MLB star thanks FanDuel gambler in video | Morning Newsletter
And, a gentler start to July.
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. Watch out for thunderstorms later today.
We start with an in-depth look at Eagles fan Terry Thompson, who lost $1.5 million on bets he placed with FanDuel. The company gave him VIP treatment — including a video from the Phillies star first baseman.
And, the first week of July is typically one of Philly’s most violent. But this year, the Independence weekend was markedly calmer.
Plus, Temple raises tuition and lays off about 40 employees, and more news of the day.
— Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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As the 2020 NFL season kicked off, Terry Thompson picked up his phone and placed a wager with FanDuel Sportsbook on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was his first time gambling through an app, and he soon started placing microbets. He grew addicted to the effortless, rapid-fire action. Thompson would ultimately wager $18.5 million with FanDuel, earning him VIP status with the company.
That meant exclusive perks, from champagne to Super Bowl tickets, which made him feel important and enticed him to continue gambling. By late November 2024, Thompson had incurred steep losses and resorted to desperate measures to fund his addiction.
Then, one afternoon, he flicked open his phone and received a FanDuel reward that momentarily distracted him from his debts: a personalized video message from Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper.
David Gambacorta’s full report is a must-read.
The first week of July has typically been one of Philadelphia’s most violent.
In recent years, Independence Day weekends have been marked by bursts of violence that left a dozen dead.
But this year has been different.
It has offered another encouraging sign that the city’s overall dramatic decline in shootings held through one of its toughest tests.
Reporters Ellie Rushing and Jillian Kramer have the full story.
What you should know today
Temple University approved a budget that includes an average 3.4% tuition hike for both in-state and out-of-state students, and plans for about 40 employee layoffs.
A Delaware County man was charged after allegedly making threats against Gov. Josh Shapiro, including a pledge to “burn down … [Shapiro’s] mansion with him in it.“
Pennsylvania officials were threatened with criminal charges if votes by noncitizens are counted in elections — a rarity that is already illegal.
Prosecutors in Montgomery County have withdrawn criminal charges against longtime Philly sports personality Mike Missanelli after an alleged domestic dispute.
A state investigation confirmed poor conditions, needless euthanasia, and insufficient spending on facilities at the Montco SPCA. The board was ousted.
A federal judge decided that Gov. Shapiro can’t be sued by his Abington neighbors over a property dispute. But Shapiro will still have to face his neighbors in federal court as a homeowner.
Quote of the day
Various reports say the 76ers are among NBA superstar LeBron James’ top free-agency destinations. Sports columnist Marcus Hayes, however, doesn’t see it happening. “I think it’s likely,” Hayes writes, “that LeBron’s representatives are using this (feigned) interest as leverage to land the King elsewhere.”
🧠 Trivia time
The Vances built this unusual addition to the vice president’s residence.
A) Ballroom
B) Reflecting pool
C) Helipad
D) Chicken coop
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🏋️ Applauding. Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali was spotted jumping rope behind the scenes of the HBO show “Task,” which is filming in Manayunk.
📺 Gloating. Speaking of Philly shows, both “Abbott Elementary” and season 1 of “Task” were nominated for Emmy Awards.
🍗 Eating. Fast-food outlet Jollibee introduced chicken nuggets for the first time in nearly 50 years. The Filipino-rooted chain’s lone Philadelphia-area restaurant is at Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Great Northeast Plaza.
🎨 Admiring. An artist-led exhibition program transformed spaces in Suburban Station into a graffiti haven.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: This iconic sandwich is making its triumphant return to Citizens Bank Park for the All-Star game.
CHET MET SHIRT
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Jim Diamond, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Star Wars. The film turns 50 next year, and the Franklin Institute is partnering with Lucasfilm on a new, interactive exhibit.
Photo of the day
And we end on this lovely birds eye view of the MLB All-Star Game logo, which was painted in the centerfield grass at Citizens Bank Park. Baseball’s midsummer classic, which returns to Philly for the first time since 1996, will be the center of the baseball world for nearly a week. Here’s what you can expect.
👋 Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Paola Pérez has you covered tomorrow.
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