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  • 💸 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 Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    ‘This is her big concert’

    🎤 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

    🥪 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

    🥳 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…

    🥵 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.

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

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

    🧩 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.

    👋🏽 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.

  • The water ice martini is the quintessential Philly summer cocktail

    The water ice martini is the quintessential Philly summer cocktail

    If you were to distill the energy of a South Philly summer into a cocktail, it might look like water ice shaken with vodka in a martini glass, garnished with a pretzel stick. It would taste like the syrupy-sweet melted ice left in the cup and be crushable enough to knock back on a hot afternoon.

    That’s the water ice martini, a cocktail invented in the early 2000s at one of the neighborhood’s most famous red sauce joints. The drink was a hidden gem for decades, but has found new life this summer as copycats and riffs emerge at bars around Philly and down the Shore that are looking to stand out in a sea of Hugo spritzes, espresso ‘tinis, and soft serve margaritas.

    “Anyone that’s grown up in South Philadelphia grew up on water ice with pretzel sticks and pumpkin seeds. Its been a thing in my family for three generations,” said Vera Masi, the sales manager at Popi’s Restaurant in Packer Park, where the cocktail recently went viral. “Pairing that with a martini is a guaranteed hit.”

    The first water ice martini on record was poured in 2002 at Saloon by Anthony Cardullo, the third-generation John’s Water Ice owner who was then just a bartender. Called the Iceberg, the drink involves adding a scoop of John’s lemon water ice to a shaker with limoncello and Ketel One Citreon vodka. It then gets poured over a second scoop of lemon water ice in a glass.

    Gigi Bello, bar manager at Saloon, makes an Iceberg martini using lemon water from John’s. The cocktail has remained a bestseller since they started serving it in 2002.

    It’s the restaurant’s most enduring cocktail hit, according to manager Frankie Santore. Saloon sells at least 150 Icebergs per week in the summer, he said, making it their bestseller. To keep up, Cardullo has to drop off gallons of fresh made water ice each week.

    Other versions have cycled through Saloon — a pineapple ice painkiller and a melon ice midori sour, to name a few — but the Iceberg is the only one that has lasted, most recently inspiring a dupe that uses Cardullo’s recipe at the Ventnor Social in New Jersey. The restaurant has “never for a second” thought to use anything other than John’s water ice for its cocktails.

    “It’s all fresh fruit,” Santore said. “Anthony’s squeezing the lemons himself.”

    Gigi Bello, bar manager at Saloon, pours an Iceberg martini.

    Popi’s started serving their own versions of the water ice martini last summer after getting the idea from Rowhome Magazine editors Dorette Jackson and Dawn Rhodes. The 33-year-old Italian restaurant sources its water ice from Pop’s for two reasons, owner Gina Rucci said: It’s down the street, and “our names went together.”

    Popi’s has its own version of a lemon ice martini (aptly called the Limoncellotini), but its other offerings pull from the colors of the rainbow, like a neon orange mango water ice martini called the Gritty and a vibrant red strawberry water ice daiquiri. The restaurant used to sell about 20 a day last summer, said bar manager Laura Kreschollek. Now, they’re averaging 50.

    “People were coming in just for these,” said Masi. “We kept running out of water ice and were sneaking out to Pop’s in the middle of the day.”

    A strawberry daiquiri made with Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice at Popi’s Restaurant, 3120 S. 20th St.

    Naturally, the evolution would continue with spiked gelati. Philly could get its first in the early fall, when James Beard Award-winning South Jersey bartender Danny Childs aims to open his bar Field Day in Northern Liberties.

    Childs told The Inquirer he plans to serve the treat year round using his signature Slow Drinks approach. While the vanilla soft serve will come from 1-900-ICE-CREAM, Childs said, the boozy water ice will be made from scratch with local and foraged produce that change with the season. He’s envisioning a lineup of cherry, blueberry, and pawpaw (a fruit native to the Mid-Atlantic that tastes like a mango) to start.

    The cocktail-dessert hybrid was driven by a mix of nostalgia and peer pressure. Childs wanted a nod to his childhood in Delaware County, where he grew up using a soft pretzel as a spoon to scoop up water ice. He also wanted to one-up the alcohol-infused ice creams already on the market.

