👟 26.2 miles of fans | Morning Newsletter
And impact of a Bucks County pipeline leak.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Hi, Philly. Expect clouds and possibly rain this morning.
It’s almost time for the most ambitious among us to lace up their sneakers and run for hours through the city’s scenic and historic neighborhoods. For the rest, there’s the spectator’s guide to the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon.
And a pipeline leak disrupted a quiet Bucks County community. Some residents say they’ll never drink the water in their homes again.
Plus, the Michelin Guide has announced which Philly restaurants are worthy of its coveted stars. See the latest analysis at Inquirer.com and on Instagram.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is upon us. This year, organizers expect roughly 30,000 athletes across Saturday’s half marathon and 8K, and Sunday’s full marathon and children’s run.
Not running, but want to be one of the thousands of spectators supporting those who are? We have some advice.
🪧 Pick your position: If you want the energy of a crowd, consider posting up at Chestnut Street in Center City or Main Street in Manayunk. If you’re looking for a calmer vibe, head to Kelly Drive.
👟 Get around: With road closures, parking restrictions, and heavy traffic expected, driving anywhere near the race is a risk. Metro lines and Regional Rail are your friends. Or, you can always travel by foot, like the runners.
🎉 Bring the party: But also layers, snacks, and the Philadelphia Marathon app downloaded on your phone to track participants in real time.
More on navigating the marathon:
See an extended list of when each city block will be shut down and reopened, and how buses will be impacted.
Spectating (or running) with children? Check out our roundup of race-adjacent activities for them, plus our guide to kid-friendly restaurants along the route.
Click through our sign generator for suggestions to inspire, amuse, or annoy runners.
Life has gotten more stressful for residents of a suburban Bucks County community after a pipeline leaked jet fuel under their homes, contaminating their water supply.
The 67-year-old Twin Oaks Pipeline is owned by Sunoco and its parent company, Energy Transfer. As part of the more than 2.5 million miles of pipelines that transport fuels in the United States, it tunnels under the Delaware River and runs below a school’s grounds and state and local parks.
State inspectors uncovered the leak in January. Regulators say it likely began much earlier.
Energy Transfer has apologized and taken steps to remediate the issue. But now, most people in the neighborhood won’t drink the water. Many won’t cook with it. Some even bathe elsewhere.
Reporter Frank Kummer has the story.
In other environmental news: A Conshohocken-area data center proposal was abruptly withdrawn over legal issues. Neighbors have cited concerns about light, noise, and air pollution, as well as water usage and electricity costs.
What you should know today
Three people, including two young children, died after a fire ripped through a North Philadelphia rowhouse early Tuesday.
Police have arrested a man suspected of killing one person and injuring another in a shooting last month near the South Philly sports complex.
Burlington County prosecutors identified the man they say is responsible for killing a Maple Shade woman and her 6-year-old son eight years ago.
Pennsylvania lawmakers from both sides of the aisle supported the release of the Epstein files after Republicans initially tried to avoid taking a vote on the matter. Plus, President Donald Trump is drawing widespread criticism after lashing out at a former Daily News reporter when pressed on the files.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker defended ending racial diversity goals for Philly contracts after facing criticism for the decision last week.
School closings are coming to the Philadelphia School District. Four themes are emerging as leaders come closer to decisions.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing the University of Pennsylvania for failing to release information related to an antisemitism investigation.
A report published Tuesday by the Guardian accuses Union sporting director Ernst Tanner of racist, sexist, and homophobic behavior.
The Michelin Guide has announced which Philadelphia restaurants earned stars: Her Place Supper Club, Friday Saturday Sunday and Provenance.
Quote of the day
West Philly’s Jubilee School on Monday commemorated the 1967 student walkout, when thousands of Philadelphia School District students demanded better treatment of Black students.
🧠 Trivia time
As shown during Sunday’s Eagles broadcast, Boathouse Row recently glowed pink and green as a nod to what?
A) The Eagles’ belated celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
B) The eventual return of spring
C) The theatrical release of Wicked: For Good
D) Preppy vibes
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🥧 Mapping: The best pies in the Philly area, from apple crumb and salted honey.
👖 Asking: Is Boscov’s selling the most offensively Pennsylvania outfit ever?
🏈 Following: The pushes for and against merging these Main Line schools’ football teams.
🌳 Studying: What makes older residents stay in Cherry Hill.
✊ Considering: What comes after the “No Kings” rallies.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Wilmington chemical company
NUT POD
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Diane Marcakis, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The Mütter Museum’s parent org announced plans Monday for a $27 million expansion and renovation at 22nd and Chestnut Streets.
Photo of the day
Stay warm today. I’ll be back with you tomorrow.
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