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  • 🌼 Let’s talk ‘Walking Tacos’ | Down the Shore

    🌼 Let’s talk ‘Walking Tacos’ | Down the Shore

    Walk with me.

    You open the door to the rental and let in the roaring summer sun, and you’re fully prepared for a relaxing day on beach: Toy Story-themed towel, Cherry Float Coke Zeros, and a thin layer of suntan spray coating everything in the canvas tote bag.

    But you could really use a snack.

    There’s a lot going on this holiday weekend, and it’s a mess. So the last thing you need is another one.

    What you’re looking for is a classic Jersey Shore treat, but ice cream isn’t built for travel and a slice of pizza has too many variables.

    You need a “Walking Taco.”

    Walking tacos are offered at the Wells Fargo Center.

    I’m Tommy Rowan, and I’m once again subbing in for Amy S. Rosenberg. I’m a lifelong Jersey Shore-goer who was raised on visits to the Ocean City boardwalk and Wonderland Pier. I spent my teenage years on the Wildwood boardwalk, my 20s in Sea Isle City, and nowadays I have family in North Wildwood. And maybe it’s because I’m within spitting distance of 40, or because places I once loved are being torn down, I find myself wanting to cram in more of everything.

    Which brings us back to the food that moves.

    The “Walking Taco” is for people who want to walk and talk, and who want to fit in more and keep moving.

    It’s a snack-sized bag of Fritos that’s crushed into pieces, garnished with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and homemade pico de gallo, and eaten with a plastic spoon.

    It encourages you to get your steps in, but it’s not quite fast food. That’s why they don’t call it a “Running Taco.”

    It’s best eaten on the walk to the beach, but if you’re a “save for later” kind of person, it still works: The bag is self-contained, and yet it’s protected from splashes of sand and saltwater. And it’s an easy disposal: Just crush the bag into a ball and toss it in a trash can.

    It’s salty and crunchy and cheesy, but it’s not a true overindulgence.

    A cheeky hot dog stand in Sea Isle City has unfound claims to “the original,” but the product can be found up and down the Philly-favored beach towns between Atlantic City and Cape May — and many swap out Fritos for Doritos.

    And, honestly, what better way to ring in the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence than with a uniquely American product: a nonrecyclable bag of ultraprocessed salty particles, topped with chemically altered cheese strings, covered in oily animal fat, and topped with what can only be described as a “modern interpretation” of pico de gallo.

    It’s America in a fun-size.

    📼 What’s your favorite beach snack? And how do you feel about the “Walking Taco?” What are you eating this holiday weekend? Let me know what you think by replying to this email, and your most interesting responses may end up in a future newsletter. Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Send them here.

    😡 We’re in for a dangerously hot holiday weekend. Remember to hydrate.

    — Tommy Rowan (🐩 Tweet me at @tommyrowan. 📧 Email me here.)

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    Shore talk

    đŸ–ïž Pumped up. Sand-pumping operations are expected to begin next week in Ocean City, while replenishment of the Seven Mile Island Beaches will reportedly begin toward the end of the summer. Avalon’s beaches are up first, with work scheduled to start in mid-August, followed by Stone Harbor in October.

    đŸ›” Take a number. A reminder that New Jersey is now taking appointments for e-riders to register their e-bikes, per a new state law (which doesn’t seem to affect visitors from Pennsylvania). We have a full look at the confusing law here.

    🎃 Halloween in July? Spirit Halloween is getting a head start on the spooky season and listing seasonal job openings on its website, including for pop-up stores at the Shore in May’s Landing, Rio Grande, and Egg Harbor Township.

    đŸ—łïž The mayor is in. For a fifth time, Jay Gillian was sworn in as mayor of Ocean City. He won reelection in May.

    đŸ« Stretching out. Dominique Dawes, a former Olympian who founded a chain of gymnastics schools, is planning to open a new location in South Jersey this fall. The new school is part of the former gold medalist’s expansion into the greater Philly region.

    What to eat/What to do

    🎆 Happy Fourth of July weekend! Check out this handy guide to the fireworks shows and festive celebrations happening across the region.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 The Declaration. Two days before the country’s 250th anniversary, on July 2, Avalon is hosting a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. And then a few days after, on July 8, Cape May is planning its own public reading and reenactment. Both are worth checking out.

    đŸ‘»đŸŠ€ Ghost crabs! Every Thursday between 8 and 9 p.m., the Nature Center hosts a ghost crab hunt on the beaches of Cape May. So grab a flashlight and watch the translucent crustaceans scurry in the spotlight. Preregistration is required.

    🌭 Hot Dog Tommy’s in Cape May. No. 1, fantastic name. No notes. And No. 2, helluva chili cheese dog.

    đŸŽ„ Beach movies. Catching a flick outdoors at the Shore is underrated. Ocean air, salty breezes, and overpriced ice cream cones coalesce to create the most perfect conditions to take in a picture. Cape May and Margate show movies on the beach, Sea Isle utilizes the Band Shell in Excursion Park, and Wildwood hosts at Byrne Plaza.

    🧱 Card show. If you’re looking for an escape from the heat this weekend, the Sports Card, Toy, Comic & Collectibles Show will be trading in childhood treasures and autographed memorabilia at the Wildwoods Convention Center on the boardwalk.

    🎾 Free tunes in Atlantic City. On Wednesday, Bayou Blues guitarist-vocalist Tab Benoit is playing Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk, a New Orleans-themed concert series at Kennedy Plaza. The free show starts at 7 p.m.

    đŸ„Ą Delicious takeout. Craig LaBan is a big fan of the General Tso’s at China Sea of Absecon. He went inland for his latest list of places to eat at the Shore.

    Shore snapshot

    Jason Kelce takes a selfie with fans at his annual fundraiser in Sea Isle City.

    After starting last year’s fundraiser with tear-away shorts and a Speedo, Jason Kelce was comparatively reserved this year for his entrance at his and wife Kylie Kelce‘s sixth annual “Shore Birds” event at the Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City. The event benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation.

    Vocab lesson

    Semiquincentennial (noun)

    [semi-QUINN-cen-ten-knee-all]

    The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    I hope the next milestone after the Semiquincentennial is easier to pronounce and simpler to spell.

    🧠 Trivia time

    On June 27, 1958, this civil rights leader addressed a convention of Quakers in Cape May in a little remembered episode in this cultural icon’s extraordinary life.

    A. Nelson Mandela

    B. Thurgood Marshall

    C. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    D. Gloria Steinem

    If you think you know the answer, click on this story to find out.

    Your Shore memory

    I’ve been thinking a lot lately about Wonderland Pier and the unmistakable value boardwalk rides bring to the Jersey Shore, which is what made Joseph Farley’s recent submission jump out.

