🔎 The voter ‘purge,’ debunked | Morning Newsletter

Good morning. There’s a chance of afternoon showers.

Our main story unpacks how routine maintenance of Pennsylvania’s voter rolls has fueled misinformation ahead of the high-stakes midterm elections.

Parents tell The Inquirer their pleas went ignored by the Cheltenham School District before it hired the coach who was charged in a hazing scandal.

Plus, the family of a man who died in ICE custody in New Jersey has called for an investigation, and more news of the day.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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On Monday, voter records in Pennsylvania underwent a standard inspection to account for people who have moved, died, or stopped voting.

This was a routine move. But according to right-wing activists, Republican U.S. senators, and Elon Musk, it was proof of a mass expulsion of potentially fraudulent voters.

🗳️ Here’s what actually went down. Counties across the Keystone State have been updating voter lists. They are required to do so no later than 90 days before a federal election, as mandated by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

🗳️ Both parties saw changes. 55,241 Democrats were moved to inactive status, while 23,832 Republicans also became inactive.

🗳️ However, being inactive is not the same as being ineligible. Contrary to what has been claimed by MAGA influencer Scott Presler and others, those voters can still vote in November.

Politics reporter Michelle Baruchman has the details.

Cheltenham families were concerned about allegations that former head coach Terence Tolbert allowed bullying to fester in his prior coaching position. His qualifications were called into question, and his failures to intervene in persistent bullying were scrutinized.

Despite this, Tolbert was formally hired by Cheltenham High School in June 2025.

Last week, Tolbert was charged with conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the alleged assaults of a 15-year-old player in the football team’s locker room by teammates. Six players and other coaches were also charged.

In one parent’s own words: “We protested and pleaded,” said Naim Ferguson. “We didn’t think the people they were putting in place were adequate to handle the kids.”

Read more in Jess Rohan’s story, which includes similar allegations that emerged during Tolbert’s time at Abington Senior High.

Retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy is an ultrarare genetic disease with no cure.

Lindsay Ward, pictured right, grows more nervous with each passing year, knowing it could emerge at any time.

Thanks to a $10 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania, researchers there will work on developing a potential treatment.

Investors in this Philadelphia-based business are accused of securities fraud in a class-action lawsuit.

A) honeygrow

B) Insomnia Cookies

C) Comcast

D) Five Below

Think you know? Check your answer.

🎙️ Following: WHYY is one step closer to taking ownership of Penn State’s public radio and television station.

🎸 Anticipating: Phish will play three shows in Atlantic City this fall.

⚾ Hearing: Mixed reviews on the Phils’ underwhelming trade deadline moves.

💍 Sleuthing: Did celebrity Bucks couple Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid secretly tie the knot?

🌶️ Avoiding: Jalapeños at Chipotle as officials investigate a salmonella outbreak.

Hint: Longtime Lebanese restaurant in Bala Cynwyd

ALTOIDS BARR

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

Cheers to Kim Flammini, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Wrexham A.F.C. Subaru Park became the temporary home for the soccer team over the weekend. “It’s just Philly but across the world,” a fan said.

👋🏽 Thanks for starting your morning with us. Have a great Wednesday.

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