t save them from an August bill that came in at roughly double those of past summer months. “You’ve got to have electricity. What are you going to do?”
Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy has the story.
Philadelphia’s Council members are back from their summer recess and ready to legislate.
There’s no one standout item poised to dominate the agenda this session, like the 76ers arena proposal did last fall (remember that?).
Instead, members have a range of priorities on issues such as advancing Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s $800 million housing initiative, supporting restaurants ahead of an expected tourism influx in 2026 for the Semiquincentennial and other big events, cracking down on “nuisance businesses,” and charging shoppers for paper bags.
Expected to influence the session, too, is President Donald Trump’s targeting of Democrat-led cities, from funding cuts to heightened immigration raids.
Politics reporters Sean Walsh and Fallon Roth explain.
What you should know today
Political leaders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey condemned the Wednesday shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Philadelphia is no longer the country’s poorest big city — it’s the second, according to new Census Bureau data.
SEPTA is scrambling to bring reduced service to normal levels by Sunday. Here’s how the transit authority plans to get it done.
A childcare worker accused of assaulting two infants at an Oaks daycare will face trial, a judge ruled.
Malvern-based Vanguard has agreed to pay clients $19.5 million after the Securities and Exchange Commission determined its “no financial incentives” claim wasn’t true.
The first excerpt is out from former Vice President Kamala Harris’ book, 107 Days, which she will promote at the Met this month.
New Jersey has joined a growing cohort of states expanding access to updated COVID-19 vaccines amid restrictions from federal agencies.
Philadelphia will “surely” close schools, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said this week, as the district releases data that will guide decisions on its 300 buildings.
Amid union contract negotiations, Temple University Hospital nurses picketed Wednesday to demand their employer do more to keep them safe on the job.
Quote of the day
Universal Audenried Charter in South Philadelphia is fielding a varsity football team. Its head coach is applying the values he learned from his mentor from his time playing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania — Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.
🧠 Trivia time
Which Philly-area sports entrepreneurs moved up more than 50 spots on Forbes’ latest list of wealthiest Americans?
A) Sixers owner Josh Harris
B) Phillies owner John Middleton
C) Fanatics founder Michael Rubin
D) Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🍰 Honoring: Center City’s most dependable restaurant, Cheesecake Factory.
⚽ Asking: Where does FIFA’s decision to use dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets fit into growing the game?
🎙️ Anticipating: Convicted former Pennsylvania AG Kathleen Kane’s new Through the HurriKane podcast.
⚾ Tracking: Will Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber break Ryan Howard’s franchise home run record?
🗞️ Considering: How student journalists can help save universities — and journalism.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Brewery founded in Newark, Delaware
ILL RHINO
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Lexy McDowell, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Horsham.
The giant Asplundh Tree Expert is moving out of the Willow Grove building that has served as its corporate headquarters for more than 50 years — but it’s not going far, to the Montgomery County township.
Photo of the day
Look up! The sun is back today. Have a good one.
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