    The station wagon seemed to bulge like in a Willie the Worm cartoon; where endless hordes of Mickey Mouse types invade a building. Our family of ten filled the seats with the baby on mom’s lap. It was 1955, the tires were near bald and Dad kept a gallon of water handy to feed the radiator should it geyser in heavy traffic. We left Cheltenham, PA for Wildwood already singing, “On the Way to Cape May.” My pockets bulged with the contents of my piggy bank, my life’s savings. It was a six-hour trip, four of them spent in Dorothy, a town on the Tuckahoe Road, enjoying lunch while Dad made repairs to the car.

    That night I choose to ride the “Salt & Pepper Shaker” on Morey’s Pier; a scary ride that took you into the stars. At the top, it flipped upside-down. All the coins in my pockets fell out, clanking off the girders to oblivion. This broke ten-year old, turned moocher, still had a glorious vacation. I returned home brown as a berry with a tale that became family lure, a “feel sorry for dad story” that still brings sympathetic sighs every time I tell it.

    Send us your Shore memory in 200 words! Tell us how the Shore taps into something deep for you, and we will publish them in this space during the summer.

    ✌ That should do it. Amy’s back from vacation next week, so I’ll see ya at the rest stops.

    — Tommy

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • Affordable homes for historic property | Real Estate Newsletter

    Affordable homes for historic property | Real Estate Newsletter

    A unique — and formerly crumbling — historic property in North Philly is poised for new life.

    The twin mansion on the 2200 block of West Tioga Street is almost 130 years old. The Conkling-Armstrong Terra Cotta Co. had the building constructed near its factory to show off its products to potential customers: late-19th-century developers and architects. Elaborate details and decorations make it one of a kind.

    But the building has been vacant for a while and fell into disrepair. Now, a local developer has big plans to reimagine it.

    Keep scrolling for that story and more in this week’s edition:

    — Michaelle Bond

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    One-of-a-kind opportunity

    The Conkling-Armstrong Houses weren’t safe to walk through when Brian Wise, an affordable housing developer, got a hold of them. He’s since spent $1 million to lay the groundwork for redevelopment.

    His plan is to build 12 apartments in each of the roughly 5,000-square-foot houses that make up the twin mansion. And he wants to build two additions in the back to fit more apartments.

    Wise plans for most of the homes to go to low-income tenants who use Philadelphia Housing Authority vouchers to help pay their rent.

    Philly’s zoning board gave Wise the green light last month, but he still needs approvals from the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

    Keep reading to learn more about the developer’s plans for the site and the historical legacy of the company behind the Conkling-Armstrong house.

    Taking in the views

    Beautiful views come at a premium at the Shore. And Shore homeowners want to make sure they’re getting the most out of their investment.

    As Laura Glantz, partner at a Jenkintown-based architecture firm, told my colleague, “When a view is one of a property’s greatest assets, every design decision should work to celebrate and preserve it.”

    When Katie and Randy Zakreski rebuilt their home in Strathmere, they wanted to optimize views of the ocean on one side and the bay on the other.

    That meant installing as many windows and glass doors as possible on every floor. They don’t mind not having much wall space for pictures, since the views act as dynamic wall furnishings.

    Views dictated the layout of their home inside and out. They have five exterior decks from which to look around.

    Read on to find out how owners of Shore homes are maximizing their views inside and outside.

    📼Did you buy a home for the views? Email me to show us what you see.

    The latest news to pay attention to

    Home tour: Wild in Schwenksville

    Coming up the driveway of this Schwenksville home, you can’t really see the house. All that’s visible is solar panels on the roof, peeking out from behind trees and a meadow.

    Homeowners Marla Hexter and Larry Cohen take caring for the environment seriously. They’ve got two electric vehicles, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and those solar panels.

    They also have two wildflower meadows in their front yard. The meadows replaced their typical lawn and extend from their frog pond to the curb. They’re beacons for admiring neighbors, some of whom ask for tips for creating their own meadows.

    The wildflowers attract pollinating insects and 17 bird species.

    Hexter and Cohen grow vegetables and added a house specifically to welcome bats.

    Peek inside this wild piece of Schwenksville.

    đŸ“· Photo quiz

    Do you know the location this photo shows?

    📼 If you think you do, email me back.

    Last week’s quiz featured a photo taken near the Independence Seaport Museum at the Penn’s Landing Marina.

    Shoutout to Bruce R. and Merrily T. for knowing that.

    ―

    Does your town let you keep chickens in your backyard? Collingswood is one of the local places that ban the animals.

    Some residents there have been fighting for years to have chickens and the fresh eggs they lay. But they’ve got reason to hope that this year will be different.

    Try to stay cool and enjoy the rest of your week.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • đŸ‡ș🇾 Touring incomplete history | Morning Newsletter

    Happy John Adams Day, Philly. And buckle up: It’s going to be hotter than Satan’s left sock.

    This holiday weekend, tourists are coming from far and wide to visit the city and to tour Independence National Historical Park. But at the embattled President’s House Site tourists will not be seeing the complete version of history. So we asked them what they thought.

    And heading into this historically hot weekend, we looked at mid-summer temperature changes throughout the years and learned that July in Philly has become 4.4 degrees hotter since 1940 on average.

    Plus, we missed a link to the top story in yesterday’s newsletter about how different this year’s July Fourth celebration will look — and how much more it will cost taxpayers. You can read that story here.

    — Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    An incomplete version of history

    An influx of tourists visiting Philadelphia in the lead-up to the city’s Semiquincentennial festivities find themselves confronted with large gaps of brick wall at the President’s House site, where exhibits about slavery were removed by order of President Donald Trump.

    The gaps are evidence of the partisan battle playing out over how to tell the complicated story of America’s founding.

    Ahead of the 250th, both Philadelphians who have been engaged in the fight to protect historical exhibits, and tourists who have wandered through the President’s House for the first time, have lamented the Trump administration’s changes to the exhibit, which was largely dismantled by the administration earlier this year.

    Tourists told The Inquirer that the missing panels, such as those that discuss the brutality of slavery, do a significant disservice to understanding the full picture — even the ugly parts — of U.S. history.

    Read the full story from reporters Fallon Roth and Andrea Padilla.

    July in Philly is much warmer

    Over the past 85 years, the average July temperature in Philadelphia has risen 4.4 degrees, according to an analysis of historical weather data.

    Philadelphians sweated through Julys in the 1940s, brooding over World War II as temperatures averaged in the mid-to-upper 70s, including nighttime lows.

    But today, we swelter under average July temperatures of around 80 degrees — and those nighttimes have become warmer.

    Reporter Frank Kummer has the full story.

