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. Double-check your outdoor plans ā windy, soaking rains are in the forecast.
A reader is struggling to gracefully bow out from neighborly chats that run on too long. Our staffers discuss what to say when youāre worn out.
Plus, we have news on Pecoās union negotiations turning ugly, another Japanese restaurant adding to Center Cityās dining mix, and our report card for this week in Philly news.
P.S. A link was broken in yesterdayās newsletter. Hereās the story: Roxanne, one of Philadelphiaās first Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, has been operating without a license to prepare or serve food since it opened, according to the city.
ā Paola PĆ©rez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
What you should know today
A federal judge in Philadelphia has ordered the government to pay nearly $40,000 in legal fees to an immigrant who sued ICE over its attempt to make him wear an ankle monitor.
As Peco negotiates a new contract with a union representing roughly 1,500 of its employees, both sides are accusing the other of bargaining unfairly, including Peco alleging āpatently obnoxiousā behavior by union representatives and threats of violence.
SEPTA wants to build apartments instead of a parking garage next to Conshohocken Station. The project would require a zoning variance or an ordinance change.
A state board that oversees Philadelphiaās finances probed Mayor Cherelle L. Parkerās plan to fund schools through a tax on rideshare services. One member called the proposal āthe essence of leadershipā and noted that opponents of the tax have not proposed an alternative for funding city schools.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Bucks) said he thinks Gov. Josh Shapiro will win his reelection contest this fall and that he should run for president.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder, but the man at the center of the case may not go free.
A developer has plans to convert the former Blue Horizon boxing arena on North Broad into 108 apartments. But donāt expect groundbreaking any time soon.
Mazzoni Center, the Philadelphia regionās largest LGBTQ+ health agency, reported its first operating profit since 2000 in the fiscal year that ended last June.
Wabi Nori, a New York City-based Japanese hand roll and sushi concept, has signed a deal to take the former Morea space at 110 S. 11th St. in Center City.
From a Hallmark movie missing the Philly mark to the Flyers keeping the city sane, catch up on the good, bad, and weird from recent stories out of Philly.
A reader asked: My neighbors are incredibly nice. I am very lucky. I know some people have bad neighbors. Thatās not me. Theyāre a retired couple who spend what seems like 18 hours a day hanging out on their steps drinking either coffee or a tall cocktail. (I am jealous of their lives, but that is beside the point.) Every time I come home, no matter the hour, they would like to talk for at least 10 minutes. They are nice and interesting and usually Iām game, but sometimes I just am depleted and want to flop on the couch inside. Iāve done the pretending Iām on the phone, but that just feels icky. What is a nice way to say āno thanks not todayā?
To find the best strategy on kindly keeping it real, we tapped in features reporters Abigail Covington and Mike Newall. Their suggestions ranged from playing up a yawn as you walk up the stairs to playing it cool with a nice and simple goodnight.
Mike also reminisced on a positive experience engaging with his elderly South Philly neighbors who became like family over time. āPersonally, if I still indulged, Iād be on that steps some nights, getting the history of the hood, the straight, low-down gossip, and helpful tips about rowhome living, and the laughter,ā he said. Sure, chopping it up is usually a fun time, but as Abigail pointed out, āNot every night can be a porch hang night.ā
Read their full verdict here. And if youād like advice (or just want to share your thoughts), weāre all ears. Email us here.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority has transformed from a patronage den to a civic asset under the leadership of Richard Lazer, Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson writes.
In this weekās Shackamaxon, Pearson unpacks the PPAās approach to quality-of-life and safety projects and more on City Council happenings this week.
š Find the location
Think you know where Gritty is? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Phillyās streets and places to the test. Check your answer.
š§© Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Philadelphiaās favorite horror filmmaker
ANYTHING HAM SLAM
Email us if you know the answer. Weāll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Heather Boone, who correctly guessed Fridayās answer: Simpson House. The retirement and nursing home, founded in 1865, is being sold.
The 130th annual Penn Relays continued in its second day Friday.
See more snaps from staff photographer Jose F. Moreno, and read on for Jonathan Tannenwaldās story on Pennsauken girlsā track setting a New Jersey record and Isabella DiAmoreās report on the college menās distance medley championship.
Somewhere on the internet in Philly
š§² Eric Lord tried magnet fishing in the Schuylkill. Then he got stuck.
š„¶ A Bensalem tavern is making a splash with its promotional tactics and distinct accent.
š We asked Flyers and Penguins fans to say something ā¦ anything nice about each other. Gritty is also having the time of his life tormenting Penguins fans.
šš½ Take care, and Iāll catch up with you again tomorrow.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirerās Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
