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  • đŸŸ Pet Expo, F1 opener, and new East Market eatery | Things to do

    đŸŸ Pet Expo, F1 opener, and new East Market eatery | Things to do

    The forecast may show signs of showers this weekend, but don’t let the skies rain down on your weekend parade.

    This week, there will be a treasure trove of events to kick off Women’s History Month. That includes the opening of a reimagined Shakespearean classic, a watch party for F1 fanatics, a competition for the pun-obsessed, and an expo for pet lovers across the region.

    Read below to make your weekend plans purrfect.

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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    Philadelphia Ballet dancer Mayara Pineiro in Angel Corella’s “Carmen.”

    Philadelphia Ballet’s 2026-27 season brings the fireworks for America’s 250th birthday

    As the nation prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, my colleague Ellen Dunkel writes that the Philadelphia Ballet will be bringing the fireworks in its 2026-27 season opener.

    For the upcoming season, the company is leaning into American classics and other favorites, while also establishing a home for itself on North Broad Street.

    The season opens Oct. 8 with a celebratory, all-Americana program called, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The following programs will feature Christopher Wheeldon’s DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse, Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, and Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room.

    Read more about their upcoming season here.

    The best things to do this week

    🐕 Animal lovers, rejoice: The Greater Philadelphia Expo will be filled with pets in all shapes and sizes. This year’s Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo will feature pet product and service vendors, animal training demos, pet agility courses, dog acrobats, and more family-friendly attractions.

    đŸŽïž F1 season opener celebration: For the 2026 Australian Grand Prix opener, Center City’s F1 Arcade is kicking off the start of racing season with a late-night watch party, complete with small bites, live DJs, and prizes for F1 fanatics.

    🎭 Is something, punny?: Stop by Helium Comedy Club this Saturday for some afternoon pun. The region’s best punners will go head-to-head on stage at Philly’s first and only pun comedy competition.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Passyunk Restaurant Week, the Philadelphia Flower Show, and First Friday at Cherry St. Pier.

    A platter of taco dorados, huevos rellenos, croquetas, naranjas enchiladas, empanadas de mariscos, and chicarrones at Mi Vida in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

    The thing of the week: East Market gets a splashy Mexican restaurant from D.C.

    Inquirer restaurant reporter Michael Klein writes about the opening of Mi Vida, a new Mexican restaurant located at East Market.

    The original Washington D.C.-based eatery comes from restaurateur Jason Berry, who runs Knead Hospitality & Design, with his husband, Michael Reginbogin.

    In 2022, Berry came up to Philadelphia for a Wharton reunion. He was approached by a real estate broker, who mentioned an available space at the $400 million East Market project.

    Four years later, Berry and Reginbogin have opened Mi Vida, a “splashy Mexican restaurant with moody lighting and rich pops of color,” Klein writes.

    Read more about the new restaurant opening here.

    Winter fun this week and beyond

    đŸ‘­đŸœ All things women’s history: For the next few weeks, there will be Women’s History Month celebrations taking place across the region. The Museum of the American Revolution has also revealed an exhibition that honors revolutionary women. There’s also a monthlong program series at Eastern State Penitentiary, and an additional slate of programs at the National Constitution Center for those looking to dig deeper into the history of women change makers.

    đŸ–Šïž Remembering Elie Wiesel: Eliezer “Elie” Wiesel was born in Romania and then came to the US where he became a writer, professor, and political activist. In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. A documentary honoring the Holocaust survivor’s life, Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, plays on March 9, 7 p.m. at Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church.

    đŸ’« Walk among the stars: An outdoor celestial light show, featuring lights, projections, sound effects, and music, will guide visitors through an illuminated forest at Astra Lumina Philadelphia as part of the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.

    🎭 What would you do for love?: Award-winning director Amina Robinson reimagines the classic Shakespearean classic, Romeo and Juliet. The production will play at Arden Theatre Company through April 5.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 The forgotten freedom: The new exhibit, “The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250,” explores the freedom of assembly’s history, artistic expression, and future at the National Liberty Museum. The exhibit, officially opening on Friday, will feature artifacts of the nation’s founding to iconic moments like Woodstock and Live Aid. For a sneak peak, here are tickets to the VIP preview party happening on Thursday.

    Staffer picks

    Pop music critic Dan DeLuca lists the top concerts this weekend.

    🎾 Thursday: Top-notch shoegaze-slash punk rock will be served at Nikki Lopez on this double bill. The Brooklyn band Mx Lonely, fronted by singer Rae Haas, will headline the show with Philly punk quartet Wax Jaw as the opening act.

    đŸŽ€ Friday: Robert Glasper, the pianist, producer, and bandleader, has music that spans R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and beyond. The five-time Grammy winner will bring his musical magic to Union Transfer Friday night.

    🎾 Saturday: The four-time Grammy winning Mexican pop-rock band MANÁ cranks up the volume in Philly on their Vivir Sin Aire tour stop at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    đŸŽ€ Sunday: Cat Power, the remarkable song interpreter Chan Marshall, will lead a six-piece band featuring Philly guitarist and former Delta 72 leader Gregg Foreman, at Union Transfer for her “The Greatest Tour” stop.

    There’s a mixed bag of pet-friendly, pun-filled, and racing die-hards this weekend. Don’t miss out before the weekend-finish.

    — Earl Hopkins

    Cats
  • History as a housing affordability tool | Real Estate Newsletter

    History as a housing affordability tool | Real Estate Newsletter

    In Philadelphia, one of the arguments against the historic preservation of buildings is that it makes homes less affordable.

    But architecture critic Inga Saffron makes the case that preservation isn’t the villain in the story of Philly’s declining affordability.

    With examples, she argues that developers can create more housing for less money “without sacrificing the city’s heritage.”

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

    — Michaelle Bond

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    Historic buildings as an affordability tool

    Architecture critic Inga Saffron noted in a column this week that a bunch of factors working together are making homes less affordable. They include land-use regulations, costs of construction materials, and interest rates.

    Pro-housing activists also argue that Philly’s historic preservation laws restrict the supply of affordable homes.

    But Saffron said preservation might help solve some of the city’s housing problems by adding density. She cited a report commissioned by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia that found that preserving older buildings protects housing affordability.

    Saffron pointed to projects that added homes while protecting historical buildings.

    In one, an architecture and design firm turned a historic Greek Revival mansion into a 32-unit building.

    Keep reading to learn more about that project and what Saffron calls “the untapped density in Philadelphia’s historic buildings.”

    Redeveloping the ‘Clothespin’ building

    Centre Square is Philadelphia’s biggest office complex, with more than 1.7 million square feet of office space.

    You may know it as the “Clothespin building” for the giant pop art sculpture outside.

    The property was hit hard by the remote-work wave sparked by the pandemic. By the end of last year, Centre Square had added another superlative: the office building with the highest vacancy rate in Center City.