    What you should know today

    • Last summer, police scoured the basement of the crumbling Olney house at the center of a sprawling investigation into the disappearance of at least two women. But last year, drugs — not missing women — were their focus, despite pleas from concerned relatives.
    • Mayor Cherelle L. Parker defended the city’s decision to go ahead with its upcoming seven-hour outdoor July Fourth concert amid concerns over the nearly 100-degree forecast and revelations that the event will cost taxpayers millions more than in years past.
    • Peco and its workers union, IBEW Local 614, resumed bargaining for a new contract Wednesday morning, with three days to go before a strike deadline.
    • Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro will attend 250th celebrations across Philly in the coming days, and he said he plans to share his optimism for America’s future amid deep concerns that President Donald Trump has led the nation astray from its founders’ design.
    • Bucks County approved its first paid parental leave policy. Full-time employees with at least one year of service will now be able to take up to eight weeks of consecutive leave.
    • A developer has plans to turn a church at South 42nd and Pine Streets into 35 apartments, some with affordable rents.
    • The 76ers have entered the summer of blockbuster trades, agreeing to acquire All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-round draft picks.

    Quote of the day

    In 1978, a professional soccer team launched in Philly with rock star owners.

    Peter Frampton, Paul Simon, and Rick Wakeman of Yes — and rock executives like Rolling Stones manager Peter Rudge and music agent Frank Barsalona — had stakes in the Philadelphia Fury of the North American Soccer League.

    But the Fury couldn’t make soccer happen in Philly until the Union arrived in 2010. Reporter Matt Breen has the full story.

    🧠 Trivia time

    This Founding Father believed in Philadelphia’s prosperity and insisted that the Federal Bank be headquartered in the city.

    A) Benjamin Franklin

    B) James Madison

    C) John Jay

    D) Alexander Hamilton

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    đŸœïž Noting. We knew that a list of 76 iconic Philadelphia foods would leave something out. After hearing from readers — and revisiting a few of our own debates — we had to mention six items that deserve a place in the city’s culinary canon.

    🍾 Drinking. The water ice martini, garnished with a pretzel stick, has the energy of a South Philly summer distilled into a cocktail.

    🎡 Considering. Columnist Jenice Armstrong traveled to Washington, D.C., to check out President Trump’s “America’s Great State Fair.” She left underwhelmed.

    🏀 Waving goodbye to. Kelly Oubre is leaving the 76ers. He reportedly agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with the Indiana Pacers.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: This singer has been recruiting Philly area “soldiers” for her concert on the Fourth of July.

    ACTS AIRING HAULIER

    Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

    Cheers to Rich and Lucie Lipko, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Barrington. A Tennessee-based packaging company is closing its plant in the Camden County borough.

    Photo of the day

    Attendees relax and enjoy their free hoagies at Independence Mall.

    Philly’s city-recognized hoagie holiday — yes, Philly really has one — returned to Independence Mall on Wednesday, bringing 30,000 six-inch Wawa turkey Shortis to hungry — and overheated — residents.

    👋 Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Paola PĂ©rez has you covered tomorrow.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • 5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Lower Merion

    5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Communities throughout the region are pulling out the stops to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend. We’ve rounded up spots to catch the festivities. Also this week, longtime Narberth guitar shop owner Dan Gold reflects on his career, an Ecuadorian who grew up in the township is finding camaraderie and feeling proud amid the World Cup, plus a Wynnewood home once part of the Clothier estate is back on the market.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    The local Fourth of July events you won’t want to miss

    Wynnewood resident Lori Ney, along with her dogs Ava and Lilly, attended the Army’s Pershing’s Own followed by fireworks at the Great Plaza at Delaware River Waterfront in 2023.

    Celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial at one of these festive events, which are replete with parades, fireworks, and musical performances.

    • Bala Cynwyd: The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd’s annual parade starts at the Union Fire House and ends at the playground at Bala Cynwyd Park, where there will be a rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, and music. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, starts at 9:30 a.m. đŸ’” Wristbands are $15-$45 📍 Union Fire House and Bala Cynwyd Park
    • Ardmore: The community will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a ribbon cutting for its new mural, a “freedom walk,” and crafts and sweet treats at Linwood Park. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Throughout Ardmore
    • Penn Wynne: The Penn Wynne Civic Association’s annual celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a carnival at Penn Wynne Park. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. đŸ’” Wristbands are $10-$30 📍 Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Firehouse and Penn Wynne Park
    • Narberth: This daylong event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a carnival, games, and pie-eating contest, which run until 1:30 p.m. After a break, the celebration continues at 6:30 p.m. with food trucks, live music, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence before the fireworks show. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 6:30-10:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free to attend, pay as you go for the carnival and food trucks 📍 Narberth Park
    • Garrett Hill and Rosemont: This festive hourlong parade starts at the Rosemont Business Campus at the corner of Conestoga and Williams Roads at 10:45 a.m. and ends at Clem Macrone Park, where there will be entertainment and live music. Residents can join in by decorating a bike or float. The judging begins at 10 a.m. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10:45 a.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rosemont Business Center to Clem Macrone Park

    🎇 See more area fireworks shows here.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Montgomery County has in store.

    💡 Community News

    • Reminder for residents: There will be no trash and recycling pickup tomorrow when the township is closed in observance of the holiday. See how your household might be impacted here.
    • After a 17-year tenure in Narberth, Dan Gold remembers his time in the borough helming Danny’s Guitar Shop as “just perfect.” The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner caught up with the musician, who recently closed the guitar lesson and shop, about his career and what comes next.
    • World Cup fever continues throughout the region, and one resident who grew up in Lower Merion said the tournament has made him especially proud of his Ecuadorian roots. Rowan Teran, 24, was among those celebrating ahead of the team’s early round match at Lincoln Financial Field, finding joy with his fellow Ecuador fans.
    • Blackbird Health opened a new clinic last week at 225 E. City Ave. in Bala Cynwyd. The Pennsylvania-based chain offers mental healthcare for children, teens, and families.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Applications are now open for eligible Lower Merion and Narberth seniors to get a 2025 rebate for property taxes paid to the school district. Learn more about the program here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Two new eateries are getting closer to opening in Ardmore. Dessert spot Mango Mango is teeing up a July opening at 38 Greenfield Ave., while Vintner’s Table, a wine bar that dishes up Italian cuisine, is aiming to open in August on Cricket Avenue.

