Welcome to Wednesday. It should be a mostly sunny day with a high near 83.
Our main read analyzes new city assessments that show increases in several changing neighborhoods, with Kensington leading the increase in property values.
Read more Fast-food outlet Jollibee introduces chicken nuggets for the first time in nearly 50 years
And the last Philly-area Rite Aids shuttered for good nearly a year ago. We looked into how their sites have been repurposed.
Plus, a new flight route fills the void at PHL left by Spirit Airlines, and more news of the day.
— Paola Pérez ([email protected])
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The cost of change
Low-income neighborhoods near gentrifying areas saw the sharpest jumps in property values compared with the rest of the city, according to an Inquirer analysis of new assessment data.
And as Philadelphia ramps up efforts to address long-standing problems in Kensington, valuations there have climbed faster than in any other neighborhood.
Steepest increase: The median assessment of single-family residential properties in Kensington rose by 15% from the 2025 to 2027 tax years. Citywide, there was a 3% increase.
What the data show: It’s a further sign that market pressures in higher-income areas are pushing into pockets of the city that have long been primarily home to Black and brown working-class residents.
Notable quote: “I’m going to do whatever I have to do to make sure that residents who have lived in that community can stay there, can raise their families there,”said City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, a Democrat who represents the 7th Council District, which includes parts of Kensington.
Inquirer reporters Anna Orso, Yueyang Tang, and Lizzie Mulvey dive into the data and explain how a popular city tax break plays a role.
Also: The housing market in the Philly area is “weird” right now, agents say. Here’s why.
Reborn from Rite Aids
After years of turbulent finances, the pharmacy chain called it quits, but its presence still lingers across the Philly region.
While a few defunct Rite Aids are empty and overgrown, other buildings are getting new life as daycares, dollar stores, and other facilities.
Here are a few examples of what now fills — or what could become of — the vacant spaces:
🏈 In Center City, a sports retailer opened its first location in the heart of Philadelphia.
🏋️♂️ In South Jersey, some sites are becoming fitness centers.
🧼 In Delco, one could become a township’s first (and only) car wash.
Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy takes us inside former Rite Aids to see how they have found new commerce.
What you should know today
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Peco and its workers union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract Monday, ending the first strike in the company’s history on its third day.
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State and local health officials are tracking cases of an illness caused by an intestinal parasite.
Read more A Philly philosopher took time off to rebuild his Kensington rowhouse
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Philadelphia police released surveillance images of the white SUV suspected in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Kelly Drive last month that killed a Temple University student.
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Philadelphia so far has confirmed seven heat-related deaths in the last week, bringing the seasonal total to eight, according to the city medical examiner’s office.
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Cybercriminals stole the private information of more than 50,000 clients from a Philadelphia-based law firm, according to two lawsuits.
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Philadelphia drivers can now fill up their tanks with less-expensive gasoline promoted by President Donald Trump’s administration, but details on the entire enterprise remain scarce.
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Frontier Airlines has begun new nonstop daily service between Philadelphia International Airport and Detroit, taking over a route formerly operated by discount carrier Spirit Airlines.
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Point Breeze’s Keith Haring mural is being proposed to be added to Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places. Some are wary of the precedent the designation would set.
Quote of the day
We can thank Afro Sheen founder George E. Johnson for “The Sound of Philadelphia,” columnist Elizabeth Wellington wrote last spring. The haircare pioneer died on Monday.
🧠Trivia time
Bryce Harper loves putting Philly on his feet, and his latest cleats from Under Armour are no exception.
What do they pay tribute to?
A) Rocky
B) Cheesesteaks
C) SEPTA
D) Pretzels
Think you know? Check your answer.
What (and whom) we’re …
☕ Noting: New and forthcoming businesses in Ardmore.
🍦 Curious to try: A new Graduate Hospital ice cream shop that’s all about big flavors and little wins.
🏫 Featuring: The educator helping to guide Philly families and staff through the district’s plan to close and modernize schools.
🍅 Learning about: South Jersey farmers’ creative efforts to bounce back from a destructive spring freeze.
🎤 Wondering: Will the city be refunded for Christina Aguilera’s canceled July Fourth concert set? The mayor’s office isn’t saying.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: In a galaxy far, far away …
RAW TSARS
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Bob Allmond, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Scott Franzke. Nick Piccone built a social media following for posting clips of the sportscaster’s radio calls during Phils games. His hustle gives a radio broadcast new life.
Photo of the day
One viewpoint to go: The USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday night was “cosmic payback” and an embarrassing end to the World Cup for the home country, writes sports columnist Mike Sielski.
👋🏽 That’s it for now. Thanks for starting your day with us.
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Read more After years of delay, a Francisville apartment building is under construction