The artist behind Philly sports murals | Morning Newsletter
And Pa. senators praise U.S. attack on Iran
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Note: Late Saturday night, President Donald Trump said the U.S. military struck key nuclear sites in Iran, joining Israel’s war against the country. Follow the latest developments over on Inquirer.com.
Good morning, Philly.
Sunday is set to kick off a potentially dangerous heat wave. Triple-digit temps are expected, and the humidity will only make it feel worse. Our comprehensive guide can help you stay cool and know how to avoid (and spot) heat exhaustion.
In our main read, meet the man behind some of the city’s best-known murals and see his newest artwork.
Plus, Dave McCormick is rapidly establishing his influence in Washington. Learn how Pennsylvania’s new Republican senator has spent his first six months in office.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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At Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, back when tickets cost 50 cents, a young David McShane discovered a lifelong passion for sports and art.
Today, he brings iconic sports legends to life in vivid color, using concrete walls as his canvas.
McShane, a figurative painter and celebrated muralist with Mural Arts Philadelphia, depicts athletes in action. He describes these movements as “poetry in motion.”
In McShane’s own words: “It’s the human body performing at its most athletic excellence. There’s just pure beauty to that. Maybe not everyone is into that. But that’s always captivated me.”
Sports feature writer Matt Breen has the story on the art and passion that continues to fuel McShane’s work, and his latest mural celebrating the Eagles’ second Super Bowl victory.
Dave McCormick arrived to the Senate as a newcomer after defeating former Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat who held the seat for nearly two decades.
As the freshman Republican rounds out his first months in office, we take a look at his approach to his role in Washington.
📜 As a Trump ally with a bipartisan flair, McCormick leverages personal connections and a strategic, behind-the-scenes approach to policy.
🏛️ McCormick has kept busy acclimating to Washington, and out of heated viral debates, as his Democratic counterpart, Sen. John Fetterman, draws far more scrutiny.
🤝 But no relationship has gotten more attention than McCormick’s bipartisan alliance with Fetterman.
Read more in congressional reporter Julia Terruso’s sit-down with McCormick.
What you should know today
The U.S. military struck three nuclear sites in Iran, inserting itself into Israel’s war aimed at destroying the country’s nuclear program. Pa. Sens. McCormick and Fetterman praised President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb the sites, while other lawmakers expressed shock over the U.S. directly entering another conflict in the Middle East. Find the latest coverage on this developing story on Inquirer.com.
A 12-year-old was hospitalized and four others were wounded — two critically — in shooting incidents Friday, including one that stemmed from a fight at an Airbnb party, Philadelphia police said.
The contracts for almost all of Philadelphia’s 22,000 unionized city workers are about to expire, and one union is threatening to strike. Here’s where negotiations stand.
A Philadelphia man who shot and killed a 17-year-old boy in Southwest Philadelphia last week was charged with murder and related crimes.
A two-week enforcement warning period for bike lanes and loading zones along Spruce and Pine Streets has been delayed.
Philadelphia’s Mount Vernon Cemetery made headlines last year when it was listed for sale for $1 million on Zillow. It recently sold for $1. Here’s what the new owner plans to do with it.
John Czerw, the third-generation owner of the iconic Czerw’s Kielbasy, has died at 55. A community of customers is mourning the loss.
Temple University is eliminating some jobs. Layoffs could come soon after the fiscal year begins on July 1.
Center City-based chain Five Below credits AI, Squishmallows, and a new CEO for helping it reel in tweens, cut costs, and drive sales.
CHOP is partnering with the Philadelphia Fire Department to train some 500 firefighters to recognize signs that a child’s health is rapidly declining.
It’s not summer in the Philly area without a packed season for music performances, from big outdoor events to intimate (and air-conditioned) spaces.
🎤 The highlights: Pop critic Dan DeLuca has a list of shows you don’t want to miss, including the last run of “Wells Fargo Center” shows, a concert series in South Jersey, and a handful of music festivals.
🎻 More tunes: For the classical lovers (and the curious), Peter Dobrin has your guide to the best classical music concerts in Philly this summer, featuring football, rap, and movie music.
🎸 Paola’s picks: I’m excited about Mdou Moctar doing Concerts Under the Stars in King of Prussia, Haim at the Mann Center and the Kenneth Symphony at Longwood Gardens.
❓Pop quiz
Which age group makes up the fastest-growing population of renters in the Philly area?
A) 25-44
B) 35-44
C) 55-64
D) 65+
Think you know? Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Philly drag performer
CAPITAL PARRISH
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Jackie Kozloski who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: The Pub. The retro South Jersey landmark — one of the largest restaurants in the region — will close for the second consecutive summer.
Anyone else still reliving that wild double slide at home plate?
🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “Down to be wrong / Don’t need to be right.”
👋🏽 That’s it for now. Thanks, as always, for starting your day with The Inquirer.