    🎳 Things to Do

    📖 Book Signing and Discussion with Jessica Knoll and Jennifer Weiner: Shipley School alum Jessica Knoll, who gained acclaim for her 2015 novel Luckiest Girl Alive, will sign copies of her new book, Helpless, and discuss it with fellow local author Jennifer Weiner. ⏰ Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m. đŸ’” Free to attend, $25 for the book 📍 Barnes & Noble Bryn Mawr

    đŸŽ” Music in the Park: The next concert features a performance by the Brazilian jazz outfit the Minas Trio. ⏰ Wednesday, July 8, 7 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Narberth Park gazebo

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom Wynnewood cottage with Clothier estate ties

    The exterior of the home blends the Arts & Crafts and Tudor styles.

    A Wynnewood cottage once part of the Clothier estate is back on the market, this time with a new price. Designed in the Arts & Crafts and Tudor styles, the three-bedroom cottage has a distinctive exterior from its stone facade to its woodwork. Inside, the home has been overhauled to give it modern amenities, including a sleek eat-in kitchen which complements the original herringbone-patterned floors. It also has a patio, a deck, and a fenced yard. There’s an open house Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.575M | Size: 2,673 SF | Acreage: 0.04

    📈 Lower Merion market report

    • Median listing price: $875,000 (down $100,000 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $1.1M (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 31 (up six days from April) 📈

    This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    đŸ—žïž What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Communities throughout the region are pulling out the stops to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend. We’ve rounded up spots to catch the festivities. Also this week, the so-called Swarthmore 9 pleaded no-contest to noise violations, a local woman has been charged with the years-old execution-style killing of her parents, plus the battle over an area liquid natural gas facility continues.

    We want your feedback. Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Five Fourth of July events to check out in and around Media

    Media is celebrating the Fourth of July with festivities at Barrall Field.

    Celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial at one of these festive events, which are replete with parades, games, food, and music.

    • Lion’s Club Independence Eve 2.5-Mile Walk and 8K Run: Celebrate the holiday by hitting the pavement for a 2.5-mile walk or an 8K run. The run/walk may be postponed to Sunday in the event of extreme heat. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 7-8:30 p.m. đŸ’” $32.80 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Swarthmore Fourth of July Festivities, SRA Bike Races, and Parade: The day kicks off with a bike race, followed by a children’s parade and then the community parade, with other activities to follow. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Media Borough Fourth of July Celebration: There will be yard games, live music, food, and kids’ activities like water slides and face painting, in addition to a bike decorating contest. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-noon đŸ’” Free 📍 Barrall Field, Media
    • Rose Valley Borough Fourth of July Parade: The annual parade, complete with decorated bikes and wagons, will start at the Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and end at Rose Valley Swimming Pool, where there will be a flag raising ceremony. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and Rose Valley Swimming Pool
    • America’s 250th Birthday Celebration: To mark the Semiquincentennial, Upper Providence Township is hosting a Fourth of July event complete with games, contests, music, and food trucks. RSVPs are encouraged. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 1-4 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🎇 See more area festivities here.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Delaware County has in store.

    💡 Community News

    • The so-called Swarthmore 9, a group of protestors charged with trespassing after refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment at Swarthmore College last year, entered no-contest pleas on Monday to summary noise-violation offenses. As part of the deal, they’ll each undertake community service.
    • Last week, 33-year-old Michelle Zajko was charged with the first-degree murder of her parents, who the Delaware County district attorney says she killed execution-style inside their Chester Heights home in December 2022. Zajko, a member of the cultlike Zizians, has been a person of interest in the case for years, but maintains her innocence. The DA doesn’t believe she acted alone and is continuing to investigate. The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella explains how new information led to the charges.
    • A pair of environmental groups are readying to oppose a planned liquefied natural gas export facility in Eddystone. Local communities, including Media and Swarthmore, have stated their opposition to the nearby terminal.
    • Pepper Lee Boutique and Gina the Jewelry Lady are reopening today at their new storefront at 1176 N. Middletown Rd. in Edgmont Township, above the Country Deli. The boutique will be hosting a grand reopening celebration today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pepper Lee will be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Gina the Jewelry Lady will operate Thursdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • The Delaware County Health Department identified this year’s first pool of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. The pool was tested on June 16 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Collingdale. No infections among people have been reported. The department suggests taking steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by eliminating standing water, using appropriate repellents, and wearing protective clothing.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Miller’s Ale House has closed its Springfield location at 18 Baltimore Pike, but continues to operate an outpost at 1119 W. Baltimore Pike at the Promenade at Granite Run.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: Tonight, Big Band from the Valley takes the stage, followed by Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band, which is performing a morning show tomorrow, and Smoke’s Ebonys and Raising Kane Band on Saturday. On Wednesday, Jimmy and the Parrots will perform, sampling from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and Bob Marley, among others. There’s no show on July 4. ⏰ Thursday, July 2-Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 p.m., except July 3, which is at 10 a.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🍿 Family Movie and Craft: Catch a screening of Moana and make a tiki-themed craft. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon đŸ’” Free 📍 Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Media

    🩋 Nature at Night: Pollinators: Learn about native pollinators at this after-hours event. ⏰ Tuesday, July 7, 6-7:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A Springton Reservoir home with a pool and spa

    The home is located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township.

    Located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township, this home can accommodate multi-generational living thanks to a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom main floor suite with its own kitchen. The rest of the main floor has living and dining rooms, a family room with a brick fireplace, and an updated kitchen with marble countertops and an island with a beverage refrigerator. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and dressing room. Out back, a deck overlooks a heated pool and spa. There’s an open house Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.395M | Size: 5,356 SF | Acreage: 0.8

    📈 Greater Media market report

    Media

    • Median listing price: $812,500 (up $62,500 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $713,800 (up $238,800 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 24 (up three days from April) 📈

    Swarthmore

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (up $55,100 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $370,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 37 (up nine days from April) 📈

    Wallingford

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (down $202,500 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $448,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 27 (up six days from April) 📈

    This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    đŸ—žïž What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Jaylen Brown đŸ€ Sixers | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Jaylen Brown đŸ€ Sixers | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The 76ers stunned the NBA world on Wednesday.

    It wasn’t just by simply acquiring the stellar Jaylen Brown from the rival Boston Celtics, it was the manner in which they did it. Four draft picks and Paul George? Wild.

    In Brown, the Sixers receive a 2024 Finals MVP who finished sixth in the voting for this season’s regular-season award. They got someone with the size, versatility, and defensive skill to complement the Tyrese Maxey-VJ Edgecombe duo. And they unloaded George’s contract. Predictably, the internet had plenty to say about the deal.

    There’s always risk. There’s always the question of Joel Embiid’s health. But for now, we can step back and consider a world in which the Sixers are legitimate title contenders as David Murphy shares his take on the trade.

    — Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓Do you think Jaylen Brown will be a good fit with the Sixers? Why or why not? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Big, bad Flyers

    Flyers goaltender Dan Vladaƙ is back in the fold.

