Good morning, Philadelphia.

The Rev. Carolyn Cavaness became the first female pastor at historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. less than 24 hours before her first sermon and has led her congregation with warmth and care — a church famous for its long legacy and ties to Black activism.

Philly rapper Skrilla popularized the 'six-seven' meme with his song 'Doot Doot (6 7)', and the phrase is now trending on social media and in classrooms—experts and fans debate whether it nods to 67th Street in Philadelphia or carries another clever meaning.

Delaware County is displaying a custom-painted replica of the Liberty Bell at ShopRite of Drexeline in Drexel Hill as part of the Bells Across PA project for the nation’s 250th birthday—another replica will arrive in December.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show will run from Nov.

7 to Nov. 9 with a preview event on Nov. 6 (4 to 9 p.m.) featuring 195 artists in 13 craft categories. Craft in America will launch (Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026) during the show to honor the history of American craft.

Two hazing investigations at Cheltenham High and Rutgers have raised worries about student safety on campus.

Cheltenham High canceled its football season after hazing claims and Rutgers ordered its fraternity to stop after a 19-year-old student was found unresponsive last week—hazings expert Dr. Susan Lipkins said these practices often repeat every year.

Food assistance under SNAP may stop for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians (472,000 in Philadelphia) in November as the federal shutdown leaves insufficient funds.

State officials warned that food banks might face higher demand and up to 144,000 recipients could lose benefits if work requirements start on November 1.

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia heard arguments on Tuesday in Mahmoud Khalil’s case—he is a legal resident and Columbia student detained in March for supporting Palestinian rights who was later released on bail as his attorneys challenged the detention's jurisdiction. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse while the government argued that New Jersey did not have jurisdiction over the case.

Medicare stopped paying for telehealth visits after its temporary rule ended with the government shutdown, which may hurt small practices and leave patients with fewer options.

Philadelphia health systems—Penn Medicine and Temple Health—are still offering virtual visits without billing as they wait for a new budget deal.

Poison control centers statewide have seen an increase in calls for overdose-like symptoms from kratom and its potent derivative 7-OH, which mimic opioid withdrawal effects (Allegheny County recorded 18 cases from 2022 through June).

Federal and local health officials warned that advisories issued in August and a July recommendation for federal restrictions set the stage for actions to curb these products' abuse risk.

Eagles legend Brandon Graham signed a deal Tuesday that ended his retirement to help a pass rush weakened by injuries and retirements—he played 15 seasons with the team and his leadership will ease defensive strain.

The Sixers confirmed that Joel Embiid will play today against the Celtics after his knee procedure while Trendon Watford, Paul George, and Jared McCain remain sidelined due to injuries—head coach Nick Nurse said the injured players missed practice and are still recovering.

Philadelphia Union II beat FC Cincinnati 2—1 on Sunday evening at Subaru Park and moved into the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Semifinals.

They will host the semifinal on October 25.