Ex-envoy calls on Pope to resign, mass shooting at Florida esports event | Morning Newsletter
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It's the first day of classes for Philadelphia public schools, which means that students, parents, and teachers across the city are bracing themselves for the start of another year. I wish them luck on this hot, still-summery day. Unfortunately our news this morning includes updates on yet another mass shooting in the U.S., this time at a video game tournament in Florida, where three were killed and nine more shot. Plus, sexual misconduct allegations are rocking the Catholic church as some believers question the leadership of the Pope.
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— Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com)
When the rebuild began two summers ago, the Wells Fargo Center was certainly in need of a makeover.
The $250 million mission to revamp the venue with new seats, sound systems, eating experiences, and more is a slow and steady race, not to be completed until the summer of 2020.
But this summer's updates are some of the project's crown jewels, including a new glass wall with views of the skyline.
Shots rang out at an online video game tournament as it was being livestreamed from a Florida mall Sunday. A gunman believed to be 24-year-old David Katz of Baltimore killed two others and then himself during the rampage.
Nine other people were wounded by gunfire and all were in stable condition Sunday evening.
The mass shooting raised questions of security for esports events, which some top players say hasn't caught up with the rising industry.
A former Vatican ambassador to the United States has alleged Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis were aware of sexual misconduct allegations against an American cardinal years before he resigned this summer.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano published an 11-page letter about the allegations through two conservative Catholic sites Sunday and called for Pope Francis to resign.
Pope Francis declined to confirm or deny Vigano's claims Sunday. Following the accusations, Catholics attending Mass at a Philadelphia church questioned his ability to lead.
What you need to know today
Sen. John McCain's death has prompted an outpouring of appreciation for his decades of public service from local leaders on both sides of the aisle. Before his death Saturday at age 81, McCain's family had announced late last week that he would be discontinuing treatment for brain cancer.
Philadelphia public schools open for the academic year today. On tap for the new year: local control and cleaning up toxins in the classroom. For children who didn't have a good summer, practicing gratitude can help ward off the back-to-school blues.
Hundreds joined a rally at City Hall Sunday to protest President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. His confirmation hearing is scheduled for September 4.
Philly's housing choice voucher program makes it easier for residents to move into popular neighborhoods. But according to new research, local landlords are standing in the way.
If a question on citizenship is added to the 2020 U.S. Census, it could cause many in already undercounted communities to abstain, potentially impacting Pennsylvania's healthcare funding.
Andy Kim is the 36-year-old Democrat looking to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Tom McCarthy in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. It's a competitive race and for Kim, it all started in a Wegman's, of all places.
Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly
We're over the moon for this shot, @blurredpixels_ig.
Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we'll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!
That’s Interesting
Researchers say pregnant and nursing women should know one thing about marijuana: just because it's becoming legal in many states doesn't mean it's harmless.
Nick Foles' performances still vary widely and Carson Wentz hasn't yet been cleared for the season opener, but the Eagles are poised to dominate the NFC East, writes columnist David Murphy.
Calling Stephen Starr's Old City staple Buddakan "popular" is an understatement. It celebrated its 20th birthday Sunday, another landmark day in its tasty, star-studded history.
You could say Dr. J knows a thing or two about the Sixers. While he's impressed with the current team, Julius Erving told reporters Saturday the team still has a ways to go.
Speaking of local teams that have a ways to go…the Phillies have been playing their worst stretch of the season, but yesterday they salvaged a weekend in Canada by beating the Blue Jays.
In South Jersey, a huge (like, really huge) greenhouse that was custom-built to cultivate delicate orchids a decade ago is getting a new tenant: more than 35,000 cannabis plants.
Opinions
Ohio State University sullied its legacy by giving football coach Urban Meyer a slap on the wrist for lying about knowledge of his assistant coach's domestic abuse allegations, writes columnist Bob Ford.
Columnist Ronnie Polaneczky writes that Pennsylvania could use another grand jury investigation, this time to ask why legislators are blocking bills that would help victims of childhood sex abuse.
What we’re reading
The city is fighting to keep their bid for Amazon's second headquarters under wraps, but Billy Penn now reports Philly has spent more than $500,000 on the secret proposal.
Following the death of John McCain, Rolling Stone has republished a profile by the late David Foster Wallace as he followed McCain on the campaign trail in 2000. It's a long read but it's well worth your time.
If you're interested in preserving local history, you'll want to check on the Freedom Theatre in North Philly. As Plan Philly reports, the historic building is struggling to recover from a flood in January.
The Atlantic's photo essay on the many families fleeing Venezuela as the country's economic crisis continues is a necessary and difficult look at those leaving their homes behind.
Could the student debt crisis bring Philadelphia down? Philadelphia Magazine suggests the city is vulnerable if the student debt bubble bursts.
Your Daily Dose of | Neon
Neon signs aren’t as popular as they used to be thanks to energy-saving alternatives. But local glass benders are keeping the tradition glowing bright, for now.