    Over the years, it’s been clear that physicality is part of the Flyers’ DNA — just look at the franchise’s two best players, Bobby Clarke and Eric Lindros.

    So as Danny Briùre, who was 5-9 and 174 pounds as a player, builds the next iteration of the Flyers, it’s no surprise he goes to a tried-and-true playbook.

    Is he trying to build this millennium’s Broad Street Bullies? Not exactly. But bringing back big guys like Dan Vladaƙ (6-5) and Tyson Foerster (6-2) gives us an idea of what the brass is looking for.

    Jackie Spiegel has more on Vladaƙ and Foerster, as well as the newest members of the organization.

    A new dawn

    Phillies pitcher Brad Keller could return before the All-Star break.

    A few weeks ago, Phillies reliever Brad Keller knew something was off before he even got out of bed. He’d just had a rough outing the night before vs. Milwaukee, and when he woke up, he couldn’t straighten his elbow.

    He ended up going on the injured list with right forearm tendinitis. But on Wednesday, he was eager to see how he’d respond after facing live hitters for the first time in more than two weeks. The result? “A night-and-day difference,” he said.

    Trea Turner homered for the third straight game as the Phillies handled the Pirates, 10-6, for their seventh win over the last nine games.

    Next: The series vs. the Pirates wraps up with a matinee today (12:35 p.m., NBCSP). Pirates righty Jared Jones (1-1, 5.76 ERA) will face off against Alan Rangel (0-1, 4.50).

    Ring the bell

    Eagles’ Markel Bell practice during rookie camp on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Jefferson Health Training Complex in Philadelphia.

    Today’s Eagles newcomers aren’t just new to the Eagles, they’re new to the NFL. Offensive lineman Markel Bell was drafted out of Miami in April and surprisingly took first-team reps during OTAs. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be a Week 1 starter, but he could see meaningful snaps as a rookie.

    The next newcomer is new to football. Joshua Weru is an undrafted free agent from the International Player Pathway program who joined a pro rugby club at age 14 and has represented Kenya internationally in the sport. He may have a long path to the 53-man roster, but he definitely seems like an interesting story.

    Speaking of Eagles linemen (or former Eagles linemen), Jason Kelce helped raise $1.26 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation in four events across two days in Sea Isle City.

    Round of 16 bound

    U.S. striker Folarin Balogun encourages the crowd after scoring his goal in the first half of Wednesday’s game.

    The U.S. men’s soccer team finally ended its 24-year wait to win a World Cup knockout game, though it came at a cost.

    Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina featured goals by Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman, but also a red card to Balogun that means he’ll miss the round of 16 matchup against Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

    On this date

    The Phillies’ Ed Delahanty.

    OK, this is a bit of a weird one. Ed Delahanty dominated the National League in the late 1800s and at the turn of the century. Primarily an outfielder, he spent 13 of his 16 major league seasons with the Phillies and slashed .348/.415/.508 (and .346/.411/.505 for his career, which also included stints with the Cleveland Infants and Washington Senators). He also was the first major league player to hit over. 400 three times.

    But drinking issues began to loom large after he moved on to Washington. While the team was in Detroit, he boarded a train bound for New York but was kicked off after drunken and disorderly behavior, according to the Society for American Baseball Research. He then fell from a bridge spanning Niagara Falls and died on this day in 1903.

    He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame via the Old Timers Committee amid World War II in 1945, but his induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., wasn’t held until 2013, 110 years after his death.

    What you’re saying about upsets

    We asked: Tell us about the biggest upset you’ve ever witnessed in any sport. What made it so special?

    Three upsets that I watched on TV. 1969 Joe Namath and the Jets upset the unbeatable Baltimore Colts. Because of the great Lenny Moore I was a Colts fan. 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid when our young college guys carried the U.S. to a stunning upset of the USSR’s supposedly unbeatable team. And 1985 on April 1 my 47th BD Villanova Wildcats upset highly favored Georgetown 66-64 with an incredible 79% shooting percentage. I would guess that Pope Leo then Robert Prevost was cheering on his Wildcats. — Everett S.

    Not the most personally sentimental, but biggest upset in my book has to be the Brady-era Pats’ first Super Bowl loss, some ragtag Giants spoiling an undefeated season with such tools as an off-brand Manning and a football pinned on a helmet. It had seemed unfair that Randy Moss had joined New England, but it all led to nothing more than this. — D. Stone

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, David Murphy, Jackie Spiegel, Mia Messina, Scott Lauber, Jeff Neiburg, Becca O’Reilly, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Marcus Hayes.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Thanks for reading, and we’ll be back tomorrow with one last newsletter before the holiday weekend! — Maria

  • 🍾 The coolest drink of the Summer of 2026 | Let’s Eat

    🍾 The coolest drink of the Summer of 2026 | Let’s Eat

    The temperature is approaching triple digits. (Or is that tipple digits?) Here’s one boozy relief drink you should know about.

    Also in this edition:

    • Down the shore: Craig LaBan hits the mainland for tasty meals.
    • Flying saucer returns: The city finally has signed a restaurant tenant at LOVE Park.
    • “Cambodian speakeasy”: Read on for restaurant dish.

    — Mike Klein

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Water ice martinis and other cooling treats

    The water ice martini is the cocktail of the summer, and Beatrice Forman chatted up the owner of John’s Water Ice, who developed it with Saloon.

    🍧 Extraordinary “ordinary” water ice: Here are our favorites.

    Ice cream options

    🍩 Stella’s Ice Cream out of Idaho (yes, Idaho) just opened on Front Street in Fishtown/Kensington, and Bea has the early scoop.

    🍩 Winners, rocking a feel-good message, is new on South Street in Graduate Hospital. As Kiki Aranita says, Winners’ appeal is more than just the flavors, like Sweet Success S’mores.

    🍩 Our guide to our favorite ice cream is right here.

    Down the shore with Craig LaBan

    Critic Craig LaBan is back from his annual Jersey Shore exploration, and he’s shaking the sand out of his notebook. In Part One of his roundup, he heads to the mainland to find some gems. Read that here.

    Looking ahead: Part Two, Craig’s reviews from Long Beach Island and thereabouts, will be online this weekend. On July 11, he’ll share his discoveries from points farther south in Part Three.

    Ember & Ash shuttered by fire

    Ember & Ash on East Passyunk Avenue will be closed for an undetermined period after smoke and flames shot up through the ventilation last week just after closing time. No injuries were reported.

    ‘Flying saucer’ building has liftoff

    This weekend will see the debut of Broad Street Beer Garden at LOVE Park, the first phase of a planning reuse of the so-called flying saucer building at 16th and JFK. Here’s the long history of the city landmark.

