Philadelphia (Taylor’s Version) | Morning Newsletter
And some changes.
The Morning Newsletter
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It’s almost time for Taylor Nation to descend on Lincoln Financial Field for the Swiftacular Spectacular, and today our music critic Dan DeLuca has the story.
Our team will be covering all things Swiftadelphia this week with Dan DeLuca set to review the performance and more reporters documenting everything from merchandise lines and concert outfits, to what’s going on around town. If you’re looking for all kinds of things to do, including ones that don’t involve Miss Americana, you should be reading Rosa Cartagena’s Things To Do newsletter.
And as for the Taylor that’s #relevant in Philly all the time, Taylor’s still your morning newsletter author. Instead of me, you’ll be hearing more from the very excellent Paola Pérez on Sundays. She’ll be bringing you more of our journalism.
I oversee our newsletter portfolio so if you have feedback or ideas for any of our newsletters, email me directly anytime.
If you see this 🔑 in today’s newsletter, that means we’re highlighting our exclusive journalism. You need to be a subscriber to read these stories.
— Ashley Hoffman (@_AshleyHoffman, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
Now I’m handing over the microphone to Dan DeLuca:
In case you hadn’t heard: Taylor Swift is coming. In a summer of outsized stadium shows — Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Morgan Wallen, Ed Sheeran and Pink are all playing South Philly — the Wyomissing, Pa.-raised singer has by far the biggest imprint. Starting Friday, she’s doing three sold-out shows at the Linc, a feat that only Springsteen, in 2003, has ever matched. And Swift’s shows on the Eras Tour are now Springsteen-sized: three hours plus, to make room for 10 albums worth of hits, from “Love Story” to her new, self-critical “Anti-Hero.” So here’s all you need to know about the Swiftization of the sports complex.
What you should know today
Philadelphia City Council at-large candidate Nina Ahmad doubled the contribution for anyone in her race by triggering a “millionaire’s amendment” for her own 2023 campaign in the 11th hour.
Check out these free outdoor movie nights.
If you prefer fine art, it’s a big moment for BalletX at the Mann.
Stephanie Farr’s wedding gift bags were just as Philly as to be expected.
Charles III crowned in ancient rite at Westminster Abbey.
James Harden’s shooting struggles continue in Sixers’ Game 3 loss.
The Actors’ Equity union came to an agreement with the Broadway League.
An increasing number of people are concerned that they’re smelling too much weed on the road.
And remember to use our guide to Philly’s 2023 Democratic primary for mayor, City Council, and more.
❓Pop quiz❓
I’m quizzing you on our Down the Shore newsletter today instead of the morning newsletter. What did Amy S. Rosenberg mention that Taylor Swift once told The Inquirer was a “magical place to grow up”?
A) Stone Harbor
B) The pumpkin patch in Lancaster
C) Cornelia Street
D) “high in the sky with Pennsylvania under me”
Find out if you know the answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram 🧩
Where Taylor Swift grew up on a farm that has something in common with her well-known publicist. Hint: 🎄 + 🚜
DRNEGAI
We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Send us your own original anagram to unscramble if you’d like. Email us if you know the answer. Cheers to Guido Martelli who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: PEP BOWL.
Photo of the day
No one tells a travel story with images like Jessica Griffin, who illustrated Craig LaBan’s very Philly journey through Mexico as Taylor mentioned yesterday. We can’t stop looking at the photos of our trip to Mexico through the Griffin lens.
🎶 And for today’s Sunday track, we’re listening to “When he danced he held me tight / and when he walked me home that night / All the stars were shining bright / And then he kissed me.”🎶
👋🏽 I’ll be soaking up the sun this weekend. And later this week, on Taylor’s smart suggestion, I’ll be going for a hotel rooftop bar drink after work Friday. It’s already proven to be the correct decision for me. Bye kids.