The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Welcome to Red October!! (And oh, I almost forgot, the weekend.) It’s looking like a gorgeous day — sunny, with a high near 80, and a great night for baseball.
Today, we debate a Very Philly Question: When can you actually say you’re from here? Two of my colleagues issued a definitive ruling. I’m hoping they’ll reconsider.
But first, two government officials are feuding in Delco, why the internet can’t get enough of Philly, and the Phanatic shares his perfect day.
P.S. Can you figure out this Phillies-related word? The daily game is Schwardle, and the rules are simple. You have six attempts to guess a five-letter word. Good luck!
— Erin Reynolds (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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What you should know today
A traffic stop in a small Delco borough has become the focal point in a bitter public feud between two government officials.
A Main Line developer is planning an AI data center outside Conshohocken. Within days, neighbors have rallied against it.
Philadelphia boosterism spreads far and fast online. We explore why the internet loves Philly’s quirks the most.
A new independent bookstore opens today in Swarthmore. The owner of Celia Bookshop hopes it becomes a third space.
One of Pennsylvania’s newest trails is at a turnpike rest stop.
We graded the good, bad, and weird news that came out of the region this week. With only one A, Philly has some studying to do.
The Phanatic’s perfect Philly day has less to do with pranks and more to do with simple pleasures. Spend it with him.
Our Phillies coloring pages are back to help you calm any postseason stress.
There’s new, fall-themed food at Citizens Bank Park. Stuffed turkey egg rolls, anyone?
Michael Lancaster was on the hunt for a turnkey house. This is how he turned his dream of homeownership into a South Philly reality.
Luxury awaits you on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Here’s how to spend a weekend away in the village of St. Michaels, just two hours from Philly.
A reader recently asked: When can I say I’m from Philly?
It’s a big question, with real-world repercussions, like potentially throwing this writer’s entire sense of belonging into disarray.
To settle the debate, we brought in the big guns: Northeast Philly natives Sam Ruland and Tommy Rowan.
Unfortunately for me, their verdict is clear. You can only say you’re from Philly if you were born and/or raised here. If you didn’t spend your formative years within the city limits, you’re forever a transplant.
Uh oh, here comes that disarray … I wasn’t raised here, but I do consider myself a Philadelphian. Sam, Tommy — is that not allowed? Another question, this time for you, dear reader — do you agree with them?
If so, I hope this abridged list of my Philly credentials can change your mind.
🥪 I say home — and hoagie.
🎶 I’ve attended many a basement show, in North and West.
🛼 I survived the Boulevard, only to break my wrist at the Skateplex (formerly The Palace).
🌳 I like to hike with Teedyuscung and meditate with The Hermit.
🚗 I am vigilantly aware of the PPA, avoid 1-76 like the plague, and have used a cone to save a parking spot.
💚 I don’t think I’ll ever leave this beautiful city.
That last one should especially count for something, right?
You can read exactly how Sam and Tommy came to their decision regarding Philly citizenship here. And if there’s another question you need advice on, we’re all ears. Send us an email to get started.
After five train fires this year, an investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board determined it’s time for SEPTA to replace its Silverliner IV rail cars, which make up two-thirds of the Regional Rail fleet.
In the latest edition of Shackamaxon, Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson unpacks the conundrum this presents for the transit agency.
🧠 Trivia time
Somewhere in Philly, a giant paintbrush symbolizing liberty stands tall. Where is it?
A) Kimmel Center
B) Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
C) Fisher Fine Arts Library
D) Please Touch Museum
Think you know? Our new (weekly!) Citywide Quest game puts your knowledge of Philly’s streets to the test. Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: An art deco jewel on the Parkway
AWFUL INNOMINATE RANSOM
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Jim Diamond who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Joe Hisaishi. The composer made his first appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra in June and the relationship developed from there.
The Phillies closed their season in style, the Eagles beat the Bucs, and the Flyers hit the ice for preseason hockey. These are the week’s best sports photos.
Somewhere on the internet in Philly
Over on TikTok, @phillywithlena’s tagline is: “Did you know Philly is full of free art if you just know where to look?” She shares tips for how to “micro-dose” Philly’s beauty — including a hidden gem at the Curtis Center.
This tiny treasure box at 15th and South is so dang cute. Philly Trinket Trove (on Instagram and TikTok) encourages you to take and leave a trinket.
This young fan wants to watch the Eagles all 👏 the 👏 time. We’re with you, kiddo.
✌️ Thanks for reading! Now it’s time for you to enjoy this beautiful Saturday.
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