    “I was like, ‘Someone is going to do spiked gelati before us,’” Childs said. ”We have to hurry.”

    The Iceberg martini from Saloon, which was created by current John’s Water Ice owner Anthony Cardullo.

    Here are four places where you can find boozy water ice in all its forms, from vodka-infused scoops to martinis.

    Where to find boozy water ice in Philly

    Saloon

    This classic Italian joint in Bella Vista has been serving its signature $18 Iceberg martini since 2002, when current John’s Water Ice owner Anthony Cardullo invented it while working at the restaurant’s bar. It does indeed look like icebergs disintegrating into the Arctic as it melts, but the drink goes down easy — sweet, icy, and citrusy without tasting artificial. Also be on the lookout for Cardullo’s nightly water ice cocktail specials.

    📍750 S. Seventh St. 📞 215-627-1811, 🌐 saloonrestaurant.net

    A lineup of water ice martinis made with Pop’s homemade Italian ice at Popi’s Restaurant. Clockwise from left: The Pineapple Pizzaz, Limoncellotini, piña colada, strawberry daiquiri, and the Gritty.

    Popi’s Restaurant

    At Popi’s, the pours are heavy and the water ice is extra sweet. This 33-year-old Italian restaurant near the sports complex in Packer Park gained a new reputation in 2025 when it started serving brightly colored cocktails sweetened with Pop’s homemade Italian ice. Normally $16 and $20 during the World Cup, the cocktails run the gamut from the Gritty (a vodka martini with orange juice and mango water ice) and Pineapple Pizzaz (a pineapple vodka martini with pineapple water ice) to a strawberry daiquiri with a disk of — you guessed it — strawberry water ice floating in the middle. If you’re not susceptible to a sugar rush, it’s easy to have several in one sitting.

    📍3120 S. 20th St. 📞 215-755-7180 🌐 popisrestaurant.com

    Triangle Tavern

    Best known for its excellent vegan wings and cheesesteaks, Triangle Tavern also serves scratch-made boozy water ice year round. Flavors rotate seasonally and range from mango and pomegranate in the summer to pumpkin spice in the fall and crisp peppermint in the winter. Spun in a slushie machine with a handle of vodka, the $12 cocktails are served in a pint glass garnished with a hard pretzel rod for an extra dose of South Philly flair.

    📍1338 S. 10th St. 📞 215-800-1992 🌐 triangletavernphilly.com

    The Philly Phreeze sundae at Tipsy Scoop in Rittenhouse Square, which is comprised of vodka-infused cherry water ice topped with gummy candies.

    Tipsy Scoop

    This New York City-based ice cream chain has been infusing ice cream and sorbet with alcohol since 2013. After opening its first Philly outpost inside the Rittenhouse Square BOTLD location, the brand added a cherry water ice spiked with vodka to its menu. Our suggestion: Order the $14 sundae version — which comes topped with chewy cherry and pineapple gummies in a novelty cup — and consider springing for the chilled vodka shooter. It’s entirely too much in the best way possible, and the water ice is delightful despite being made by a New Yorker. Red enough to stain your tongue, it tastes like a handful of maraschino cherries.

    📍119 S. 18th St. 📞 917-388-2862 🌐tipsyscoop.com/pages/philadelphia

  • A new Graduate Hospital ice cream shop is all about big flavors and little wins

    A new Graduate Hospital ice cream shop is all about big flavors and little wins

    Winners Ice Cream has only been open three weeks, but its wall is already completely covered with notes from neighbors. The small shop was packed on a recent, hot Thursday evening, as customers of all ages lined up for scoops of nostalgic flavors with winning-themed names like “MVPeanut Butter Crunch,” “Champ Chocolate,” and “Sweet Success ‘Smores.” They were invited to leave Post-It notes on the wall that detailed their own personal wins.

    These notes ranged from “I’m getting married” to “Published my first book” to “I ate breakfast.”

    This is owner Anh Nguyen‘s first shop. The 31-year-old, originally from Newark, Del., moved to Philly to manage branches of Surreal Creamery for the four years prior to his opening Winners.

    Cookies and cream dream in a waffle cone at Winners Ice Cream in Graduate Hospital.

    Winners is so named because “we celebrate small wins, big wins, and all the wins in between with fantastic ice cream,” said Nguyen.

