Philly’s southern rival | Morning Newsletter
And homeowners near the PGA Championship want to cash in.
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. It’s Thursday and the weekend is so close. Expect brisk winds and highs reaching the 60s.
First, San Antonio is closing in our spot as the country’s sixth-largest city … but we’re squinting at their methods. We have some questions.
And some businesses and homeowners near the PGA Championship are hoping to cash in by renting out their parking lots and lawns to attendees.
Plus, a pro-Ala Stanford super PAC pulled its TV ads days before the election, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio is catching up to Philly in population.
As of July 1, 2025, the Census Bureau estimated Philly’s population at 1,574,281 residents and San Antonio’s at 1,548,422, a difference of about 26,000.
But San Antonio has been expanding its geographic borders to encompass more land, which in turn helps grow the city’s population.
So does that really count? Reporter Dana Munro explains that answer and breaks down the data.
Street parking is banned in neighborhoods surrounding Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, where the PGA Championship is being held this week. Spectators also can’t park on-site.
So, businesses and homeowners near the PGA Championship saw an opportunity for a side hustle.
Business owners are renting out their lots. Homeowners are using lawn signs and Facebook posts to sell their lawn space for sometimes $150 or more during later rounds over the weekend.
Notable quote: “You don’t have this happen very often,” said Lexi Dahlin, a homeowner. “If there is an opportunity to make money, why not?”
⛳ When you’re done, refresh your knowledge on what you need to know about the PGA Championship and then play our new game, Philly Phairway Pro Golf.
What you should know today
Philadelphia judges are threatening to appoint a “special master” to oversee sheriff sales if Sheriff Rochelle Bilal doesn’t fix the ongoing delays impacting the processing of deeds of properties won at auction.
A Washington-based super PAC that spent $3.5 million to support physician Ala Stanford for Congress pulled its TV ads off the air as the primary race enters its final days.
Delaware County Democrats want someone new to replace State Rep. Greg Vitali, who has represented Haverford Township since 1993.
A Lebanon County man was arrested and charged last week after making social media threats — including an alleged “hit list” — against 20 Democratic state lawmakers, mostly from the Philly area.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman cast the deciding vote against the latest effort to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran.
A historic church in Point Breeze will soon become a family-friendly brewery.
Whole Foods is set to open a smaller-format store on South Street sometime in the next two years.
Quote of the day
🧹 If you’ve been procrastinating, this is your sign to start your spring cleaning.
🧠 Trivia time
How many seasons of Full Swing, the Netflix golf documentary series, are currently available to watch?
A) 2
B) 4
C) 5
D) 7
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🔑 Admiring: This Bella Vista two-bedroom, one-bathroom walk-up apartment flooded with natural light.
⚽ Watching: A first look at Lincoln Financial Field’s transformation to Philadelphia Stadium for the World Cup.
🎻 Considering: The argument that the Philadelphia Orchestra should bring back its neighborhood concerts.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: 👋 + 🏀
MAY ORDERLY
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Judy Pidgeon, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Money In Motion. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s redesigned “Money In Motion” exhibit allows visitors to see a $100,000 bill and receive a bag of shredded cash called “Fed Shreds."
Photo of the day
Thank you for spending your morning with The Inquirer. Paola has you covered tomorrow and through the weekend. I’ll see you next week 👋🏾
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
