Years ago, I was out to dinner with my parents at a South Philadelphia restaurant one Sunday night when Eagles defensive tackle Andy Harmon walked in with some friends and family. Just a few hours earlier, I’d watched Harmon miss several easy tackles as the Birds blew a late lead and lost to the New York Giants. I said something to the effect of, ‘How can he show his face in public after a game like that?’ My father looked at me like I had 10 heads and said, ‘He’s just a guy who had a bad day at work. He’s still allowed to have a life and do normal things.’

I thought about that exchange with my father last night when Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons, citing a need to prioritize his mental health.

“I deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve realized that my personal and family priorities have changed. Right now it is critical that I focus on my mental health,” Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson will be remembered for championships, Pro Bowls, and years spent neutralizing some of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers. He’s attained ‘He’ll never pay for a drink again in this town’ status in the Philadelphia region. Children and pets will be named after him. There’s a good chance he’ll one day be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His influence, however, extends far beyond the football field and the Delaware Valley. Johnson became one of the league’s most prominent advocates for mental health awareness after speaking publicly about his experiences with anxiety and depression. That honesty carried particular weight in an environment where vulnerability has too often been mistaken for weakness.

We often forget that those are people beneath the helmet and the shoulder pads—husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons, going through the same things we all go through. And Johnson’s willingness to speak publicly about his mental health will help others understand that success in an alpha male environment like the NFL does not make someone immune to anxiety, depression, or personal difficulty.

US Rep. Scott Perry and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson. (US House photo/Stelson campaign)

As National Voter Education Week continues, here’s more on the candidates, the issues, and what you need to know about voting in Pennsylvania for this year’s midterm election.

PERRY vs. STELSON: In the US House race for Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Scott Perry is seeking his eighth term against Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson, a former TV reporter in central Pa. Our Ashley Adams looks at how Perry has voted on economic issues like President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. We’re also breaking down where the candidates stand on public safety.

VOTING BY MAIL? Here’s 6 important things to know.

VOTING IN PERSON? Here’s a guide to Pennsylvania’s voter ID laws and what identification to bring to the polls.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

On Nov. 3, Pennsylvania voters will decide whether Josh Shapiro will remain in office or if Stacy Garrity will become the commonwealth’s 49th governor. We’d like to know: If you could ask either of the gubernatorial candidates one question, what would it be?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“When are we going to get some regulations on these electric scooters and e-bikes before something really bad happens?” — Richard Stevens, Delaware County

“Why does the government never have to tighten its budget when things get tough financially? We curb back on spending, taxes get raised anyway.” — Kristin Clemmer, Montgomery County

“Can you promise civility in our daily discourse? Politicians of all parties need to treat all with respect. The voting public has had more than enough of the vitriol.” — Paul Devine, Blue Bell

“I would ask Gov. Shapiro if he truly realizes that he is running for reelection as governor and NOT campaigning for a run in the next presidential election.” — Roseanne, Lancaster

“Would you support a reduction in the number of lawmakers Pa. has? We spend among the most to run our state with almost the most lawmakers. A reduction in pay and a reduction in the number of lawmakers would go far in restoring faith in our government. It would also allow some of the highest taxes to be reduced.” — Tom Poynton, Northampton

What would you ask Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial candidates? Reply with your question below. 👇

Festivalgoers take a selfie at the National Apple Harvest Festival. (National Apple Harvest Festival)

Did you know that Pennsylvania farmers grow more than 400 million pounds of apples each year? While apples are harvested in every county in the commonwealth, the heart of apple production lies in south-central Pennsylvania’s Adams County. And every year, the National Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the fruit with an old-fashioned fall festival in Adams County’s Biglerville, just about 10 minutes from Gettysburg.

The festival takes place over the first two weekends in October. So this weekend—Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11—marks your last chance to enjoy the food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and apple history that make up the festival. If you’re thinking of going, our food and travel writer Kalena Thomhave will help you make the most of your apple-focused weekend.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s official forecast for winter 2026-27 in the US. (USA Today Network)

Even though we’ve barely cracked the seal on fall, we’ll be trading the sweaters and rakes of autumn for the parkas and snow shovels of winter in just a couple of months. So it’s only natural to wonder what the 2026-27 winter forecast has in store and whether this season could bring more snow than normal.

The latest outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center favors a milder-than-normal winter across much of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. But a strengthening El Niño remains a major wildcard that could influence storm tracks and snowfall opportunities in the months ahead.

Get the details on the current winter forecast for Pennsylvania in this story.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Ashley Adams, Kalena Thomhave, Ava Edwards, The Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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