    The best things we ate last week

    We munched on fried silverfish that reminded us of French fries in Little Saigon, Argentine empanadas in West Philly, and a vegan po’ boy in Old City that tasted like the original.

    Scoops

    Intrigue! Albert Zheng, whose holdings include Javelin in Fairmount, is backing a yet-to be-named dual concept on the way to 808 Chestnut St., formerly a Dunkin’ Donuts. In front, the feature will be wagyu omakase, while the rear will be what he calls a Cambodian speakeasy. He says it’s six or seven months out.

    Mylar Bar, a cocktail bar inspired by the spirit of South Philly’s Dino’s Party Center, is expected to open later this summer from hospitality veterans Liv Arterbridge and Gina Piccari. They bought the former building at Ninth and Morris Streets where Dino’s sold balloons, decorations, and party supplies for decades before it moved across the street. “We want the whole thing to feel like a party,” Arterbridge said. “Nostalgic, fun, a little silly, intentionally unserious — but not a theme bar,” Piccari said. Cocktails will include martinis, punches, and classic drinks, alongside draft beer and familiar favorites. A full kitchen, led by chef Colin White, formerly of Sally and Emmett, will serve shareable “party snacks” and larger plates. They plan to offer late-night desserts, so food will be available until 1 a.m. with the bar wrapping at 2. Arterbridge, whose resume includes Cry Baby, Poison Heart, and a.bar, met Piccari while working at Boot & Saddle, where Piccari was manager. Piccari is now behind the bar at Le VirtĂč.

    Restaurant report

    Sixteen restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and bars — including Lillian’s, shown above — are opening in July. Read on for the rundown.

    Penny’s Bagels, on its way (for the last two years) to 212 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield, will hand out 250 red, white, and blue bagels on July 3 at the borough’s parade. The shop is eyeing an August opening, says owner Chris Fetfatzes.

    Maru, a fast-casual Korean-inspired restaurant from David Backhus and the team behind the now-closed Oori, is expected to open in August in what is now Collective Coffee & Bakery, which Backhus also owns, at 2922 Conestoga Rd. in Glenmoore. Maru’s menu will feature Korean fried chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, house-made mochi doughnuts, and specialty coffee, while continuing to serve Collective Coffee and honor existing coffee subscriptions.

    Briefly noted

    Ota-Ya in Newtown has announced that Friday will be its last day after 30 years with the retirement of owners Jeff Wong and Cindy Tam.

    PETA is launching its “Nice Cream Trail,” highlighting 10 shops across the state serving vegan ice cream, and there are five local spots on the list: Dreams Ice Cream Factory in Glenside, Lu & Aug’s in Ardmore, the Main Freeze in Lansdale, Milk Jawn in South Philadelphia and Northern Liberties, and Scoop DeVille in Center City and Queen Village. The first Pennsylvania resident to complete the trail by visiting all 10 participating shops through August will win a vegan ice cream party with PETA’s “iScream” truck for themselves and up to 50 guests. Details are here.

    Two local BBQ chefs, Matt Groark (Medford Lakes, N.J.) and Maxwell McGibbon (Newark, Del.), are competing on Food Networks’ Pitmasters, premiering July 13 at 9 p.m.

    Diner en Blanc registration is still open. This year’s version of the pop-up picnic is Aug. 20.

    Miller’s Ale House, in the shopping center next to the Home Depot in Springfield, Delaware County, closed this week after 13 years, while Fishtown is abuzz with speculation that Bottle Bar East, which opened at 1308 Frankford Ave. around the same time in late 2012, has closed. The phone is down, and owners could not be reached for comment

    We all tried a new cheesesteak-flavored olive oil. I won’t say you have to.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Fountain Porter, the South Philly bar, just raised the price of its celebrated burger. How much is it now?

    A) $5

    B) $7

    C) $8

    D) $9

    Find out if you know the answer.

    Ask Mike anything

    When is Adda ever going to open in Fishtown? — Rich C.

    True, Adda has been a long time coming, since I initially wrote about it in June 2025 with an end-of-2025 target. Adda — from New York City’s Unapologetic Foods, whose establishments are acclaimed for their bold, no-holds-barred approach to Indian cooking — is now looking at a late-fall opening at 1700 Frankford Ave., the new building across from the Fishtown post office.

    Corrigendum: Reader Stephanie points out that Kalaya is the third Philadelphia restaurant, not the second, to win the James Beard Award for outstanding restaurant, as I wrote two weeks ago. Zahav was the first in 2019, while Friday Saturday Sunday won in 2023.

    📼 Have a question about food in Philly? Email your questions to me at mklein@inquirer.com for a chance to be featured in my newsletter.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • Happy 100th, Ben Franklin Bridge | Inquirer South Jersey

    Happy 100th, Ben Franklin Bridge | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Stay hydrated out there. The heat wave is expected to continue through the Fourth of July.

    To celebrate 100 years of the Ben Franklin Bridge, we have an interactive story detailing why and how it was built, and its impact across the region.

    And BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the Hindu temple in Cherry Hill, won a major step toward its massive expansion plans.

    Plus, International Paper is closing its facility in Barrington, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    The Ben Franklin Bridge turns 100

    Construction of the Ben Franklin Bridge began on Jan. 6, 1922, with the intention of it being completed by the Sesquicentennial on July 4, 1926.

    It was built after an intense push from political leaders when it became clear that relying on a ferry service was inadequate after Philly’s expansion, Camden’s population growth, and the rise of car use.

    It officially opened on July 1, 1926, to pedestrians with lots of fanfare, and it allowed cars the following day.

    100 years later, the bridge moves:

    🌉 100,000 vehicles daily.

    🌉 New Jersey’s PATCO train carrying 20,000 passengers every day.

    The Inquirer’s Jasen Lo breaks down how the major bridge came to be and how it impacted the region.

    In related news: Reporter Stephanie Farr walked across the bridge for the first time to celebrate its big day and documented her experience and learned its history along the way.

    📧 Have you done the trek? Email us to let us know how many times and how you liked it. I’ve done it only once (but would do it again) and it was a bit steeper than I thought it would be.

    P.S. Keep the party going at the bridge’s official celebration — think of it as a belated birthday party — on July 11. The festivities will be on the Jersey side near the toll plaza and, yes, the bridge will be closed to car traffic to accommodate.

    Cherry Hill’s Hindu temple is approved for a new look

    The Cherry Hill Township Zoning Board greenlit plans last week to transform the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple, through an 18,330-square-foot expansion.

    The renovations would add a new gym, lobby, prayer hall, and more.

    Its current form looks like a warehouse because that’s what it was before becoming a temple in 2002.