    Now, a developer wants to reimagine Centre Square. According to the plans, it’ll still have some office space. But its two towers will also have hundreds of apartments and luxury hotel rooms.

    The partnership behind the proposed redevelopment is responsible for other recent high-profile projects in the city. The developer says “we 
 are rejuvenating architectural gems that are functionally obsolete” amid “a real estate crisis.”

    Keep reading to learn about Centre Square’s history and find out why the building scared off other developers who considered buying it.

    The latest news to pay attention to

    Home tour: Black and white in West Philly

    Since Jasmine Williams was a kid, she’s always liked art and design. Now, she’s an interior design consultant.

    And she’s brought her knowledge and personal style to her 1,000-square-foot apartment in West Philly.

    Williams keeps it simple and classic by mainly focusing on two colors: black and white. She took inspiration from features that were already in her apartment, including the black cabinets and white countertops in her renovated kitchen.

    She added black furnishings and had one wall and a set of folding doors painted black. Most of her walls are white and so are rugs, ottomans, throw pillows, and other accessories.

    Peek inside Williams’ apartment and find out how she ended up at Garden Court Towers.

    đŸ“· Photo quiz

    Do you know the location this photo shows?

    📼 If you think you do, let me know.

    Shout-out to Lars W. for knowing that last week’s quiz featured a photo of the Rail Park in Philly’s Callowhill neighborhood.

    I thought that one would have been easier. Maybe the snow in the photo threw you off. Or maybe it’s just because I know it well. We’ve written about it a lot.

    ―

    I’ll leave you with a story that’s only kinda related to homes, but it’s an interesting read. My colleague Zoe Greenberg wrote about people who dig for artifacts buried in Philadelphia’s centuries-old outhouses.

    Philly’s full of fascinating people.

    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”” DNC 2028’s economic impact | Morning Newsletter

    đŸ”” DNC 2028’s economic impact | Morning Newsletter

    Happy Thursday, Philly.

    What would hosting the 2028 Democratic National Convention mean for the city’s economy? It depends whom you ask.

    And the decline of Philly basketball’s onetime legendary alliance began a long time ago, our sports columnist writes. Now it isn’t much of anything anymore — and the reasons are many.

    — Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    ‘A chance to show off Philadelphia’

    If Philadelphia lands its pitch to host the 2028 DNC, the city could see big economic gains — or not, experts say.

    đŸ”” City and state officials and other boosters say the thousands of visitors expected to attend the convention would spend their money on hotels, meals, and attractions. A Visit Philly-commissioned report on the 2016 DNC found the event brought $230.9 million to the local economy.

    đŸ”” Economists who have studied conventions say tourism groups’ lofty claims can be overblown. But at least one economic winner is clear: the hospitality industry.

    đŸ”” “I can think of a few of examples of hotels making their annual budget based on the DNC alone,” the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association’s chief told The Inquirer, about a past convention held in the city.

    đŸ”” And hosting the next DNC could have other benefits for Philly — breathless international media coverage, for one — with minimal financial tradeoffs.

    City Hall reporters Sean Collins Walsh and Anna Orso have more.

    In other local government news: City Council’s housing committee on Wednesday advanced two bills meant to help Philadelphia renters living in unsafe or unhealthy homes. And Mayor Cherelle L. Parker this week appointed former prosecutor Tito Valdes as Philadelphia’s new director of LGBTQ+ affairs.

    What happened to Big 5 basketball?

    đŸŽ€ Now I’m passing the mic to sports columnist Mike Sielski.

    These days, most people who follow college basketball, if they’re being honest, have to acknowledge that the Big 5 isn’t much of anything anymore.

    The round-robin rivalries among La Salle, Penn, St. Joe’s, Temple, Villanova, and more recently Drexel have lost most of their juice. That white-hot competition, fueled by the benign hatred that only proximity and familiarity can ignite, used to define Philadelphia hoops. It has cooled.

    Now, just one school, Villanova, enters each season with the baseline expectation that it will qualify for the NCAA Tournament, and the pipeline of local recruits that once sustained these programs has all but dried up. — Mike Sielski

    Ahead of March Madness, read his deep dive on what changed about the once-glorious Big 5.

    More basketball news: Sixers center Andre Drummond always wanted a signature shoe. Instead, he got an entire brand.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    While workplace gossip might not always be a wise idea, the practice has its benefits — like bonding among coworkers, this researcher says.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The mustard-yellow building of the former Italian bistro La Locanda del Ghiottone in Old City is set to be demolished and replaced with what?

    A) Luxury condos

    B) A performance space

    C) The new Painted Bride headquarters

    D) La Locanda del Ghiottone II

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🚘 Testing: E-ZPass stickers in place of those white windshield transponders.

    đŸȘ» Learning: The origins of the Philadelphia Flower Show.

    đŸ‡”đŸ‡· Answering: Why were the Parkway flags taken down this week?

    âšœ Anticipating: Rob Mac-owned Wrexham AFC’s match at Subaru Park this summer.

    đŸȘŽ Considering: This grieving mother’s plea to keep Lankenau High School open.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: _ Bakery

    INTERPOL MOAT

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

    Cheers to Nick Horiates, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: NASCAR. South Jersey’s Lavar Scott is NASCAR’s third active Black driver. He’s “trying to change the whole dynamic of motorsports.”

    Photo of the day

    International drummers and dancers perform during a rally celebrating 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday at the Comcast Center.

    🎉 One last hyped-up thing: Philadelphia Soccer 2026 marked the 100-day countdown before kickoff of the FIFA World Cup with a rally. The Tuesday event was emceed by Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham — who admitted to being a new fan of the sport.

    Find something to celebrate today. Back at it 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.

  • Two Main Line Jewish schools are merging | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Two Main Line Jewish schools are merging | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Two prominent Jewish day schools are merging. Here’s why. Also this week, the Gladwyne man who duped some of the region’s wealthiest families into investing in his companies has been sentenced to prison, the township is gearing up to present two final plans for Schauffele Plaza’s redesign, and the county has appointed members to its human relations commission.

    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.

    Two Jewish day schools make a ‘proactive’ move to merge

    The Perelman Jewish Day School is merging with the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.

    Perelman Jewish Day School and the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy are merging in a “proactive” move the two Jewish day schools say will keep them competitive.

    The schools plan to keep their geographic footprints, which span Barrack’s Bryn Mawr campus and Perelman’s Melrose Park and Wynnewood facilities.

    While many students currently matriculate from Perelman to Barrack, the merger will allow families to enroll students in a single institution from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

    This isn’t the first time the two schools have come together. In 2012, they combined their middle schools to create a sixth-through-eighth-grade program on Barrack’s campus.

    Read more about the merger, which will go into effect in the 2027-28 school year.

