Riders fear A.C. rail shutdown, which Philly tourist traps are worth it? | Morning Newsletter

Fast and furious rains flooded roads and highways in our region yesterday, with dozens rescued from trapped cars and a number of emergency rescues reported in the surrounding counties. More rain, though lighter than yesterday's downpours, is expected today.

Aretha Franklin, the incomparable 76-year-old Queen of Soul, is "gravely ill" in Detroit, according to reports. A Detroit news anchor says the legend is "asking for your prayers at this time."

Earlier this month, officials announced residents looking to host a block party would need to ask their local police district first. Each year, around 6,000 people submit such requests and a list of 922 streets are typically off-limits.

Former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman is embracing the controversy surrounding her secret recording of White House officials by claiming she has more tapes to release as she promotes a new book.

Jersey Shore drivers asked, we answered. Readers used our Curious Philly question-and-answer forum to inquire when the construction will end on the Garden State Parkway's Egg Harbor Bridge. The big reveal: it should be done by next spring.

Affordable housing in Philly is a hot topic this summer and, according to a new study, it's for a good reason: we're one of six U.S. cities where homeowners are more likely to accumulate debt than savings.

The Phillies are aiming for their first postseason appearance since 2011. Their young players have put the playoffs in reach, but can they finish the job?

The Philadelphia Folk Festival rings in its 57th year this Thursday with Jeff Daniels, Wynonna Judd and more. But the famed music festival wouldn't even exist if it weren't for a Nazareth, Pa.-based guitar company.

Have overripe peaches in the kitchen and want to feel like a Chopped contestant? Try working sweet summer fruits into savory dishes like pasta and poke bowls.

The Eagles face off against the Patriots in a preseason match-up this week. Defensive end Chris Long, who played on both teams during their last Super Bowl wins, probably won't bring up Feb. 4 when he sees his old buddies. (Smart move.)

Listen up, concert lovers: Kendrick Lamar was just added to this year's Made in America lineup, and Bob Dylan has joined this fall's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino schedule in Atlantic City.

Restauranteurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are known for their popular 13th Street restaurants, like Lolita, Barbuzzo, and Bud & Marilyn's. Now they're expanding to a new neighborhood and adding to their family.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Wolf acted to protect Stoneleigh, a free public garden in Villanova. But other Lower Merion landmarks are still threatened, write Paul Steinke of the Preservation Alliance and Kathleen M. Abplanalp of the Lower Merion Conservancy.

Retailers the world over are banning single-use plastic items. Fishing and the plastic garbage it generates, however, inflict more harm on wildlife than straws ever will, writes Paula Moore of the PETA Foundation.

This summer's steamy weather has Philly thinking of ways to make our homes more resilient in heat. PlanPhilly's report on the ways low-income households can shore up their houses is a useful read.

When it's not so hot out, give Curbed Philly's new map of the city's oldest historic buildings a look. A few are within walking distance of each other, but the whole map would make a nice day trip.

Feel like the year is flying by? Recode has summed up 2018 so far in 10 cool charts to catch you up.

As Paul Manafort and Rick Gates face the music for extravagant alleged crimes, the Washington Post has turned to science to answer the question, are rich people more likely to lie, cheat, and steal?