    The plans — which include adding three shikharas, tall spires on the roof — would alter the appearance of the temple to be more in line with traditional Hindu styles, according to the project’s architect.

    Although the zoning board’s approval is a big step forward, there’s more that needs to happen before construction can begin.

    Reporter Sarah Nicell has more insight on the project.

    Plus: New Jersey’s role in the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling

    đŸŽ€ Allow me to pass the mic to South Jersey politics reporter Aliya Schneider.

    Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and attorneys general from across the country celebrated the Supreme Court of the United States’ ruling that President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.

    The 6-3 vote comes more than a year after former New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced he was leading a multistate battle against Trump’s order back in January 2025, calling it a “flagrant violation of our Constitution.” Davenport, who has carried on the fight, said at a news conference Tuesday that attorneys general began preparing for the challenge when Trump was still on the campaign trail in 2024.

    “Today the Supreme Court affirmed what courts, legislators, and the 14th Amendment has guaranteed for more than a century: birthright citizens are Americans,” Davenport said. “This is the foundation of who we are as a country.”

    Gov. Mikie Sherrill said in a statement Tuesday that Trump’s “malicious attempt to tear down this guarantee was so plainly unlawful and reckless that his own hand-picked Supreme Court said no.”

    Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, who were both appointed by Trump, agreed Trump’s executive order was illegal though Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, also a Trump nominee, disagreed with the court’s decision. But Kavanaugh argued that the order was against federal law, not the Constitution, and suggested Congress could take action instead.

    For more details on the Supreme Court ruling, reporter Jeff Gammage has the story.

    What to know today

    🧠 Trivia time

    Debra Hill, the original Halloween franchise cowriter and producer, is from which borough in Camden County?

    A) Barrington

    B) Bellmawr

    C) Haddonfield

    D) Gibbsboro

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re 


    💭 Wondering: Who stole the walrus bone from Donkey’s Place in Camden last winter? Months later, it’s still missing.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 Visiting: Red Bank Battlefield Park in National Park ahead of the Fourth of July.

    🌊 Exploring: Seven Mile Island.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Not the Ben Franklin bridge

    HIM LAWN WATT

    Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Tom Pawlowski, who solved last Wednesday’s anagram: Water Ice Factory. This business in Magnolia is known for its water ice cakes.

    🏡 On the market

    A private two-bedroom cottage with plenty of land in Williamstown

    This cottage-style home is on six acres.

    This two-bedroom cottage that was originally a garden nursery offers a spacious kitchen, custom wooden trim details, and raised ceilings.

    Beyond the main house, there are multiple structures. There’s a detached building — currently being used as a daycare and schoolhouse — with its own bathroom and kitchenette. There’s also another barn-style suite that can be used a guesthouse and a large detached garage.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $389,000 | Size: 1,100 SF | Acreage: 6

    And that’s been your news of the day. I’ll see you again in your inbox tomorrow. ☀

    Correction: Today’s newsletter noted the incorrect date for when the construction began on the Ben Franklin Bridge. The date is actually Jan. 6, 1922.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • 💾 The cost of Philly’s July 4th show | Morning Newsletter

    Welcome to July.

    With a new month come new restaurants and bars. We compiled a roundup with 16 openings to look out for.

    But first, Philadelphia’s July Fourth celebrations will look a little different this year, and they will also cost taxpayers millions more than previous iterations.

    Plus, a heat emergency is in effect for the city, and more news of the day.

    — Paola PĂ©rez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ‘This is her big concert’

    đŸŽ€ Allow me to pass the mic to City Hall reporter Sean Collins Walsh.

    With the eyes of the nation on Philadelphia for America’s 250th birthday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration this year took over management of the city’s free July Fourth concert, which for years was produced by a nonprofit established by the city, Welcome America.

    The mayor instead hired ESM Productions, a for-profit company, to put on the annual show featuring musical acts and fireworks over the Ben Franklin Parkway, and she changed the name from Wawa Welcome America to the “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” — a version of Parker’s well-known slogan, “One Philly: A United City.”

    Another change: It will cost taxpayers far more than in the past.

    The city is due to pay ESM Productions about $15.5 million for the show, which will be headlined by Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott and The Roots and will feature rapper Meek Mill, according to a copy of the city’s contract paperwork with ESM, obtained by The Inquirer. The city in March signed a $10 million contract with the Philadelphia-based company, as well as a $5.5 million contract amendment. — Sean Collins Walsh

    Keep reading for Walsh’s full report on the contract, how it compares to last year’s iteration, and how Parker’s office said it plans to publicly disclose the concert’s costs and economic benefits.

    In related news: The revamped July Fourt concert is impeding on World Cup fans’ access to a popular tourist attraction.

    New digs

    From bakeries to brewpubs, summertime will see a flurry of culinary debuts in the Philly area including:

    ☕ a plant-based cafe in Point Breeze

    đŸ„Ș a casual sandwich shop fusing Chinese and Cuban flavors in Washington Square West

    🍾 an agave-focused Mexican cocktail bar in East Kensington

    Food writer Michael Klein has the full calendar.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    đŸ„ł The Ben Franklin Bridge turns 100 today. Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr recently walked the iconic bridge that connects Philadelphia and Camden, and urges us all to do the same sooner rather than later. Join her bucket-list adventure here.

    Keep going: Our interactive developer Jasen Lo crafted a cool way to learn how the monumental superstructure spanning the Delaware was built.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which basketball player is contemplating a return to the Sixers?

    A) Michael Carter-Williams

    B) Nerlens Noel

    C) Ben Simmons

    D) None of the above

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    đŸ„” Giving tips on: How to stay cool without air conditioning in Philly.

    👟 Impressed by: A Philly man’s record-setting, five-day run across Pennsylvania.

    🚧 Heeding: Road closures for Wawa Hoagie Day today and other upcoming events.

    âšœ Discussing: Whether the U.S. or Bosnia will win tonight’s knockout match.

    đŸ€” Debunking: Did Pope Leo XIV actually go to a ‘Nova frat party in the 70s?

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Camden County borough

    BORING RANT

    Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

    Cheers to Kate Johnston, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Joe Frazier. The boxer’s statue was just moved to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

    Photo of the day

    The so-called flying saucer building in LOVE Park.

    Philadelphia’s long-shuttered “flying saucer” building is preparing for its next mission: hosting a beer garden and a restaurant.

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Thanks for reading. Take care out there.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • Lake draining debate | Inquirer Chester County

    Lake draining debate | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County! 👋

    Neighbors of a West Goshen reservoir are concerned about what will be lost if it’s drained by Aqua as planned. Also this week, local caterer John Serock has taken over a Malvern events venue, Bam Margera returns to the big screen, plus all the Fourth of July events you need to know.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at chestercounty@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    What could a waterless West Goshen lake mean for residents?