    💡 Community News

    • Josh Verne, the Gladwyne man who convinced some of the region’s wealthiest families to invest in his companies only to use the cash to fund a lavish personal lifestyle, was sentenced yesterday to over nine years in federal prison. Verne’s high-profile investors included Sixers co-owner David Adelman, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, and real estate developer Bart Blatstein.
    • Ardmore’s Schauffele Plaza is slated for a redesign, and two final options will be presented at the Lower Merion Building and Planning Committee Meeting next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The goal of the redesign is to better utilize the public space and make it more of what the township is calling a “vibrant downtown gathering place.” Both plans call for outdoor dining space and central lawns, but the sizes and amount of greenery in each varies, with one plan reducing overall parking spaces by 56 spots, and the other by 38. See the two plans here.
    • Lankenau Medical Center named a new president this week. Anna Michelle Brandt succeeds Katie Galbraith and comes to the Wynnewood institution from University Hospital in New Jersey, where she was most recently its COO.
    • Speaking of Lankenau, it was recently ranked among the best hospitals in the United States by Newsweek, landing at No. 131. Bryn Mawr Hospital is No. 201 in the U.S.
    • Last month, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners appointed the first members of its new human relations commission. The members are Samuel Coleman IV, Desha Dickson, Fiona Dow, John Han, Rosemary Jenkins, Shahidul Partha, Burt Siegel, and Akilah Williams-Valdez. The commission will allow residents who believe they’ve been discriminated against to mediate their claims. Members will specifically focus on unlawful discrimination in employment, real estate, housing, and public accommodations across the county.
    • Lower Merion Township has installed four new electric vehicle chargers in the municipal lot in Bryn Mawr across from Ludington Library. Two of the spaces are ADA accessible.
    • Services at the Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion are returning to its main building at 117 Ardmore Ave. in Ardmore after it underwent a renovation.
    • Sugared + Bronzed is opening at Ardmore’s Suburban Square on Monday. Located at 127 Coulter Ave., it will be in the ground floor retail space of the new apartment complex Coulter Place, which opened earlier this year. Sugared + Bronzed offers “sugaring hair removal,” as well as airbrush tanning.
    • Leveaux Pilates in Ardmore has expanded and is now offering heated mat pilates, a hot take on the classic workout.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Registration is open for all new students starting at any LMSD school for the 2026-27 academic year. Learn more about how to register here.
    • Tonight is the Freedom Tournament at Cynwyd Elementary and Taste of Penn Wynne. Tomorrow, Lower Merion High has its jazz festival, Penn Valley is hosting its “PV Idol,” and Welsh Valley’s spring musical, The Music Man Jr., kicks off. There are school board committee meetings on Monday and a fourth and fifth grade transition information session for Black Rock parents. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • The Prom Boutique is open again on Tuesday at Lower Merion High School from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
    • Students from Bala Cynwyd, Black Rock, and Welsh Valley Middle Schools, and Harriton and Lower Merion High Schools raked in a collective 99 awards at this year’s Pennsylvania Technology Student Association Region 5 Conference, held in late January, with 34 first-place finishes. Some will move onto the state conference, which takes place in mid-April.
    • Friends’ Central School’s girls’ basketball team defeated the Westtown School 62-54 last week to claim the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association championship.
    • Shipley School sophomore Kate Ulrich took home second place in the U.S. Squash Junior Championship Tournament in the Girls Under 17 division, which was held in January in Philadelphia.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    🌋 Science with Food: Kids ages 6 and up can make several science-themed edible crafts, including one inspired by a volcano. ⏰ Saturday, March 7, 4-5:30 p.m. đŸ’” $37.10 📍The Candy Lab

    🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Crafternoon: Kids can make a leprechaun craft during this drop-in event. ⏰ Wednesday, March 11, 3-5 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Gladwyne Library

    🏡 On the Market

    A 1930s stone manor in Bryn Mawr with a pool

    The home was built in 1939 and sits on over 2 acres.

    Built in 1939, this sprawling stone manor estate blends the past and present. The first floor features a formal living room with a gas fireplace and built-ins, a formal dining room with dedicated china closets and a crystal chandelier, an office with its own fireplace, and a kitchen with two-tone cabinetry, a large center island, high-end appliances, and granite countertops. Near the kitchen, there’s also a butler’s pantry. There are four bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a dressing room and four closets, while the bathroom has a soaking tub and double vanity. Other features include a cedar closet in the attic and a partially finished basement. Outside, there’s a pool, gardens, a covered patio, and a chicken coop. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $3.5M | Size: 5,283 SF | Acreage: 2.04

    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.

  • How Media became the nation’s first Fair Trade Town | Inquirer Greater Media

    How Media became the nation’s first Fair Trade Town | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    This year marks the 20th anniversary of Media as a Fair Trade Town. We delve into how it became the first in the U.S. Also this week, Swarthmore’s borough manager has been terminated, Media is home to a competitive Scrabble club, plus a monthslong utility project on Providence Road is set to get started.

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

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    How Media became the country’s first Fair Trade Town 20 years ago

    Media displays its distinction as the country’s first Fair Trade Town on its signage.

    Two decades ago, one man’s vision and one woman’s email set into motion a first for Media as the pair worked to make the borough the nation’s first Fair Trade Town.

    The idea came from Hal Taussig, the late founder of travel company UnTours who wanted to see his hometown prioritize quality products and fair wages for farmers in developing areas. To be part of the global trading agreement, farmers and producers must use eco-friendly practices, invest in their communities, and provide safe working conditions. In exchange, they’re paid higher minimum prices for goods like coffee, chocolate, and produce.

    With a single late-night email to a man in England, Elizabeth Killough, who worked for Taussig, helped start the process. While major cities like New York and Los Angeles were working to establish themselves as Fair Trade hubs, Media beat them to it, and 20 years later, that ethos lives on.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner delves into what it means for the borough today.

