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 a new month.
The sun is expected to shine. Tonight, the Philly region just might get a chance to see the northern lights in the sky.
When employees at the Philadelphia Department of Veterans Affairs returned to work, they found themselves in a changed environment. Today’s main read unpacks what these federal workers are experiencing.
And after the Memorial Day shooting that rattled Philadelphia, police have beefed up their presence on a busy weekend for crowds in the city.
— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Looming mass layoffs. Offers to resign. Mandatory overtime requirements.
Upon returning to work in-person full-time earlier this month, Philadelphia employees responsible for veterans’ benefits came back to a “chaotic” situation, with complex feelings.
Morale is low, work-life balance is gone, and the threat of termination persists, even as employees continue to work hard, according to a union representative. The union they turn to help with workplace issues is also facing its own challenges.
And as some cope by taking time off, others are making plans to leave their jobs.
Notable quote: “Everybody’s holding their breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop,” one employee said.
From logistical challenges to privacy questions and understaffing problems, Fallon Roth and Ariana Perez-Castells have the story on Philly VA workers’ rocky transition back into the office.
🎤 Now I’m passing the mic to reporters Michelle Myers and Zoe Greenberg.
Police were out in force at the Roots Picnic in Fairmount Park on Saturday, just five days after still-unidentified shooters fired into a Memorial Day crowd at nearby Lemon Hill, killing two people and wounding nine others.
The music and concert festival took place at the Mann Center, across the river and about three miles from Lemon Hill, a popular gathering spot that overlooks Boathouse Row. On Saturday before the gates to the venue opened, about seven police cars, a dozen officers, and two ambulances were stationed by the entrance to the Mann. Festival organizers expected nearly 30,000 people to attend each day.
“People can expect to see an increased police presence at various events throughout the city this weekend, including the Roots Picnic,” said Jasmine Colón-Reilly, a police spokesperson. — Michelle Myers and Zoe Greenberg
Hear from officials and concertgoers on safety measures at Roots Picnic.
What you should know today
Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect in the abduction and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Tioga-Nicetown Friday night.
President Donald Trump has not yet followed through on his threats to cut federal funding for “sanctuary” cities including Philadelphia. But separately, his administration has already terminated nearly $7 million in grants for the city government, City Solicitor Renee Garcia said Friday.
A once-prominent Philadelphia lawyer who represented victims in high-profile sexual abuse cases has been suspended for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a client.
Newly disclosed tax forms show former University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill was paid about $2.3 million in total compensation in 2023, the year she resigned as president.
Overturning a lower court’s decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Friday that Pottstown Hospital qualified for a property tax exemption as a nonprofit, despite linking executive bonuses to profits.
Philly was once the country’s circus capital. Some are trying to restore those glory days with the help of a new festival.
The Inquirer asked readers to share their worries about SEPTA’s cuts. The answers ranged from rage to disbelief. Here are their commuting nightmares.
Speaking of SEPTA, you might notice something slightly offtrack at the beach this summer.
❓Pop quiz
Camden County has launched an infrastructure project to help repair aging roads and bridges.
What is the total cost of the project?
A) $31 million
B) $161 million
C) $125 million
D) $42 million
Think you know? Check your answer.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: West Philly neighborhood
BEBE CROCKS
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Joan Young who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Bryce Huff. The Eagles are reportedly working toward a deal that would send the edge rusher to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a mid-round pick. “His place in history is secured by the shrug we offer his departure,” writes Inquirer columnist David Murphy.
Seven Philly shop cats are getting the star treatment: They’ve become the faces of the app ShopCats. Meet the kitty influencers and see the tote bag line that they’ve inspired.
What you’re saying about...
Yesterday, I asked if you had ever been to the exclusive Palizzi Social Club. Here are some reader reviews, edited for length and clarity:
Ruth S.: There’s nothing like Palizzi in Philly, so I understand the hype. It blends the perfect amount of Rat Pack cool with traditional Sicilian dishes that are perfectly prepared, incredible service, and great tunes. I love that everybody feels at home at Palizzi. P.S. If you like Palizzi, you’ll love Zeppoli in Collingswood.
Brunella R.: I’ve been there 3 times with different groups of friends. I found it dark, old and dirty. The food is good but not great enough to make me want to wait in line for hours.
🎶 Today’s song goes like this: “Gassing me up in an empty bar / Filling my cup with so much empty love.”
One more musical thing: Shout-out to Taylor Swift, who just regained control of her music catalog. (I wonder what she thinks about her old Wyomissing neighbor admitting to selling fake Picassos and Warhols.)
👋🏽 Thanks for spending part of your Sunday morning with The Inquirer. Take care.