Follow the local stories shaping Philadelphia in five minutes each weekday. Enter your email to get the next local briefing.
Jesús Luzardo is a left-handed Philadelphia Phillies starter and a 2026 All-Star. He was scratched from a scheduled start against Atlanta on Sept. 12 because of left-shoulder symptoms, then was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 15 as Philadelphia pursued a National League wild-card berth. The IL move is retroactive to Sept. 12, making him eligible to return on the final day of the regular season, though any postseason availability depends on his recovery.
Macklemore was an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour and performed pro-Palestinian material during Sept. 4-5 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Messina Touring Group said venues on the remaining itinerary would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, prompting his removal. The dispute then led four associated supporting acts to withdraw, while Sheeran said the removal was the promoter’s decision rather than his own.
Philadelphia’s public-school cooling gaps have caused heat-related schedule disruptions, with 52 district schools still lacking air conditioning, according to local reporting. Northeast High had window units in classrooms but its auditorium lacked adequate climate control. Jalen Hurts’ foundation previously gave $200,000 for air-conditioning systems at 10 Philadelphia schools in 2024.
Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak began in late April 2026 and had expanded to 693 confirmed cases in 38 counties by mid-September. The state Department of Health initially reported two measles-associated deaths on September 14 while reviewing a possible third death. On September 15, health officials confirmed two additional measles-associated deaths, raising the statewide total to four.
Delaware held its 2026 primary election on Sept. 15, selecting major-party nominees for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Chris Coons. Coons, first elected in 2010, is seeking a fourth Senate term. Former state senator and physician Mike Katz won the Republican nomination and will oppose Coons in the Nov. 3 general election.
Lindenwold School 4 is an elementary school on East Gibbsboro Road in Lindenwold, Camden County, New Jersey. A fire was reported at the building on the evening of September 15 while facilities and construction crews were present during ongoing summer work. The district closed the school for September 16 as fire officials and school personnel assessed the building and investigated the incident.
Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs program has recognized emerging U.S. culinary talent since 1988; eligibility requires chefs to have led a kitchen or pastry program for five years or less. Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate are the chef-owners of Honeysuckle, a Philadelphia tasting-menu restaurant centered on food, art and stories of the African diaspora. Honeysuckle opened in Philadelphia’s North Broad neighborhood in April 2025 after growing out of Honeysuckle Provisions, a West Philadelphia community-focused grocery and café project.