    💡 Community News

    • Swarthmore has a new interim borough manager. On Monday, borough council appointed David Unkovic to the role. He takes over for Sean Halbom, who has been terminated, according to Council President Jill Gaieski, The Inquirer learned late Wednesday night. Halbom began in the role less than six months ago, taking over for the outgoing manager Bill Webb in September.
    • Peco is aiming to begin a monthslong natural gas line replacement project on Monday in Media. Work will take place on Providence Road between Meetinghouse Road and Monroe Street on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-July. While most work will be outdoors, Peco will need access to impacted homes to relight gas appliances. Read more about the project here.
    • In other construction news, the Swarthmore Avenue project is getting closer to completion. Needed parts for the repair project are expected to arrive next week, and once they’re installed, closures on the road are expected to be limited to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for “a few weeks.” Construction on the project began in December and was initially anticipated to take eight weeks.
    • Monday is the deadline for Swarthmore residents to order a tree for or near their curb. Here’s how you can get one.
    • Riddle Hospital reported a 36% increase in patients after Crozer-Chester Medical Center closed last spring. With more patients, the hospital’s parent company, Main Line Health, reported an $8.7 million operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2026, which ended Dec. 31.
    • Riddle Village in Middletown Township has become a hub for some of the country’s top Scrabble players. The Delco Scrabble Club’s members range widely in age and come from all over the area, but meet weekly at one of the members’ homes in Media. “I casually hop on SEPTA and then I’m face-to-face with the best Scrabble players in the country. It’s kind of intimidating,” Mark Abadi, 35, said at one of the club’s recent weekly meetings. He and another member of the group, Will Anderson, 41, have competed in national tournaments and are putting their skills to the test on this season of the CW’s game show Scrabble.
    • A pair of sisters recently put their family’s Spanish-style Wallingford home on the market for $699,000. The ranch was built in the 1970s, and their parents purchased it 42 years ago. Take a peek inside.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Two Penncrest High School sports teams are having successful runs. The boys’ ice hockey team shut out Conestoga High School 4-0 last week to claim the Central League championship. And the boys’ basketball team kicks off its PIAA 5A championship efforts on Friday, when the Lions host York Suburban High School. See the full 5A bracket here.
    • Reminder for Rose Tree Media families: There’s no school today or tomorrow for kindergarten through eighth grade students due to parent-teacher conferences. On Saturday, Penncrest High School is hosting Carnival for a Cure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food, games, and prizes, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is hosting a community meeting about the high school renovation tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Strath Haven High School library.
    • Also in WSSD, today is the Elementary Chorus Fest, and performances of Strath Haven High School’s musical, Alice By Heart, continue tomorrow through Sunday. On Monday, there’s a virtual meeting about navigating college admissions tests, and the spring book fair starts Tuesday. See the district’s full calendar here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Fox 29’s Bob Kelly recently visited Bittersweet Kitchen in Media to sample some of its brunch offerings, including crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e pancakes, apple cider fritters, and huevos rancheros. See the segment here.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸ•ïž School Day Off Mini-Adventure Camp: Kids in kindergarten through third grade can explore Tyler Arboretum through nature-themed crafts, outdoor play, games, and more. ⏰ Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. đŸ’” Standard daily camp admission is $83.70 for members and $93 for non-members 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    đŸ©° Sleeping Beauty: The classic fairytale gets a modern spin as Ballet of Lights dancers perform in glow-in-the-dark costumes. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. đŸ’” $43-$57 📍The Media Theatre

    🎾 The Biscotti Boys: The Chester County party cover band will make its debut at Martinique Deux. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 8 p.m. đŸ’” No cover📍Martinique Deux, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom townhouse in Franklin Station

    The open-concept first floor includes living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen.

    Located in Franklin Station off Route 1, this three-bedroom townhouse spans two floors, plus a finished basement, and has access to amenities including a clubhouse, pool, walking trails, and fitness center. The townhome’s open-concept first floor features living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen, which has an 8-foot quartz island, two-tone cabinetry, a herringbone backsplash, plus a walk-in pantry. The space opens onto a deck with a pergola. All three bedrooms are upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, a double vanity, and a tiled shower. There are open houses Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the townhouse here.

    Price: $712,900 | Size: 2,727 SF

    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.

  • 🏀 Hoop dreamin’ | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🏀 Hoop dreamin’ | Sports Daily Newsletter

    If you grew up in Philly, then you vividly remember when The Palestra was the Mecca for all things college basketball. Days spent patiently waiting for 7 p.m. weeknight tip-offs to see Temple, Villanova, St. Joseph’s, La Salle, and Penn battle it out for Big 5 supremacy.

    Shoutout to Drexel, but the heyday we’re speaking of predates its inclusion into this storied city rivalry.

    Those days were also synonymous with some of those programs being among the elite in NCAA basketball. When the allure of a school was about how many times they had gone dancing into March Madness, and not about how much they were offering.

    So in today’s college hoops landscape, how big is the Big 5, really? That’s what columnist Mike Sielski unpacks in his latest piece that tips off (pun intended) our Thursday rundown.

    You’ll need that umbrella again today as rain is in the forecast, but we’re expected to see temps reach into the upper 40s across the region.

    Complete aside: Have you seen Andre Drummond’s new line of basketball shoes? Interesting.

    — Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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    ❓Do you have a Big 5 hoops memory? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Rojas has returned … for now

    Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas is facing an 80-game suspension for reportedly taking a banned substance.

    Johan Rojas was back in Phillies pinstripes less than 24 hours after he’d reportedly tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. On Wednesday, a source told the Inquirer that the center fielder plans to appeal what’s anticipated to be an 80-game suspension.

    Until then, he’s in Clearwater, working out and even taking part in Grapefruit League games. He was in the lineup for Wednesday’s exhibition game against Team Canada.

    Inquirer writer Alex Coffey has more on Rojas’ situation and what’s expected to happen next.

    What we’re…

    🏀 Applauding: Merrimack freshman guard and Father Judge alum Kevair Kennedy was named the men’s basketball player of the year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

    âšœ Sharing: Wrexham, the English soccer team owned by Philly’s Rob Mac, will play an exhibition game at Subaru Park on Aug. 2.

    đŸ‘đŸŸ Wondering: Who the Flyers might be looking to move ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline?

    🏈 Examining: Whose stock rose and fell during the NFL Scouting Combine, and how, if at all, some of these moves affect the Eagles’ draft strategy.

    The Sixers made history…

    To make matters worse, the Sixers lost rookie VJ Edgecombe to a back injury during Tuesday’s loss.

    There’s no shame in losing a game. In fact, there’s sometimes no shame in losing a game by 40. But there’s plenty shame in losing a game by 40 when you don’t play hard. That’s what the Sixers did this week, creating history in the process as the first team to lose three home games in the same season by at least 40, according to basketball-reference.com. The Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes takes a deeper look at the Sixers’ dubious milestone and the lack of effort that got them there.

    The Sixers bounced back from an ugly showing on Tuesday by beating the “tanking” Utah Jazz on Wednesday night behind Tyrese Maxey’s 25 points.

    Waving the flag

    A flag football event under the Fanatics umbrella will look to relocate from its intended site in Saudi Arabla, due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Fanatics might opt to move its Flag Football Classic from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to somewhere in the United States, according to Front Office Sports.

    Kevin Hart is scheduled to host the event organized by Tom Brady, which was said to feature Saquon Barkley along with other NFL notables. The event aims to raise awareness of the sport, which will be part of the Summer Games in 2028.

    Ariel Simpson has more on the event and where it could land now that heading to Saudi Arabia is off the table.

    ‘Other things to focus on’

    Flyers captain Sean Couturier is looking to remain all smiles ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

    Phones will definitely be on silent for many players around the NHL, and for members of the Flyers, it’s no different.

