Philly’s ‘old man crews’ are still skateboarding, Wolf and Wagner debate Pa.’s future | Morning Newsletter

Monday was a good day for local schools as 11 were named National Blue Ribbon winners by the U.S. Department of Education, among 349 across the country to receive the honor.

The United States has struck a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, replacing the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The new deal will shake up business between the three countries but isn't likely to revolutionize it.

Survivors and family members of the 58 victims killed at a Las Vegas music festival last year gathered for a day of somber tributes Monday, the first anniversary of the country's deadliest mass shooting in modern history.

A 13-year-old Grays Ferry boy is facing criminal charges and spent nearly three days in custody over an incident with a toy gun, and supporters are wondering whether the boy's race was a factor in his arrest.

Jersey Shore homeowners who handle their rentals themselves are confused and concerned this week after lawmakers voted to impose an "Airbnb tax" on some short-term rentals with guidelines that raise more questions than answers.

Craft breweries are big business in some New Jersey towns, but owners say new state regulations on events like karaoke and open-mic nights are ruining all their fun.

A controversial proposal for a 16-story digital billboard by the Benjamin Frankin Bridge in North Camden was approved Monday by a zoning board. Residents say the billboard will negatively impact the neighborhood, while advocates say it will provide local nonprofits with much-needed cash.

Just in time for October, the latest edition of Clean Plates is downright spooky: spiders, cobwebs, maggots and more forced Philly eateries to close last month.

This story is stranger than fiction: in 1982, three Allentown guys sat on a billboard to try to win a house. The contest was only supposed to last a month or so, but instead, the publicity stunt ran for 261 days.

The Phillies may have extended their streak of losing seasons to seven and the Eagles looked rocky on Sunday, but at least the Union is a win away from the playoffs? Silver linings, people.

Good news for football players: a new study by the University of Pennsylvania has found that a simple change to Ivy League football rules sharply reduced concussions on the field.

Girls Auto Clinic, the Upper Darby car repair shop known for its staff of female mechanics and next door beauty bar, is headed to the small screen. Fox is working on a sitcom inspired by the business.

Medicare's fall open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and our readers have many questions about their coverage. So reporter Sarah Gantz had a panel of experts answer them all.

As their furry companions are elevated to the status of full family members, more pet owners are hiring pet psychiatrists to calm their dogs and cats. (Hey, don't knock it 'til you try it.)

Last week, Mayor Kenney proposed a minimum wage increase for city employees and contractors, and it could mean maximum damage, writes talk-show host Rick Jensen.

The FBI investigation into accusations made against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh won't make a difference to Senate Democrats who've already made up their minds, writes Rafael A. Mangual of the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

The number of migrant children being detained in the U.S. has increased more than fivefold since last year. The New York Times' latest update on the hundreds of detained children being shipped to a Texas tent city is a necessary, if difficult, read.

Data shows more children are poisoned by lead in Philly than in Flint, Michigan, so ecoWURD is examining why the crisis isn't getting nearly as much attention, or help.

Dangerous incidents involving pipelines are rare, so why are Pennsylvanians so on edge about new pipelines coming to the region? As WHYY reports, our brains are wired to be scared of freak accidents. It's fascinating stuff.

Of course someone already got a Gritty tattoo. Billy Penn talked to the man with the terrifying mascot inked on him forever and his reasoning is just as wild as you'd expect.

Remember Zagat? Fast Company is putting the "long" in "long read" with its oral history of the guidebook, and for foodies, it's certainly worth the time.