    Nguyen built a production kitchen downstairs, where all his ice creams are made from a 14% buttermilk base. Although he is the sole proprietor, his family has been actively involved with helping him get Winners off the ground. His father helped with construction and his mother kept the crew fed while they spent hours at the shop “putting things together with hammer and nails. And since we’re Vietnamese, she always packed us jasmine rice with eggs, pork, or sautéed chicken.”

    It took Nguyen and his father about a month and a half to build out the space. His three sisters have weighed in heavily, testing flavors and helping source ingredients. Nguyen currently makes 14 flavors of ice cream, with more in development, including “Match Point Matcha” (“All the flavors are winning themed,” he said) since the green tea flavor is so popular.

    His current personal favorite? “Major Mint Chip, which I make by infusing fresh mint leaves into the ice cream base, and letting it steep overnight. I didn’t want to use extracts or food colorings in any of my ice creams.”

    The flavor has crushed Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints, of course) because Nguyen’s niece is a Girl Scout. To support her during cookie sales, he bought cases upon cases of cookies.

    The wall of winners at Winners Ice Cream.

    Winners, as well as Mod Spuds, which opened a week and a half prior to the ice cream shop, contributes greatly to “little treat culture” in the neighborhood. And they also share a similar aesthetic, because they share the same muralist. Nguyen peeked into Ange Branca’s Mod Spuds, a few feet away and also on South Street, noticed their painted walls, and asked to be connected with the artist, Hana Alshahab, who ended up painting the wall at Winners.

    Winners is a dream come true for Nguyen, who has loved hard-scoop ice cream since he was a child. “You can add mix-ins to hard scoop and make flavors that are more out of the box, unlike with soft serve where the mix-ins won’t fit through the tube of soft serve machines.”

    Most importantly, “I want Winners to be a community space to recognize and celebrate the moments in life that are often overlooked. Small wins can add up to big wins. I look at the wall and I get inspired and emotional,” said Nguyen.

    The wall of winners at Winners Ice Cream consists of notes left by patrons.

    In the sea of slips of paper denoting other peoples’ wins, one yellow one could easily be missed. It reads, “I opened an ice cream shop!”

    “That one was mine,” said Nguyen.

    Winners Ice Cream is at 1610 South St. It’s open from noon to 10 p.m. daily. Single scoops served in cups start at $5.75.

  • 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.

    🏫 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.

    🍽️ 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 💵 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 💵 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. 💵 $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. 💵 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. 💵 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. 💵 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. 💵 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. 💵 $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. 💵 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. 💵 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. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Exton Park

    🎇 See more area fireworks shows here.

    🇺🇸 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.

    🗞️ 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.

  • Pa. lawmakers must pass a full moratorium on hyperscale data centers

    Pa. lawmakers must pass a full moratorium on hyperscale data centers

    Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the world we live in at a speed unprecedented in modern history.

    Headlines buzz with warnings that this tech boom will bring a disruptive reindustrialization, and people are already seeing this play out in real time. Behemoth data center campuses have been proposed across the nation, including dozens right here in Pennsylvania.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro has been at the helm of this push, incentivizing data center developers to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s resources to accommodate these energy-guzzling facilities and offering industry tax breaks that will cost taxpayers big time.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro announces a $20 billion investment by Amazon in Pennsylvania data centers in Salem Township and Falls Township in June 2025.

    The governor’s so-called Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards, which passed the House last week, are yet another effort to grease the wheels for data center developers. These voluntary half-measures are a naive effort to placate widespread data center opposition — worse still, Right to Know files obtained by Concerned Citizens of Montour County found that Amazon had first dibs on GRID input. That doesn’t sound like putting Pennsylvanians first.

    Instead of diving in headfirst, lawmakers must consider the real-world consequences of a largely unfettered data center build-out. That’s why the grassroots organization I am part of, Food and Water Watch, has endorsed the three-year moratorium State Sen. Katie Muth (D., Berks, Chester, and Montgomery) introduced in the Assembly.

    A recent comprehensive report from Food and Water Watch details the harms AI-driven hyperscale data centers will bring. Shapiro’s embrace of this technology — notwithstanding his recent attempt to make data center development less worrisome to Pennsylvania residents — has left communities grappling with secretive billion-dollar projects that threaten to swallow agricultural land, drive up residential and small-business electricity rates, and ruin quality of life.