    The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, with the final horn sounding on Friday at 3 p.m. But while everyone speculates and debates what Flyers general manager Danny BriĂšre and management will do, the players are trying to stay in the moment.

    “Focus on what we do on the ice and play some good hockey, try to win some games. Those are things that we don’t control,” said Flyers captain Sean Couturier. “It’s more you guys [the media] that talk about it and make big stories out of it. In the locker room, it’s not something we really talk about. We’ve got other things to focus on.”

    Jackie Spiegel has more with a trade deadline hovering in the background.

    On this date

    Wells Fargo Center workers prepare the arena for fans on Friday, March 5, 2021.

    March 5, 2021: The Wells Fargo Center (now Xfinity Mobile Arena) began preparations to welcome just 3,100 fans back to the 21,000-seat arena after a 359-day shutdown of events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Standings, stats, and more

    Want to know more details from last night’s Sixers-Jazz game? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

    What you’re saying about the Phillies

    We asked: What are your thoughts on Rojas’ potential suspension and how it will impact the Phillies?

    Why didn’t we keep Harrison Bader! — Joanne G.

    I have not pictured Rojas as a major part of the Phillies outfield plans. Pinch runner or defensive sub as needed was going to be his role. Why are so many of the players who continue to think they can get away with taking these banned substances Latino? Are they getting bad advice regarding this in their native countries? — Everett S.

    Given their history of violations, the Phillies need to include a special PED clause in all their contracts, in addition to the standard MLB boilerplate. As for Rojas, it’s time to trade or release him. He’s always been too cool for school. And now the cool kid is a druggie. Let’s move on. — Tom O’D.

    Johan Rojas’ suspension is unfortunate, but not devastating to the Phillies. He was a non-factor the second half of last year, finishing the season in AAA, and it was uncertain if he would make the big league team this year. This places much more pressure on rookie Justin Crawford. — Bob C.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Gina Mizell, Mike Sielski, Ariel Simpson, Devin Jackson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Marcus Hayes, Jackie Spiegel, Gustav Elvin, and Ryan Mack.

    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. Here’s hoping we prepared you for all those watercooler sports conversations today. Enjoy them; we’ll see you tomorrow. — Kerith

  • March’s new restaurants | Let’s Eat

    March’s new restaurants | Let’s Eat

    What’s cooking this month: How about Puerto Rican barbecue, an Italian “kitchen and bar,” a six-course tasting-menu BYOB, and a Center City Mexican destination that is flat-out gorgeous?

    Also in this edition:

    • Hot bakery news: Metropolitan Bakery is changing hands after nearly 33 years, and farmers-market favorite Manna Bakery will take over Essen’s shuttered spot in Kensington.
    • Two new hit restaurants: Craig LaBan visits Peter Chang’s Chinese offerings in the suburbs.
    • Late-night coffee: Step inside the new Shibam.

    — Mike Klein

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    March’s new restaurants

    The March crop of new options is all over: Popup Bagels in Ardmore; Cugini’s in Upper Bucks; Carmen’s Table, Duo Restaurant & Bar, and 1793 in South Jersey; Bengaluru Cafe in Northern Liberties; and Mi Vida in Center City. Read on for the rundown.

    Angelo’s Pizzeria is expanding

    Angelo’s Pizzeria, having outgrown its original spot on South Ninth Street, is opening a second location across South Philly. With a kitchen five times the size, owner Danny DiGiampietro calls this one a “fun factory.”

    One chef with two Chinese hits

    Peter Chang, a onetime chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. with multiple James Beard nominations, has hit the burbs with two new restaurants: one in King of Prussia and another in Colmar, north of Montgomeryville. Be bold and “skip the impulse to order General Tso’s,” urges critic Craig LaBan, who says both spots are “already worthy additions to the suburban dining scene.”

    Hot bakery news

    .

    Metropolitan Bakery, one of the pioneers of Philly’s artisan baking scene, is shutting down its 19th Street shop after nearly 33 years as owners sell the company. The buyer, Merzbacher’s in Germantown, will keep its brand, bread line, and wholesale business. Read on for Jenn Ladd’s exclusive.

    Saif Manna, who started his bakery biz several years ago in his Temple dorm, is taking over the former Essen Bakery in Kensington. Manna Bakery specializes in Levantine and Palestinian goods, both sweet and savory.

    The best things we ate last week

    We chased away the late-winter chill with stops in Ardmore for belly-warming bourbon chicken dish, and in Rittenhouse for a steaming bowl of a Philly classic snapper soup as well as a ginormous, pillowy-soft cinnamon bun.

    Scoops

    In Rittenhouse dish: Shiroi Hana’s building at 222 S. 15th St., next to Good Dog Bar, has been sold to Simon Atiya, who with his brother owns Giovani’s Bar & Grill, around the corner on Chestnut. Atiya tells me that this will be a solo dining project. There’s no timeline or even concept to discuss, as he wants to install one vibe for the ground floor and another upstairs. “I’ve walked past the building for over 20 years,” said Atiya, whose family had the old Sound of Market and Soundworks stores near the old Gallery. Given McGlinchey’s availability and the new Amma’s South Indian Cuisine, Atiya said he sees 15th Street evolving into a dining destination akin to 13th Street. “I want to be part of that,” he said. Nadia Bilynsky and Veronica Blum of MPN represented the seller, and Wes Deming of KW Commercial represented Atiya.

    Blank Street, the fast-growing Brooklyn-born coffee/matcha brand, has signed at the University of Pennsylvania, where its first Philly location will open late this summer at 3603 Walnut St., formerly Bluemercury.

    Almost Home General’s location in Old City has closed, and it’s tied into the undoing of Glu Hospitality.

    Restaurant report

    Shibam Coffee, a Yemeni coffeeshop that’s new to West Philadelphia, is a rare one, indeed: It’s open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Hira Qureshi stopped in for a late-night snack and explains it all.

    Briefly noted

    Fifteen bars and restaurants are participating in a tie-in with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society with deals surrounding the Philadelphia Flower Show. List is here.

    Mount Airy CDC has rounded up 13 businesses for its second annual restaurant week, from March 9-15. Participants include Doho, offering a family-style five-course dinner for two ($100), including tuna crudo, gnocchi, and short rib, as well as a vegan option that includes sweet potato tostones, pappardelle, and stuffed cabbage tempura. Bar Lizette will offer a three-course menu ($45), including pan-seared pink snapper as well as vegetarian options like chocolate pot de crĂšme. Toska Restaurant & Brewery will have a four-course dinner menu ($40) that features some of their most popular items like shrimp scampi fettucine, wood-fired pizza, Albanian sujuk sausage, and a three-course beer pairing ($18+). Details are here.

