📺 How ‘Abbott’ captured history | Morning Newsletter

Welcome to Saturday.

Today, I’m highlighting how the cast of a Philadelphia sitcom filmed a new episode at what turned out to be a historic sports event.

Plus, there’s news about a judge-mandated halt on Regional Rail cuts and fare increases, a state representative who is taking a 105-mile walk from North Philly to Harrisburg, and a 6abc anchor who is leaving the station after less than a year.

Let’s get into it.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Every Saturday, we’ll talk about something happening around Philly that’s stuck in our minds. Today, it’s the way the stars perfectly aligned at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night.

Sure, it was Star Wars night. But literal stars also made an appearance: The cast of Abbott Elementary, casually in the crowd, shot scenes for the next season of the show. I was there with arts and culture reporter Rosa Cartagena, as were curious fans marveling in the direction of showrunner and West Philly native Quinta Brunson (aka Ms. Janine Teagues), the core Abbott crew, and hundreds of extras. Inning after inning, they reacted en vivo to the beautiful chaos that is a Phillies game — and likely said and did other things that will remain a mystery until we watch Season 5 in October.

This wasn’t a total surprise. Brunson teased in July that sports fans should look forward to the series filming a “live event” in the city, and Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti) even threw the first pitch out at a recent game. But little did we all know that while Abbott recorded their show, they’d also capture history at the same time. As they cheered and screamed like the rest of us (IRL and online), the Phils nailed hit after hit, crushing the Braves 19-4 with the help of Kyle Schwarber’s historic four home runs.

On Friday, Brunson posted photos from the event (Schwarber and the Phanatic included), as well as a note to her Instagram story: “One of our most incredible shoots. My abbott cast and crew knocked it out of the park. It was a home run. And a home run. And a home run. And a home run! Thank you to the Phillies and the fans for your hospitality ❤️ and thank you Kyle Schwarber!” Aside from doing his part in smoothing over one of the roughest weeks of the season (and prompting more calls for an extension of his contract), I think it’s safe to say Schwarber was ready for his cameo.

Abbott incorporates key Philadelphia places and moments into its storylines. It’s part of what makes the show authentic and special. Going to a game is one quintessential experience, as is the thrill that runs through Philly when it seizes a big win like this. It was truly serendipitous for this massive production to happen on such a historic night. Consider it a new core memory for the city. It was a treat for all, and we can’t wait to see how they weave it into the show. After witnessing history at a magical event like this, I haven’t lost my hope in the Phils making it through Red October just yet.

The 2025-26 school year began Monday for the Philadelphia School District, bringing with it a hard-to-shake problem: chronic absenteeism.

In a column for The Inquirer, former Philly teacher and administrator AJ Ernst offers a solution to get more students into the classroom more often. If schools can cultivate a sense of purpose, he argues, young people will want to come learn.

“Where school feels relevant, students show up,” Ernst writes. “... Engagement follows relevance. And relevance comes from doing work that matters now.”

Read on for Ernst’s pitch, with examples of city schools that successfully connect students to meaningful work through project-based learning, internships, and more.

Actor Paul Walter Hauser got his start when he made a guest appearance in an episode of which sitcom?

A) Modern Family

B) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

C) What We Do in the Shadows

D) Curb Your Enthusiasm

Think you know? Check your answer.

Hint: South Philadelphia neighborhood

ARTISTS AGREED

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

Cheers to Larry Abel, who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Broad Street. Speed cameras are set to go live on the busy thoroughfare soon. After a 60-day warning period, drivers will be ticketed $100 for speeding.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited Hanwha Philly Shipyard this week, joining U.S. officials to promote a trade, investment, and military partnership they said should vastly increase employment and production at the Philadelphia shipyard.

Lee delivered remarks ahead of the dedication of a new vessel that was built there. See more photos by Jose F. Moreno.

After the big “Tayvis” engagement news broke, Eagles fans, the folks over at Valley Green Inn, and Philadelphia International Airport had their slice of fun online.

Speaking of the Birds, Kylie Kelce and Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder have a few words of advice for Cowboys fans coming to the Linc next week.

And what’s the best bar in Philly? Nothing can prepare you for what this post on X picked.

👋🏽 That’s it for now. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.

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