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. Sunday will be cloudy with a slight chance of showers.
Did ward endorsements sway the race for Philadelphia district attorney? Our main read examines the influence of the city’s Democratic ward leaders.
Further down, learn how parts of a defunct 19th-century church in Atlantic City are finding new life in Washington.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
In last month’s Democratic primary for Philadelphia district attorney, both Larry Krasner and Patrick Dugan touted endorsements from various ward committees.
To determine the efficacy of these endorsements, the Inquirer analyzed the election results from the DA race, which Krasner ultimately won.
Here’s a preview of our findings:
🗳️ While they won’t make or break a race, ward endorsements can still give candidates a substantial boost. This indicates ward leaders still hold influence.
🗳️ These endorsements also appear to have played a role in the results of neighboring wards.
🗳️ Both candidates significantly outperformed their citywide results in wards that backed them.
Dive into the data with Joe Yerardi and Sean Collins Walsh, and see how the ward system works.
Bit by bit, Atlantic City is losing the historic but damaged First Presbyterian Church. A new marijuana dispensary will pop up in its place.
But it’s not a complete loss. A very unique part of the former church is being repurposed: Its red sandstone exterior will be used in a total renovation of the original Smithsonian Institution building in Washington.
Known as the Castle, the Smithsonian is known for its Seneca sandstone, which is made up of stones that are no longer quarried. They are a near perfect match to the stones in Atlantic City.
Notable quote: “The Atlantic City sandstone is the only viable option to ensure the castle itself stays true to original specs for future generations. So much more than a simple restoration. We are literally helping preserve history, brick by brick.”
Learn more about the stones’ new chapter at the Smithsonian.
What you should know today
A 25-year-old woman was left with severe burns after three children threw what police suspect was acid on her in West Philadelphia.
LGBTQ advocates in Pennsylvania want to hear more from Gov. Josh Shapiro as President Donald Trump increasingly targets their community.
Two South Jersey school districts plan to take a tougher stance to ban cell phones during the school day to lessen classroom distractions.
The ACLU of Pennsylvania and several advocacy groups have sued Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran to try to stop him from helping ICE enforce federal immigration laws.
After ICE took more than 20 people into custody, dozens rallied in Norristown.
A federal judge ordered President Donald Trump‘s administration to pause across-the-board cuts to AmeriCorps in response to a lawsuit filed by 24 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Award-winning Philadelphia-based actor Tom McCarthy has died of complications from Parkinson’s disease at his home in Sea Isle City. He was 88.
Closure of a single gas pump is a blow to one rural Pennsylvania town’s budding tourism industry and locals’ lifestyles. It’s also a safety risk, people say.
The 15-mile Cooper River Water Trail in Camden County is officially open, allowing for exploration of about 1,100 acres of formerly inaccessible water.
Today is your last chance to stop by the estate sale of “a very South Philly Italian grandma,” offering vintage trappings and well-loved fixtures from the 1960s.
❓Pop quiz
Which Philly star will accompany Kevin Hart in repping the city at this year’s BET Awards?
A) Tierra Whack
B) Will Smith
C) Quinta Brunson
D) Jalen Hurts
Think you know? Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Down the Shore
CAY NOTICE
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Beverly Thompson who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: James Baldwin. The first-ever authorized adaptation of his groundbreaking 1956 novel, “Giovanni’s Room,” is making its debut in Mount Airy’s Sedgwick Theater.
Photo of the day
🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “So I put my headphones on / Listen to my favorite song.” Between Addison Rae’s long-awaited debut album and Turnstile’s explosive new record, there’s plenty of fresh music to enjoy.
👋🏽 Thanks, as always, for waking up with The Inquirer. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.