    The American Vegan Society will name its pick for the Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly on April 13 at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. During the finals, competitors also will collaborate on what’s billed as the world’s largest vegan cheesesteak, which (in semiquincentennial spirit) will measure 76 inches. Voting will run March 30 to April 8 at americanvegan.org. The first 76 people who sign up to attend will receive an bite of the sandwich along with a sticker saying they helped to eat it.

    Stina in West Passyunk made its bones during the pandemic with the pikilia, a family-style feast of dips, meats, and hot pita served in a pizza box and available only for takeout. (Craig called it a “grazer’s delight.”) Chef Bobby Saritsoglou is now offering it at the table, for $65 per person. Full table, minimum of two people.

    Grace Tavern on Grays Ferry Avenue will donate proceeds from this month’s sale of its roast pork sandwiches to help fund capital improvements to Triangle Plaza, across the street. The sandwich features roasted pork, long hots, pork jus, and melted provolone on a grilled Mighty Bread baguette for $12.

    Davio’s in King of Prussia will host a Bellemille olive oil dinner at 6 p.m. March 25 ($110pp, optional wine pairing for $55), a multicourse tasting built around Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil from Alexa Dombkoski, the Tuscany-based daughter of Davio’s GM Michael Dombkoski. Each course incorporates Bellemille’s single-estate oil: tuna carpaccio and egg fettuccine with morels, a 55-day prime strip, a semolina-olive oil cake with lemon gelato. Details are here.

    Last week’s newsletter included a callout for carrot cake cheesecake. Alert reader Mitchell H. noticed that Pine Street Grill, the newcomer from chefs Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp at 23rd and Pine Streets, offers a cake (above), studded with rum raisins and topped with cream cheese mousse. Want a DIY version? Reader Helene A. recommends this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Where is Joe Beddia, one of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed pizzaioli, opening his next restaurant?

    A) King of Prussia

    B) London

    C) Olde Kensington

    D) Los Angeles

    Find out if you know the answer.

    Ask Mike anything

    I am hoping that you could recommend quiet restaurants in Philadelphia, particularly in Center City. I know that many people like a lively vibe with loud music, but there seem to be very few options for restaurants with low decibel levels where it is easy to have a conversation without yelling. — Janet W.

    “Quiet” can be a loaded concept. Even the most placid restaurant, with wide-spaced tables and fabric-covered walls to soak up noise, can feel like a subway station if a nearby party begins shrieking. BYOBs, which don’t have bars to amp the acoustics, tend to be quieter. Timing matters, too. The simple suggestion is to go early. Estia, the upscale Greek trio in Center City, Radnor, and Marlton, opens for dinner at 3 p.m. You can catch a quiet meal at Bloomsday on Headhouse Square at 4 p.m.; Enswell, the stylish Euro spot in the Touraine, at 4:30; or Talula’s Garden in Washington Square and Little Nonna’s in Washington Square West at 5. Sor Ynez, the Mexican restaurant in the Wheelhouse building in Kensington, and Southwark in Queen Village handle noise well, too. Even for a tiny spot, Little Fish in Bella Vista delivers reasonable volume. Perhaps the quietest of them all is Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, where the food speaks volumes. Any recommendations, readers? Share them!

    📼 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.

  • 💰 Shapiro’s big biz backers | Morning Newsletter

    💰 Shapiro’s big biz backers | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning, Philly.

    As Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro seeks reelection, his business-friendly brand has drawn millions from CEOs — including some with interests in Harrisburg.

    And can legacy brands like Coach bring Gen Z shoppers to the mall? Cherry Hill Mall executives think so.

    — Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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    Deep pockets

    Gov. Shapiro has sought to build a profile as a pragmatic, business-friendly leader who can “get s— done.” He has also proven adept at raising campaign cash from people who have business interests before state government.

    By the numbers: Nearly 240 executives gave almost $8.6 million to Shapiro’s reelection campaign last year, including 27 who gave $100,000 or more.

    Industry ties: CEOs in industries ranging from coal mining to gambling to real estate are among those helping to bankroll the campaign. Many donors are based outside Pennsylvania, including the head of a Baltimore company seeking to restart a nuclear reactor near Harrisburg, and the Florida data center developer eyeing locations in the state.

    Eyeing 2028: Shapiro’s fundraising could invite scrutiny if he makes a run for the White House, particularly among voters dismayed by the role of money in politics.

    Reporters Andrew Seidman and Joe Yerardi dig into the data.

    Retailers’ resurgence

    Mall executives are counting on legacy brands to inspire consumers’ love of IRL shopping.

    Consider Coach, the 85-year-old high-end retailer that has found renewed popularity among Gen Z and millennials. Younger fans say they like that it’s more affordable than other luxury brands, and that it lets them lean into the “Y2K, late-’90s, early-’90s nostalgia” fueled by social media.

    Coach’s new shop in the Cherry Hill Mall is seen by the shopping destination’s leaders as one sign of its success — especially as other area malls close.

    Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy explains how other legacy brands are faring amid shifting trends.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    Burpee, the Philly-born seed seller, celebrates 150 years in business alongside the country’s Semiquincentennial. It’s thriving again after past periods of financial trouble.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Former Phillies pitcher Phillippe Aumont left professional baseball in 2020, but the 37-year-old is returning with Team Canada — and he’ll face his old team today. What has he been up to the past few years?

    A) Modeling

    B) Studying for the bar exam

    C) Coaching

    D) Running a pig farm

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    🏒 Hockey fans: What is the Flyers’ plan for the NHL trade deadline? You can ask that question and more during a Reddit AMA with The Inquirer’s Jackie Spiegel today at 2 p.m. EST in the r/Flyers subreddit.

    What we’re …

    🛒 Remembering: When the A&P grocery chain said it was closing its city stores on this week in Philly history.

    🍮 Eager to watch: Cherry Hill chef Nana Araba Wilmot on Top Chef.

    🩐 Already tasting: The full-flavored cooking of the legendary Peter Chang, now in the Philly burbs.

    đŸ„Ż Anticipating: The Philly area’s crop of new restaurants for March.

    â›Ș Considering: What today’s American churches can learn from Germany’s past theologians.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: 🏁 đŸŽïž

    AN ARCS

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

    Cheers to Byron Peebles, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: Christiana. Delaware’s only Nordstrom, in the Christiana Mall, is closing. But the luxury retailer is opening more Nordstrom Rack locations, including in Deptford, Exton, Marlton, and Media.

    Photo of the day

    The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute.

    đŸ›ïž One last affordable thing: The Franklin Institute and five other cultural institutions will continue to offer $2 tickets for low-income patrons, thanks to $7.6 million in grants from the William Penn Foundation.

    Go look at something beautiful today. See you back here 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.

  • A Tredyffrin office conversion bucks a suburban trend | Inquirer Chester County

    A Tredyffrin office conversion bucks a suburban trend | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County! 👋

    A Tredyffrin office complex is being converted into housing, bucking a suburban trend. Here’s why. Also, East Whiteland Township’s meeting about a proposed data center was postponed after too many people showed up, the county’s CEO left the job Monday and has been replaced, plus a West Goshen business could face fines after polluting a local waterway.