    A yard sign protests the proposed data center on New Elm Street near the Closed Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill, photographed on June 4 in Conshohocken.

    Communities across Pennsylvania have pushed back on each and every data center project, from East Whiteland and Hazle Townships to Montour County and beyond. Concerns include lack of transparency and due process, high water use, skyrocketing energy prices, an unprecedented build-out of power plants and high-voltage transmission lines, and more.

    These concerns are not purely theoretical — Pennsylvanians are already seeing the financial impacts of the data center build-out. In 2024, Pennsylvanians paid $492 million in energy infrastructure upgrades for 16 data centers. Shapiro’s GRID plan notwithstanding, as more projects are proposed and more infrastructure is needed to bring these sites online, we can expect ratepayers to fork over more of their hard-earned cash for facilities that do not serve their needs or interests.

    Pennsylvanians don’t have to look far to see what unchecked data center expansion can do to communities.

    Two states away in Virginia, massive, loud data centers have been built right next to homes, turning neighborhoods into industrial sites. Now this industry is attempting to bully Pennsylvania communities to accept the same fate.

    A data center owned by Amazon Web Services, front right, under construction next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Berwick, Pa., in January 2025.

    Many of these industrial compounds are proposed for rural Pennsylvania, threatening to disrupt communities’ way of life. A proposed data center in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, would include six buildings spread across 410 acres — which Food and Water Watch analysis finds is equivalent to the size of 100 Walmart supercenters.

    On an even grander scale, as part of the Shapiro-touted $20 billion data center AI investment by Amazon, a proposed campus in Luzerne County would stretch across 1,5200-1,700 acres.

    These are not modest developments. They are sprawling industrial complexes that threaten to reshape rural and residential communities beyond recognition.

    These proposals also threaten drinking water supplies. Hyperscale data centers can consume as much as two million to eight million gallons of water daily, putting enormous strain on local water supplies. This comes as the majority of Eastern Pennsylvania, a hot spot for development, is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought.

    Nationwide, two-thirds of data centers built since 2022 have been built in water-stressed regions, showing an alarming pattern of development that ignores the limits of local resources. Pennsylvanians should not be forced to compete with corporate server complexes for access to safe, reliable drinking water.

    Data centers are not a public good. They are profit-driven extractive industrial facilities that destroy local communities’ quality of life, all while draining their most necessary resources.

    Lawmakers have the choice to stand with communities and allow state regulators to pause and take an informed path when deciding if — not how — data centers can coexist with the needs of Pennsylvanians.

    It’s why Food and Water Watch drove 180-plus impacted residents facing data center projects in their communities to Harrisburg on June 23, and it’s why Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth must call on their legislators to support Muth’s bipartisan moratorium on hyperscale data centers today, before we all pay the price later.

    Ginny Marcille-Kerslake is a senior organizer for Food and Water Watch in West Whiteland Township.

  • Where to celebrate the Fourth of July | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    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 everything from fireworks to parades. Also this week, a Hindu temple is closer to undergoing a major overhaul, area hospitals may be forced to make tough decisions in the face of Medicaid losses, plus, several local restaurants earned Wine Spectator awards.

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

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

    Nine Fourth of July events to check out in Camden County

    Here’s where to catch fireworks displays and other festivities for the Fourth of July.