    A view of Fernhill Lake in West Goshen.

    West Goshen’s 64-acre Fernhill Lake will soon be drained under water company Aqua’s plans to partially decommission the Township Line Dam, which dates back to 1935.

    Geese, turtles, and a bald eagle are among the critters that have called the dam home for nearly a century. Nearby residents worry about the ecological changes the draining would cause in their backyards, though environmentalists generally support the move.

    Aesthetically, neighbors also fear ending up with an unmaintained eyesore, particularly as some shelled out up to $20,000 to ensure a lake view from their backyards. A township official defended the scheduled drainage in a recent board meeting, despite residents’ pushback.

    The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz chronicled the dissension, and has the scoop on which Chester County municipality appears to have first dibs on purchasing the site after the decommissioning.

    📍 Countywide News

    💡 Community News

    • In case you missed it, Exton Square Mall officially closed its doors yesterday after five decades in operation. A few businesses will remain open: Boscov’s, Main Line Health, and Round 1.
    • Good news for Main Line Health patients insured by UnitedHealthcare: The two parties have reached an “agreement in principle” for a new contract and plan to continue coverage until it’s finalized. If they hadn’t, some 32,000 patients risked losing coverage when the existing contract expired yesterday, including to providers at Paoli Hospital.
    • Local caterer John Serock has taken over operations of Loch Aerie Mansion after purchasing the Malvern estate and its events business for $4 million. He plans to increase offerings for midweek corporate and nonprofit events, while keeping weekends for weddings.
    • Notorious West Chester native Bam Margera returned to the big screen Friday when Jackass: Best and Last made its debut, featuring unseen archival footage and outtakes from the series’ early days. While Margera didn’t attend the premiere or film new stunts, he sat down with The Inquirer’s Jason Nark to discuss his sobriety, his passion for boxing, and more.
    • A new “fitness court” opened last week at Charlestown Township Park. It features seven exercise stations geared toward individuals 14 and older.
    • New Garden Township recently passed an ordinance restricting large trucks on a number of roads, except those making local deliveries. See which roads are impacted here.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Coatesville Area School District will have screenings next Tuesday and Wednesday for incoming kindergartners, helping the district understand their needs and interests. Learn more here.
    • Great Valley High School’s tennis courts will be closed this summer while they undergo an update.
    • The Kennett Consolidated School District is partnering with the Believe and Achieve Foundation to host its “Fresh Market Tuesdays” throughout July. The event will take place in the Kennett Library parking lot where fresh produce will be available, along with recipes and other resources. The markets kick off next Tuesday.
    • Applications are now open for Twin Valley High School’s Preschool Lab this coming school year. The program helps kids ages 3 to 5 socialize, while high school students can get hands-on experience with early childhood education. Learn more here.
    • Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has named Brett Thomas the new principal of Hillendale Elementary School, taking over for Josh Leight, who has been named the district’s director of human resources. Thomas was most recently principal of Russell Elementary School in the Marple Newtown School District.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Nottingham-based Herr’s recently released the winners of its “Flavored by Philly” campaign. Curious what Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbecue, and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese taste like? Inquirer reporters share their thoughts.
    • Tickets go on sale today for the fall edition of Kennett Brewfest, which will take place Oct. 10 in Kennett Square.

    🎆 Where to celebrate the Fourth of July

    • Norco Fire Company Fair: The annual fair includes rides, live music, and a beer garden. There will be a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. on July 2, with a rain date of July 3. ⏰ Through Saturday, July 4, times vary đŸ’” Free admission; pay as you go for rides or $30 for a wristband 📍 Norco Fire Company, Pottstown
    • Parkesburg 250: The borough is hosting a five-day celebration complete with a carnival, beer garden, live music, and baseball game, as well as a fireworks show on Friday. ⏰ Wednesday, July 1-Sunday, July 5, times vary đŸ’” Pay as you go 📍 Throughout Parkesburg
    • Longwood Gardens’ Fireworks and Fountains: The summer show gets a patriotic twist, featuring a fireworks and fountain show set to great American composers’ works. ⏰ Thursday, July 2, 9:15 p.m. đŸ’” $64-$84 for reserved seating 📍Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
    • West Goshen Decorated Bike Parade: Catch a parade featuring decked-out bikes, tricycles, strollers, scooters, and wheel chairs. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 10 a.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 West Goshen Community Park
    • West Caln Township: Take a step back in time at this event, which features muskets, a skirmish, food and other festivities. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 4-9 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Layton Park, Coatesville
    • Good Neighbor Day: This daylong event benefiting Downingtown’s emergency services includes friendly competitions, a carnival, music, and cornhole. The day is capped by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. đŸ’” Prices vary 📍 Kerr Park, Downingtown
    • Easttown Township’s Annual July 4th Community Picnic and Concert: The community event kicks off with a children’s bike parade, followed by a picnic at the park. There will be games, inflatables, a barbecue, and live music from Uptown Band. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Frank Johnson Memorial Park, Berwyn
    • Demo Day and Independence Day Celebration: The Mill at Anselma will offer historic demonstrations, live music, and face painting. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. đŸ’” $5-$10 📍 The Mill at Anselma, Chester Springs
    • Phoenixville Food Trucks and Fireworks: Grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks on site and then enjoy the fireworks show. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 5-9 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Friendship Field, Phoenixville
    • Tredyffrin Township Fourth of July Celebration: Listen to music and grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks ahead of the main event. The fireworks show kicks off around dusk. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 7-9:15 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Wilson Farm Park, Wayne
    • Exton Park Community Day: Keep the festivities going past the nation’s birthday with this community event that features kids activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, music, yard games, and a fireworks show. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 4-10 p.m. đŸ’” Pay as you go 📍 Exton Park

    🎇 See more area fireworks shows here.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Chester County has in store through the rest of the year.

    🏡 On the Market

    An 18th-century Kennett Square home on a sprawling estate

    The home dates back to the first half of the 18th century and sits on over 27 acres.

    History buffs, rejoice. This sprawling 1700s stone home in Newlin Township is situated on part of the 20,000 acres of original Pennsylvania land granted by William Penn, according to the listing agent. The updated home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, in addition to a brick terrace, ponds, and a bank barn.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $3.5M | Size: 3,418 SF | Acreage: 27.5

    📈 Chester County market report

    • Median listing price: $625,000 (up $10,000 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $552,800 (down $7,200 from April) 📉
    • Median days on the market: 25 (up four days from April) 📈

    This Chester County market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    đŸ—žïž What other Chester County residents are reading this week:

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