    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.

    Why this Tredyffrin complex made for an ideal office-to-residential conversion

    The office complex at 435 Devon Park Dr. in Tredyffrin Township is being converted into housing.

    An eight-building office complex at 435 Devon Park Dr. in Tredyffrin Township is on its way to becoming housing, making it one of the only suburban office-to-housing conversions underway in the region. Zoning issues, demands on school districts, and economic feasibility often make these types of conversions difficult and costly.

    Built in the 1980s, the complex is able to be more easily converted than many of its larger counterparts thanks to its layout and the fact that it already has operable windows.

    Once complete, the former office buildings will have 162 apartments, largely studios and one-bedrooms, breathing new life into the complex.

    The Inquirer’s Jake Blumgart delves into what makes this project different.

    📍 Countywide News

    • In case you missed it, county CEO David Byerman left the job on Monday after just over a year in the role. Former Deputy County Administrator Erik Walschburger was immediately appointed to oversee the county’s staff and budget under the title of “county administrator.”
    • Chester County Library in Exton launched a new service this week allowing residents to apply for a U.S. passport. The appointment-only offering is for first-time passport applicants, applicants whose previous passport was issued before they turned 16, or applicants whose passport was lost, stolen, damaged, or issued over 15 years ago. Learn more about the program here.

    💡 Community News

    • Over the weekend, a “milky white” substance and dead fish were spotted in Goose Creek in West Chester, prompting municipal and state officials to investigate. The leak in West Goshen Township was plugged after the substance was traced back to Atmos Technologies, a company with a location at 216 Garfield Ave. Drinking water wasn’t affected, but Aqua Pennsylvania will continue to monitor the area downstream. Atmos faces potential fines.
    • East Whiteland Township’s planning commission has rescheduled last week’s meeting about a proposed data center at a former Superfund site after there were more attendees than the room’s 98-person capacity could hold. The commission is set to consider an amended application that calls for increasing the size of the two proposed data center buildings by roughly 61% from what was previously approved. The meeting at a larger venue is tentatively set for Monday.
    • An NBC10 Philadelphia investigation found that Honey Brook Constable David Jones Sr. is among two area law enforcement officers to have signed a 287(g) agreement, which authorizes agencies to carry out immigration enforcement. Jones told the network that he hasn’t heard from ICE since entering into the agreement in October.
    • The West Sadsbury Township zoning board will meet tomorrow at 6 p.m. to consider a proposal for a new storage facility at 5787 W. Lincoln Highway in Parkesburg.
    • There’s a town hall meeting tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Tredyffrin Township building to discuss the Pennsylvania Turnpike Milepost 320-324 construction project. The project calls for reconstructing four miles of the turnpike and widening the section from four lanes in each direction to six lanes.
    • Malvern Borough is hosting a public workshop on Monday at 7 p.m. for its Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development Task Force as it considers amendments to its zoning ordinance and map.
    • Heads up for drivers: In Upper Uwchlan Township, Styer Road between Meadow Creek Lane and Morning Light Road will close Monday and isn’t expected to reopen for three or four weeks while crews work on the underside of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Overpass. U.S. 30 westbound between Lincoln Highway and the ramp onto Airport Road, an area that spanning Sadsbury and Valley Townships, will have a lane closure from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Friday as crews make repairs. In East Pikeland Township, Spring City Road is closed between Township Line Road and Wall Street as crews work to replace the bridge there. The project is expected to last 12 to 18 months. Expect delays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on East Swedesford Road near the intersection of Church Farm Lane in West Whiteland Township for the next two weeks, while roadwork takes place.
    • Pennsylvania American Water is expected to replace water mains in Parkesburg Borough through April 3. Customers may experience no water, low water pressure, or discolored water while work takes place. Learn more about the project here.
    • Peco will begin updating the underground electrical feed in Kennett Township early this month, impacting Davenport and Cedar Croft Roads, as well as Donny Lane. The electrical system upgrade work is scheduled to be completed by June.
    • Residents will gather this weekend in Coatesville to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March, during which civil rights activists faced police attacks. The Together We Stand Project will host a march on Saturday at 9 a.m., with participants gathering at Gateway Park then walking along Route 30 from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue. “This march is not just about remembering history — it’s about inspiring our community to take action and embrace their civic responsibility,” event organizer Linda Lavender Norris said.
    • A former employee at the Devereux behavioral health campus in West Whiteland Township has been convicted for soliciting sexual acts from a 14-year-old resident at the site. Shakur Austin, 28, of Philadelphia, will be sentenced at a later date.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Great Valley School District’s school board last week approved students’ request to start a “Club America” chapter at Great Valley High School. The chapter, affiliated with the national Turning Point USA organization, will “discuss the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government” and “give representation to conservative and Christian voices,” according to club leaders. A student and a community member spoke against the club’s formation, describing Turning Point as divisive, The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna reports.
    • Registration is now open for Owen J. Roberts School District’s more than 40 summer enrichment camp programs.
    • Tredyffrin/Easttown School District is hosting a workshop for its 2026-27 budget on Monday at Conestoga High School following the Finance Committee meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.
    • Registration for new TESD students entering kindergarten and first grade next school year is now open. Learn more here.
    • Unionville High School’s robotics team took home first place in the United States Governors Cup’s FIRST Tech Challenge, held in Washington, D.C., last month. The Silver Wolves were the only Pennsylvania team to compete in the inaugural event.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Two new eateries recently opened in West Chester. Cousin’s Burger opened last week at 211 E. Market St., taking over the former Miss Winnie’s space. The new spot, which has several other area locations, serves smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, wings, and chicken tenders. And West Chester Chicken, located at 34 S. High St., is also now open and dishing up fried and grilled chicken, sandwiches, boardwalk fries, and water ice.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🏀 Harlem Wizards: The traveling professional basketball team known for its entertaining hoops skills is coming to town. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. đŸ’” $21.99-$76.99 📍West Chester East High School

    đŸ©° Spotlight Performance and Fundraiser: See performances from the Brandywine Contemporary and Brandywine Ballet companies, including a preview of the upcoming production of The Phantom of the Opera. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 7:15 p.m. đŸ’” $56-$106 📍Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester

    🍁 Maple Syrup at Springton Manor Farm: Learn how to tap a maple tree and then boil the contents for syrup during one of three 45-minute sessions. Registration is required. ⏰ Sunday, March 8, noon-2:45 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Springton Manor Farm

    ☘ Solas’ 30th Anniversary Tour: The Celtic ensemble blends traditional Irish music with Americana, bluegrass, and folk elements. ⏰ Sunday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. đŸ’” $41.78-$88.87 📍The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville

    🏡 On the Market

    A five-bedroom Malvern home with a greenhouse and a pool

    The home spans 3,800 square feet and has a greenhouse.