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

    • Barrington: There will be a parade at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks around dusk. ⏰ Thursday, July 2, 6 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Behind Woodland School
    • Gloucester City: Celebrate in advance of the holiday with food trucks and fireworks. ⏰ Thursday, July 2, starts at 6 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Proprietor’s Park
    • Cherry Hill: The township will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a fireworks display around 9 p.m. There will also be a DJ, marching bands, and food trucks. ⏰ Thursday, July 2, starts at 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill High School West
    • Haddonfield: This celebration includes a festive parade followed by a block party, complete with live music, food trucks, and games. The night will be capped with a drone show around 9 p.m. ⏰ Friday, July 3, starts at 10 a.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Downtown Haddonfield
    • Audubon: The borough’s two-day event kicks off Friday with food trucks, live music, and a fireworks display at Audubon High School. On Independence Day, there will be a parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, family-friendly activities, and an open house of the Audubon Historical Society Museum at the Senior Center. ⏰ Friday, July 3, starts at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 4, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Audubon
    • Haddon Township: On the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday, catch a fireworks show at Haddon Township High School, complete with live music and food trucks. The following day, the township will host its annual parade, which ends at Crystal Lake Pool. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 4, 11:30 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 Haddon Township
    • Collingswood: Decorate your bike starting at 9 a.m. and then join the parade at 10 a.m. Later, there will be games and races at Roberts Pool. Cap the day with a performance from To the Max at 7:45 p.m. and fireworks at the high school field at dusk. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, starts at 9 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 Collingswood
    • Camden: This year’s Freedom Festival features aptly named funk, soul, and R&B outfit The Commodores at 8 p.m., followed by the Wawa Welcome America fireworks display over the Delaware River. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 6-11 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wiggins Park
    • Camden: Hop aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey, where there will be live music, food, and a full-service bar, all with a view of the fireworks display over the Delaware River. ⏰ Friday, July 4, 7:30 p.m. 💵 $15 general admission 📍 Battleship New Jersey

    Looking for more area events? Check out our full guide here.

    💡 Community News

    • Hindu temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is one step closer to moving ahead with its planned 18,330-square-foot expansion and renovation after getting zoning board approval last week, though it will still require additional approvals before construction can begin. Located at 1 Carnegie Plaza, the temple’s plans call for transforming its exterior to give it a more decorative look, in addition to adding a gym and prayer hall.
    • Due to this week’s skyrocketing temperatures, township residents’ trash will be picked up starting at 6 a.m. today, tomorrow, and Friday.
    • South Jersey hospitals, including in Cherry Hill, could be forced to cut some community programs as they face an estimated $3.6 billion loss from Medicaid changes in the coming years. The Inquirer’s Harold Brubaker has the details.
    • Heads up for drivers: Roadwork continues throughout the township, including on Kenilworth Avenue, which will be closed between Route 38 and Longwood Avenue and between Helena and Edwards Avenues from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Thursday. Work continues on Kresson Road through Thursday, which will have a partial westbound closure between Springdale Road and Ravenswood Way from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closures at its intersection with Springdale Road and between Browning Lane from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    • Registration is open for the township’s upcoming wiffleball tournament, which will take place July 22 and has four age divisions.
    • Friends of Cherry Hill Public is hosting a book sale next week. On Tuesday, Friends members who are township residents get first access, followed by all Friends members next Wednesday. The sale then opens to the public next Thursday and continues through Saturday.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Registration for the district’s 2026-27 School-Age Child Care program opens today at 4 p.m. The program is available to those in kindergarten through fifth grade. Learn more here.
    • Graduation may be behind us, but the district recently shared its annual clap-out video for members of the class of 2026. See it here.
    • Speaking of graduation, South Jersey Media shared photos from West’s commencement, where 333 students earned diplomas.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Four Cherry Hill restaurants earned honors in the latest Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, released last week. The magazine recognizes establishments with wine lists offering what it deems interesting selections that are “appropriate to their cuisine” and “appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.” Caffe Aldo Lamberti was recognized for its selection of wines from California; Tuscany and Piedmont, Italy; and Bordeaux, France. Also making the list are chains Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, which each have a local outpost.
    • Belgian waffle eatery La Liégeoise closed its brick-and-mortar storefront at 1871 E. Marlton Pike last week, citing low visibility and customer traffic at the location. The waffle shop plans to continue its operations as a fully mobile concept.
    • Philly Pretzel Factory will be moving one block from its current home at 910 Route 70 to 800 Route 70 this month. The shop will close Sunday, with a planned opening at its new space on July 15.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🚬 Cigar Sunday: Sample premium cigars, listen to music, and sips drinks on an outdoor deck. ⏰ Sunday, July 5, 2-5 p.m. 💵 $19.03 📍Vera

    🦖 Paw Patrol Dino Skate: Hit the rink for dino-themed skating complete with a dinosaur egg scavenger hunt. ⏰ Wednesday, July 8, 1-4 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 $6 from 1-4 p.m., $5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 📍 Hot Wheelz

    🏡 On the Market

    A striking four-bedroom home with a pool and spa

    The home has a striking design out front and a pool out back.

