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 Wednesday. This is Paola, filling in for Julie for the day.
Temps could reach the upper 90s. It’ll feel much hotter — a heat advisory is in effect. And thanks to Canadian wildfire smoke, our air quality is not too great, either.
Philadelphia, home to one of the largest collections of antiquated housing in the country, finds its residents and preservationists clashing over historic districts. Our top story explores the arguments and rules at the heart of the conflict.
Later, we’ll show you where to find our favorite BLTs and tomato sandwiches during peak season in Philly.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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When it comes to weighing the benefits or burdens of historically designated neighborhoods, homeowners and preservationists are at odds.
In Washington Square West, residents were upset after the Historical Commission approved its designation as a historic district, but not because they don’t want to protect the city’s beautiful architectural heritage.
Critics of the outcome felt ignored after having voiced concerns about affordability. They argued that the regulations involved in historic designation make maintenance more costly and restrictive.
On the other hand, preservationists say the costs of living in these districts are overblown.
And while other American cities have modulated preservation rules, Philadelphia takes an all-or-nothing-approach, leaving little room for middle-ground solutions that could satisfy everyone.
The last three historic districts that were approved by the commission currently face legal challenges. This scrutiny marks the most significant pushback against Philly’s preservation ordinance in 15 years.
Notable quote: “You’re seeing this uptick in appeals because the pendulum swung so far toward preservation without consideration of other public policy factors like affordability,” one lawyer said.
Real estate reporter Jake Blumgart details the ongoing debate and how we got here.
What you should know today
Police have asked the public to help them find two men they say were involved in a deadly shooting at a birthday party in Nicetown on Saturday.
The U.S. Department of Education is releasing more than $5 billion in delayed funding to public schools nationwide this week. Philadelphia will receive $25 million in funds, which are earmarked for English learners and other programs.
Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized the Trump administration’s moves to review and potentially remove exhibits about slavery at Independence Park as part of an effort to restrict content at national parks that reflects negatively on the United States.
An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was reported in stable condition at a hospital after he was injured during an altercation Tuesday afternoon in South Philadelphia, police said.
Bucks and Montgomery County residents who live near military bases had higher levels of four “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their blood than the average American, according to federal health officials.
Emil Bove, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, was approved along party lines for a lifetime seat as a Philly federal appeals judge.
The first of three micro hospitals ChristianaCare plans for the Philadelphia suburbs will open in Chester County in August, testing a model that could help close healthcare gaps in communities where full-service hospitals have closed.
Center City is set to get a second Taco Bell soon, but it won’t be one of its higher-end Cantina locations after all. Read: No boozy Baja blasts.
For the third straight year, Jay-Z’s Made In America music festival will not return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Labor Day weekend. The city did not receive a permit request.
The Bistro at Cherry Hill recently shut its doors amid bankruptcy proceedings. We asked the owner if it’s closed for good, and what its future holds.
For some, summer is incomplete without a good tomato sandwich.
BLTs are cropping up on menus across the city right now. One shop calls it “Philly’s chance to showcase the region’s top summer produce.”
Here’s where you can find some of the juiciest offerings:
🍅 Sidecar Bar & Grille in southwest Center City prepares their BLT with heirloom tomatoes from Hill Creek Farms and honey sesame toast.
🍅 Middle Child is slinging its beloved BLT in Center City and Fishtown, but they’re also trying something new this year: a “BBLT” with burrata and chili tomato jam. (Vegetarian options are available.)
🍅 River Twice off East Passyunk Avenue has a luxe option if you’re feeling fancy. Their tomato sandwich features thick-sliced heirlooms layered on toasted brioche bread, and topped with Black Diamond golden ossetra caviar.
From Point Breeze to Brewerytown, see more standout spots to try BLTs and tomato sandwiches while tomatoes are still at their best.
🧠 Trivia time
Which former president described Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg as “a class act who never cheated the game”?
A) Joe Biden
B) George W. Bush
C) Bill Clinton
D) Barack Obama
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🤩 Mesmerized by: This boutique Victorian hotel in Manayunk.
🎰 Unpacking: How the Pa. Senate GOP and a skills game company went from friends to foes.
📅 Noting: Pennsylvania’s official Sunday hunting dates.
⚖️ Answering: Why lawyers seek to try cases in Philly, even when the plaintiffs aren’t from here.
👀 Following: Developments in Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyers’ request for immunity in exchange for a testimony to Congress.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: British multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, and producer
ARC COLLIE JOB
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Carol Basile, who solved Monday’s anagram: BlackStar Film Festival. Meet the Philly filmmakers presenting films at this year’s event.
Photo of the day
👋🏽 Thanks for stopping by this morning. Stay safe and hydrated out there, OK?
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