Family that fled Ukraine leaving U.S. | Morning Newsletter
And who deserves a Philly statue?
The Morning Newsletter
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Good morning, Philly! Get ready for a hot one today with highs expected to hit the low 90s — and then it gets really hot!
The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced millions of people from their homes. That’s why the Pavliutina family ended up in the Philly area. Despite loving their time here, because of rising pressure on immigrants, they’re leaving the United States.
Philadelphia is home to hundreds of statues, some honoring historical figures, others celebrating beloved fictional heroes. So now, The Inquirer is wondering: Who deserves Philly’s next great statue?
Plus, Philadelphia police found a “significant amount” of blood inside the Olney house linked to the investigation of at least two missing women, and more news of the day.
— Sam Stewart (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Four years ago Veronika Pavliutina and her three young children landed in Philadelphia after fleeing Ukraine, escaping the war as Russia shelled their home city. Their big shock: The outpouring of care and kindness that greeted them here. Pavliutina, 48, said she’ll never forget it.
But now, she said, it’s time to leave. Federal pressure on Ukrainian war immigrants has created doubt about the family’s ability to stay in the U.S. and raised fears about what could happen if they do.
The government designation that allows Pavliutina and her children to live here, Temporary Protected Status, expires for Ukraine in October. There has been no sign the Trump administration plans to renew it.
Pavliutina has felt the changed government attitude toward immigrants, the ICE arrests and detentions, the common resentment and casual hate. “More and more I can see, it’s becoming not safe,” she said.
The Inquirer’s Jeff Gammage has the full story.
Philly now has three Rocky statues. That’s three statues celebrating a fictional Philadelphian. And while many great (real) Philadelphians already have statues, there are so many who don’t.
That got us wondering: Who do you think should be Philadelphia’s Next Top Statue?
It’s not an easy question, so we’re putting it to a vote. The Inquirer created a list of just 26 potential candidates. It’s up to you to decide who’s worthy of a statue in our great city.
Should it be Will Smith? Questlove? Play and find out.
What you should know today
Law enforcement sources said police are prepared to excavate the front and backyards of an Olney house in search of potential human remains after a “significant amount” of blood was found in the home. The house is linked to the investigations of two missing women, authorities say.
Philadelphia police are investigating whether three men shot near the Hunting Park Recreation Center in the last month — two of them fatally and just six days apart — were targeted by the same gunman, according to law enforcement sources.
Local police and fire responded to a house explosion in Sellersville, Bucks County, on Monday that left the property in ruins and white debris scattered in a broad blast radius.
President Donald Trump’s administration has wiped almost all mentions of slavery from a panel accompanying a portrait of Thomas Jefferson at the Second Bank of the United States.
The Supreme Court on Monday upheld a Mississippi law that allows officials to tally mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive later, a decision that keeps voting procedures in place in several states as the midterm elections loom.
Temple University has asked its schools, colleges, and administrative units to cut a total of $60 million to help offset a projected deficit for 2026-27. President John Fry said “some reduction in force is inevitable.”
Quote of the day
In a new Men’s Health story, Ben Simmons said he’s eyeing an NBA return after a year away. Though Simmons mentioned possibly making a comeback in Philly, his 2022 breakup with the 76ers was messy.
🧠 Trivia time
Who just joined the Eagles as the team’s newest linebacker?
A) Kapena Gushiken
B) Andy Dalton
C) Arnold Ebiketie
D) Jaeden Roberts
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
⚽ Watching (on repeat): We all know the World Cup, but this ain’t that. This is The Inquirer Cup, where participants play for worldwide glory (and a hat).
☀️ Bracing for: The 100-degree temps expected to hit Philly later this week, just in time for the Fourth of July.
🎤 Excited about: Broadway legend and Frozen star Idina Menzel will be coming back to Philly for a free Pops concert on Independence Mall.
🏙️ Impressed by: These 26 Philly students who will become tour guides to greet tourists, give directions, and recommend the best our city has to offer over the next six weeks.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: American professional boxer
AIR FOR JEEZ
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Rebecca Welch Pugh, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Rachel Maddow. The TV news host spent some of her formative years in West Philly. She recently returned to talk about her time here ahead of an MS NOW event.
Photo of the day
👋 Have a good day, everyone! Paola will be back with your daily dose of The Inquirer tomorrow morning.
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