    Located in the Wilderness Run neighborhood, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom home features a floating curved staircase in the foyer and a two-story family room with a spiral staircase leading to a library. The dining room has Italian mirrored panels that open to reveal a bar with wine storage. Out back, there’s a spa and gunite pool, complete with a diving board.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.999M | Size: 4,800 SF | Acreage: 0.62

    📈 Cherry Hill market report

    • Median listing price: $515,000 (down $4,900 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $509,000 (up $24,000 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 29 (up seven days from April) 📈

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

    🗞️ What other Cherry Hill 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.

  • Flyers free agency primer: Cap space, top targets, biggest needs, and more

    Flyers free agency primer: Cap space, top targets, biggest needs, and more

    Free agency.

    That special time of year when general managers can fulfill their wish lists or end up with coal.

    Here’s everything you need to know before the frenzy begins.

    What time does free agency start?

    Beginning at noon on Wednesday, the Flyers can sign players from other teams to contracts. Of course, they could also lose members of the squad that led them to their first postseason spot since 2020.

    Although terms shouldn’t have been discussed prior, miraculously, teams always announce new contracts at the stroke of noon.

    It is also the kick-off point for offer sheets if anyone wants to be an agent of chaos.

    Who are the Flyers’ free agents?

    According to a league source on Tuesday, the Flyers have agreed to sign pending unrestricted free agent forward Carl Grundström to a one-year, $1 million contract. It comes one day after they handed out qualifying offers to four players and released six more to unrestricted free-agent status.

    Flyers qualify Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, let six other RFAs walk

    Here is a breakdown of who the Flyers need to and could re-sign from the system.

    NHL unrestricted free agents: forwards Rodrigo Ābols and Luke Glendening; defenseman Noah Juulsen

    NHL restricted free agents: forwards Nikita Grebenkin and Trevor Zegras; defenseman Jamie Drysdale

    AHL restricted free agents: defenseman Hunter McDonald

    AHL unrestricted free agents: forwards Karsen Dorwart, Oscar Eklind, Brett Harrison, Boris Katchouk, Lane Pederson, Anthony Richard, Tucker Robertson, and Philip Tomasino; defensemen Adam Ginning, Maxence Guenette, Artem Guryev, and Christian Kyrou

    Dorwart, Harrison, Robertson, Tomasino, Guryev, and Kyrou were not given qualifying offers on Monday. They could all be signed to a new deal or an AHL-only deal to stay with the club. Garrett Wilson is listed as an unrestricted free agent on Puckpedia, but he is signed to an AHL contract for next season.

    A league source has told The Inquirer that Juulsen will not be re-signed.

    How much cap space do the Flyers have?

    According to Puckpedia, as of Tuesday, the Flyers have $32,681,250 of cap space before signing the four restricted free agents. The expectation is that McDonald will be in the minors to start the year, and Grebenkin, who was skating on Tuesday at development camp, is working his way back from an injury.

    Center Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale are the Flyers’ most important restricted free agents that they need to sign.

    Not counting Grebenkin’s deal, the expected cap space to sign Zegras and Drysdale should come in at an approximate annual average value of $15 million combined. That leaves about $17 million, and then minus $3 million to $4 million to cover Grebenkin and McDonald, there is some room left to add pieces to the lineup.

    What are the Flyers’ biggest needs?

    The Flyers have a few spots in the lineup that could use a boost.

    The fourth line struggled at times this past season and went through a few retoolings. It needs at least a right winger, now that Garnet Hathaway has been traded to the Florida Panthers, and there is talk that Glendening could return, but nothing has been confirmed.

    12 players the Flyers could target to upgrade their roster via trade, free agency, or an offer sheet

    Although the wings are pretty much set, the center spot could always use an upgrade as the Flyers continue to search for a top-line pivot. And while the defense looks OK, there is always room for improvement, especially if the Flyers can find a defenseman to help the team’s dormant power play.

    Who are the top free agents?

    John Carlson, on a big-money, short-term deal, would make a lot of sense for the Flyers to help with the power play. But do the Flyers make sense for him? He’ll turn 37 during the season, and time is ticking on his window to win another Stanley Cup.

