🥃 Late-night bars may be whiskey business | Morning Newsletter

Good morning, Philly! Welcome to the start of another week. It’s a bit warmer today with high temps in the 70s.

The Philadelphia 250 Permit is a limited-time license to keep city bars open until 4 a.m. this summer. While some are poised to capitalize on the moment, others are wary.

And an Inquirer analysis shows that while overall arrests by ICE have soared, the proportion of those arrested with criminal backgrounds has dropped significantly.

Plus, Philly’s annual Broad Street Run was “a perfect morning," and more news of the day.

— Sam Stewart (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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The Philadelphia 250 Permit will allow eligible Philly bars to stay open until 4 a.m. between June 11 and July 20, when the 2026 World Cup comes to town and the city celebrates the country’s 250th birthday.

Supporters of the permit are billing the opportunity as a moment to capitalize on the throngs of tourists, many coming from cities with later bar hours. However, some local bar owners and industry insiders are not fully sold on the idea.

🍸 Liquor liability insurance: While liquor liability insurance is not required, many bars get coverage, as going without it means they can be on the hook for drunk drivers, property damage, or bodily injury caused by intoxicated customers. Bar owners getting the permit to stay open later must weigh whether to update their liability policy for extended hours, which would raise premiums, or go without it every night from 2 to 4 a.m.

🍺 Will the crowds come? Some bars that cater to larger sports-friendly crowds or are located in or near hotels may be uniquely poised to capitalize on this nightlife moment. But outside of international tourists and World Cup fans looking to party late, one expert said, the common story around the state is that bar crowds are not showing up like they used to.

The Inquirer’s Henry Savage has the full story.

An Inquirer statistical analysis shows that while overall ICE arrests have soared, the proportion of those arrested with criminal backgrounds has dropped significantly since President Donald Trump took office, ebbing even as he aggressively pursues his plan to deport millions of people.

As President Joe Biden left the White House, immigration authorities arrested 253 people in Pennsylvania in January 2025 ― 49% of whom had criminal convictions. When those with pending criminal charges are included, the figure rises to 73%, or nearly three out of four arrests.

In January 2026, after a year under President Donald Trump, authorities made more than three times the arrests, 802 ― but only 21% of those taken into custody had a criminal conviction. Add those with criminal charges, and the figure increases to 41%.

That means nearly 60% of all immigrants arrested in January in Pennsylvania had no criminal record of any kind. The same is happening in New Jersey.

Tahira Reid Smith, a mechanical engineer and Pennsylvania State University professor, showcased a prototype of the world’s first automated double Dutch machine in Philadelphia on Saturday. It was an invention she first dreamed of as a child.

The Flyers’ first mascot, who lasted one season in the late ‘70s, was the Gritty before Gritty. What was this predecessor’s name?

A) Hapless

B) Slapshot

C) Badaboum

D) Winger

Think you know? Check your answer.

🎂 Craving: Multi-tiered birthday and wedding cakes made of nothing but water ice and soft serve (seriously, they look so good).

🏀 Moved by: A pickup basketball group who call themselves the Dadballers renamed the Germantown court they play at after a beloved member who died during a game last year.

🏒 Optimistic about: The Flyers! Though they couldn’t contain the Hurricanes’ early surge, an increased third period pace gives us hope.

👟 Admiring: What propelled people during this year’s Broad Street Run. For some it was the leftover adrenaline from the Sixers’ win, and for others it was the thought of giving back.

Hint: A private liberal arts school near Philadelphia.

LEGROOM CARTWHEELS

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Lindsay Valukevich, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Lancaster. A culinary renaissance planted more than a decade ago is now paying dividends in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Its food scene is in full bloom.

Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Deborah Harris, who describes her favorite summer treat as a kid:

I have such fond memories of hot evenings during Philly summers. My parents would take me to Nellies for water ice. It was delicious, full of flavor and a consistency that was smooth and cold at the same time. I always ordered cherry and my lips would be bright red within seconds of enjoying the treat.

Nellies operated out of her garage, with large barn-type doors that would swing open for all to see. There were tubs of various flavors of water ice arranged inside. It was in a residential area and cars would flock there on steamy summer nights.

Neighbors didn’t seem to mind, but instead, gathered around to be part of the enjoyment. Great memories of my Philly summers.

👋 Have a good week, all! Summer’s on its way, and I can’t wait.

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