Upheaval at a Philly charter school | Morning Newsletter
⚾ And Phillies Stay or Go.
The Morning Newsletter
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Hi, Philly. Expect another sunny, gusty day.
A charter school in Northeast Philadelphia has been roiled by upheaval and turnover. Now, its renewal is on hold.
And after another stellar regular season, another unceremonious end in the National League Division Series, and several core players set to hit free agency, it’s time to ask: Who should return to the Phillies in 2026 and who should move on? Swipe to tell the team who should stay or go.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Northwood Academy Charter School was for years known as a tight-knit community led by educators who stayed for decades.
Yet recently, parents and staff have reported problems such as administrators and teachers departing by the dozens, academic issues, and low morale. The Frankford school’s charter renewal is on pause amid a district investigation.
Some critics say the changes began when the Northwood board hired an external human resources firm to examine the school’s hiring practices. Instead of helping, they say, the firm pushed staff out.
“Every day, teachers and staff are thinking of walking away,” the school’s union president said. “And our families are beginning to look elsewhere, because they feel the shift. The school that we once knew and loved has become unrecognizable.”
Reporter Kristen A. Graham has the story.
In other education news: The Community College of Philadelphia’s board of trustees is preparing to select a new president, possibly as soon as this morning. Meet the four candidates.
After a brutal ending to an otherwise thrilling season, our National League East-winning Phillies are solidly in the offseason. We’ve mourned the World Series that wasn’t. But now, we’re moving on.
⚾ It’s time to look forward to 2026.
⚾ This transition period comes as several key members of the core crew are set to hit free agency, including pitcher Ranger Suárez, catcher J.T. Realmuto, and home-run hero Kyle Schwarber.
⚾ Should the team choose to let them go, the Phillies can spend many millions of dollars to bring on fresh talent instead.
So, should they? Swipe to see our picks and make your own.
What you should know today
Prosecutors on Monday charged Keon King, the man accused of kidnapping Kada Scott earlier this month, with arson, accusing him of setting fire to the car they say he used to abduct her — and said they soon intend to charge him with murder.
A Montgomery County woman who let her son with cerebral palsy waste away in her apartment was sentenced Monday to decades in prison.
Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians, including 500,000 Philadelphia residents, won’t receive SNAP benefits in November if the federal government shutdown continues, state officials said. Medicare coverage for telehealth also has been suspended amid the shutdown, though two local health systems say they will continue providing virtual visits for patients.
City Council members on Monday advanced legislation to make it easier for the city to shut down stores that sell cannabis and tobacco products without licenses. Their landlords could be next.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is shaking up the board of the Philadelphia Land Bank, which helps control the sale of city-owned land, in a bid to further her housing plan.
Cheltenham High’s football season has been canceled as officials pursue an investigation into alleged hazing by the team.
Seven months after announcing his retirement following 15 seasons with the Eagles, Brandon Graham is set rejoin the team, league sources told The Inquirer.
Quote of the day
The Dallas Wings player recently visited Rome and met Pope Leo after attending Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The new pope has gone viral for his White Sox fandom and has been pictured in Villanova hats on multiple occasions since assuming his new role, but on this visit, Siegrist said he was careful to stay impartial.
🧠 Trivia time
An Apple Studios movie with a very Philly name is now casting extras ahead of filming in the city next month. What’s it called?
A) Gritty
B) Cheesesteak
C) LOVE Park
D) Wooder Ice
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
👑 Thinking about: Past art thefts in Philly, thanks to the Louvre jewel heist.
🎭 Congratulating: The winners of the 2025 Barrymore Awards.
⚽ Attending: The Union’s playoff pep rally at City Hall on Thursday.
🏡 Ogling: The wooded Malvern-area home of a famous Main Line builder.
🗳️ Considering: The potential impact of mid-decade gerrymandering.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: South Philadelphia neighborhood
PREZONE BITE
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Brian Tucker, who solved Monday’s anagram: Jose Garces. Amada, the restaurateur’s flagship eatery in Philly, turned 20 — and got a glow-up.
Photo of the day
Run on and enjoy your Tuesday. See ya tomorrow.
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