Hoping for tariff refunds | Morning Newsletter
And an investor’s plans could transform Philly.
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Good morning, Philly! Get ready for a warmup today, with high temps set to be in the 70s.
The Trump administration has started accepting requests for tariff refunds from businesses that paid $166 billion in import taxes, which the Supreme Court has since ruled were unconstitutional. But some businesses say they’re skeptical.
And a longtime real estate investor has set his sights on Philadelphia. His ambitious aspirations could revive four local institutions.
Plus, Philadelphia police identified a suspect who may be responsible for a July 4 shooting, and more news of the day.
— Sam Stewart (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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When the U.S. Supreme Court in February struck down President Donald Trump’s signature global tariffs, Jodi Berman jumped out of her chair.
The trade war had taken a toll on Berman’s South Jersey Rasta Imposta/Imposta Costumes, which imports materials from China — a country whose goods at one point last year faced a 145% tax imposed by Trump. Those extra costs were footed by American businesses.
The Trump administration this week started accepting requests for tariff refunds. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency overseeing the process, has said it expects to provide refunds within 60 to 90 days of receiving a request from an eligible importer or broker.
But some businesses say they are skeptical the refunds will come through.
“It’s a fluid situation that could change on a dime again,” Berman said.
Longtime real estate investor Dean Adler sees unparalleled opportunity in the uncertainty of 2026. He says now is the time to bet big on new development in Philly and beyond.
In recent months, he’s announced plans to redevelop the 1.7 million-square-foot office complex at Centre Square with the city’s largest apartment developer. Now he’s talking about buying the 137-acre mall formerly known as Franklin Mills and turning it into a hub for youth sports and mentorship.
Combined, the projects would include 750 new homes and, according to MorningStar Credit, address $625 million of distressed commercial real estate debt.
“For anyone who thinks I’m doing too much, guess what? I’m not doing enough,” Adler said.
The Inquirer’s Jake Blumgart has the full scoop.
What you should know today
The White House told federal agencies to prepare to imminently loosen restrictions on marijuana, rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule III. But the administration’s plans are in flux and could change.
Nearly two years after a July 4 shooting in Philadelphia left a teenager dead and eight others wounded, police identified the man they believe fired into the crowd. There’s a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
A man who injured five people Tuesday by allegedly driving his car into a Northeast Philly police building, identified as Dieufort Joly, is facing aggravated assault and related charges. The Inquirer obtained video of the incident.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Wednesday made her case for public schools in a 75-minute speech, urging City Council to rally behind her proposed rideshare tax and to understand why some schools must close.
The Radnor school board explicitly banned the use of artificial intelligence to create sexualized images of another person, after a student made deepfakes of female classmates. How the changes will be enforced is still under discussion.
Sen. John Fetterman has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, which would make the hot food eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
The Phillies have secured $85 million to help fund the $205 million redevelopment of BayCare Ballpark and the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
Quote of the day
Reading Terminal Market is sitting pretty at the top of the food chain once again after biting back to reclaim the title of Best Public Market in the country in USA Today’s 10Best readers’ choice poll.
🧠 Trivia time
Which of these former NHL players have skated in at least 500 games for both the Flyers and the Penguins?
A) Mario Lemieux
B) Bill Barber
C) Rick Tocchet
D) Larry Murphy
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
👀 Trying to see: The menu! In many high-end Philly restaurants, owners are dimming the lights. It’s part of the mood, the brand — and the sales pitch.
💑 Impressed by: This couple who have lived thousands of miles apart for most of their 17-year marriage. She lives in Philadelphia, while he lives in San Francisco.
🌎 Considering: Earth Day may be more than a day of service — it’s a reminder that our environmental future is built locally. That’s especially true in Philly, two opinion writers argue.
🚌 Sneaking a peek at: The inside of the new Greyhound Terminal on Filbert Street, which is almost finished.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: This Eagle was a special guest star on last night’s season finale of “Abbott Elementary.”
DIVOTS HAMNET
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to John Hope, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Jamie Ding. He’s the New Jersey “Jeopardy!” champ who keeps beating Philly challengers.
Photo of the day
👋 Have a great day, everyone! I’ll be back in your inboxes next week.
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