    This brick Malvern home is classic Main Line, with a twist. It has an attached greenhouse equipped with running water, drainage, and a heating system. Inside, the first floor features hardwood floors, a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and two ovens, a bedroom with a gas fireplace, and a full bathroom. There are several bedrooms upstairs, including the primary suite, as well as a family room with skylights. Downstairs, there’s a temperature-controlled wine cellar in the walk-out basement, along with another bedroom and full bathroom. Out back, the home has an in-ground pool, a deck, and a large yard. There’s an open house Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.275M | Size: 3,800 SF | Acreage: 2

    đŸ—žïž What other Chester County 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.

  • Meet the East grad competing on ‘Top Chef’ | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Meet the East grad competing on ‘Top Chef’ | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    Get to know the East grad and local entrepreneur who’s competing on the new season of Top Chef. Also this week, Plaza Grande in Garden State Park has been put up for sale, sewer work on Kresson Road is getting underway shortly, plus two district basketball teams are continuing their post-season runs.

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

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

    This Cherry Hill native is vying to be the next Top Chef

    Chefs Nana Araba Wilmot (left) and Laurence Louie compete on season 23 of “Top Chef,” which premieres on Monday.

    Locals tuning into the season premiere of Top Chef Season 23 on Monday might spot a familiar face. Cherry Hill native Nana Araba Wilmot is competing on the popular Bravo show, where she’ll showcase her culinary skills and her Ghanaian heritage.

    An East grad, Wilmot was raised in Cherry Hill, and today is the owner of Georgina’s Private Chef and Catering Co. and traveling supper club Love That I Knead.

    Wilmot began cooking at the age of 7, learning the time-tested recipes and traditions of Ghana from her grandmother.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner spoke with Wilmot about what inspired her decision to appear on the show and how her cooking pays homage to her roots.

    💡 Community News

    • The developer who got the Plaza Grande 55-and-over apartment complex to the finish line has put the project on the market. Several developers had tried, but failed to complete the final piece of the $1 billion redevelopment of the former Garden State Park horse racing track. Developer William “Billy” Procida said he put “so much blood, sweat, and tears” into developing Plaza Grande, but added it’s time to sell, The Inquirer’s Michaelle Bond reports.
    • Heads up for drivers: Starting Monday, Kresson Road westbound between Springdale and Cropwell Roads will be closed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for work to remove and replace sewer lines. Closures are expected for the next four weeks, with work continuing for another month beyond that. The work is part of a $2.5 million Camden County and New Jersey American Water project.
    • Typical home values in all three of Cherry Hill’s zip codes rose between January 2025 and this January, according to new data from Zillow. The 08003 zip code still has the highest home value, which averaged $549,594 as of this January, up 5.14% over the prior year. Residents in the 08034 zip code typically saw their home value increase 5.8% to $436,173, while the typical home value in the 08002 zip code rose 4.93% to $418,359. (NJ.com)
    • Last month, Mayor David Fleisher and Camden County Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, who are married, gave proclamations to East senior Siana Armando for helping a coworker experiencing a medical emergency, including a seizure, during a shift at Nothing Bundt Cakes in the Barclay Farms Shopping Center. Armando said she had personal experience in similar situations and was able to help her coworker while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
    • A rabid skunk attacked two dogs in the backyard of a Cherry Hill home recently. The dogs are being confined and under observation for the next four months. (NBC Philadelphia)

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Two of the district’s basketball teams are continuing their post-season runs. The top-seeded East boys’ basketball team defeated the No. 4 seeded Atlantic City High School at home yesterday 61-51, booking a spot in the Group 4 final. The Cougars will have home court advantage for the Friday game. Follow the results here and see the full group bracket here. And the West girls’ basketball team, top-seeded in Group 3, takes on Hammonton High School today after defeating Clearview Regional High School on Monday. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. at home. Follow the results here and see the full bracket here.
    • Seven Cherry Hill wrestlers are advancing to regional tournaments after successful outings in the NJSIAA District 28 wrestling tournament last weekend. Gabe Jones, Praise Okereafor, Clayton Tyson, Caden Rossi, Aiden Sanchez, and Jakob Ubarry, all of West, and Dominic Canzano of East are all competing. (Courier Post)
    • It was the end of the road for a couple of the district’s post-season runs. After making it to the Group A final, East girls’ swimming fell 102.5-67.5 to Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School last Wednesday. And East girls’ basketball defeated Atlantic City High School in its Group 4 first-round matchup before falling to Howell High School in the quarterfinals 55-41.
    • The school district has a board of education meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. See the full calendar here.
    • SACC summer camp registration opens today at 4 p.m. There are two-, three-, and four-day programs available Monday through Thursday from June 29 through Aug. 13 for township residents entering first through fifth grade.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • The Kibitz Room’s gross revenue fell by about 12% last year, according to a recent bankruptcy court filing. The popular deli reported $2.2 million last year, down about $300,000 from the year prior. It’s unclear if a decline in revenue is a reason for the business’ abrupt closure earlier this year. The Kibitz Room has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, with a court date scheduled for early May. Former owner Brandon Parish has said he hopes to reopen the deli, which was being run by his mother, Sandy Parish. (Courier Post)
    • Looking for great dim sum? Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is one of the best spots in the region, according to The Infatuation, which suggests ordering the “Lucky 6” at the Towne Place at Garden State Park spot. The colorful assortment includes six dumplings filled with things like black truffle, chicken, and scallops.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸ€” Project Prom: Teens or their parents can browse and take home a gently used formalwear outfit for the next big dance. ⏰ Wednesday, March 4, 4-8:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Cherry Hill Public Library

    đŸ‘č Monster-Mania Con: Horror fans won’t want to miss this three-day event, where you can see stars from frightening films. ⏰ Friday, March 6-Sunday, March 8, times vary đŸ’” $41.74-$72.49 📍DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia

    🩜 Birds in Trees and Flowers and Bees Artist Reception: See the works of photography duo Wendy and Bruce Rubin, who have been together for almost 40 years, and turned their lenses toward birds and other wildlife. ⏰ Saturday, March 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Cherry Hill Public Library

    🏡 On the Market

    An Olde Springs home with an airy family room

    The stucco-fronted home spans over 3,000 square feet.

    Located in the Olde Springs neighborhood, this home features a living room, a dining room, and an open-concept family room and kitchen. The family room has a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and a skylight, while the kitchen has two spots for eating, as well as a dedicated pantry. There are four bedrooms upstairs, including the primary suite that has a walk-in closet, a tub, and a large vanity. The finished basement has a full bathroom and what could be a fifth bedroom.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $625,000 | Size: 3,008 SF | Acreage: 0.21

    đŸ—žïž What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:

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