    Rumors are percolating that the Flyers could add Noel Acciari to the roster. A 5-foot-11 center who just played against the Flyers in the playoffs with the Penguins — he had one assist in the six games — the Rhode Island native would slot onto the fourth line and be a key piece in the faceoff dot as a coveted right-shot, as well as on the penalty kill. Fellow bottom-six center Teddy Blueger is another name to keep an eye on, as he played for coach Rick Tocchet in Vancouver.

    What about offer sheets/trade targets?

    As previously mentioned, the Flyers and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse have a mutual interest, with the Flyers, Pittsburgh, and Boston on his short list of teams. He previously requested a trade and would need to waive his no-movement clause to approve any trade destination.

    The Flyers are obviously interested in Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski from the Columbus Blue Jackets and All-Star center Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Like Nurse, they would need to approve any trade. And they surely wouldn’t mind adding one of Shane Pinto or Dylan Cozens, two young centers from the Ottawa Senators, to the mix if either was made available via trade.

    Could the Flyers target Dallas’ Mavrik Bourque in an offer sheet or trade as a potential center solution?

    Now, who doesn’t love an offer sheet? Would the Flyers be willing to partake in the one thing that gets everyone going? To be determined, but if they do, center Mavrik Bourque, 24, might be an attainable target given Dallas’ cap crunch.

    What about Dan Vladař?

    All signs are pointing to Dan Vladař signing a five-year extension with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

    The Czech goalie is coming off a season where he went 29-14-7, with a 2.42 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. It was the lowest GAA of his career and tied his career-best save percentage, although he played in 22 more games than in any previous season.

    Dan Vladař has been the Flyers’ MVP all season long. He’s also far from your typical goalie.

    He was even better in the postseason with a 2.18 GAA, .922 save percentage, and two shutouts after not posting one in the regular season.

  • Eagles newcomers ’26: Can Elijah Moore, Dameon Pierce emerge from crowded skill group?

    Eagles newcomers ’26: Can Elijah Moore, Dameon Pierce emerge from crowded skill group?

    With Eagles training camp drawing nearer on the horizon, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28. Whether a 2026 draft choice, a veteran addition, or a rookie free-agent hopeful, we’re telling you more about each player’s potential role this season. We’re rolling out two players per day in a mostly unscientific order that balances offense and defense, bigger names with mysteries, and locks with longer shots to be chosen for the 53-man roster.

    Player: Elijah Moore

    Position: Wide receiver

    Age: 26

    Previous experience: Moore was taken three spots ahead of Landon Dickerson in the 2021 draft. He went to the New York Jets in the second round, No. 34 overall, after three seasons at Ole Miss. His rookie year arguably was the best of his NFL career, when he posted a career-high five touchdowns and 538 yards on 43 receptions in 11 games (six starts).

    Eagles newcomers ‘26: Will Andy Dalton emerge as QB2 behind Jalen Hurts?

    During his second season with the Jets, Moore reportedly requested a trade over his lack of involvement in the offense. But he remained on the team until March 2023, when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. He posted a career high in receiving yards that season with 640 and two touchdowns on 59 receptions through 17 games (12 starts).

    Moore played for the Browns for two seasons before signing with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent last year. He played nine games (two starts) and had nine receptions for 112 yards, plus six carries for 24 yards and a touchdown, before he was released in November.

    Moore finished the season on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad and was elevated to the game day roster for the AFC championship game. The 5-foot-10, 178-pound receiver signed a one-year, $1.32 million contract with the Eagles in March.

    Path to a roster spot: Moore is a potential wide receiver depth option. The Eagles have a clear-cut top four receivers in DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown, but they could carry at least another receiver or two on the active roster. Moore will compete in training camp for one of those depth roles, along with Darius Cooper and Johnny Wilson.

    Moore’s experience sets him apart, especially as he vies for a role on a team in need of playmakers in the absence of A.J. Brown, his former college teammate and roommate. He still can show up in key moments and displayed his versatility on his second career rushing touchdown last season when he motioned out of the slot and took the handoff for a 4-yard score against the Jets. Earlier in that game, he also had a 31-yard catch-and-run reception on third-and-long.

    Fun fact: In just eight games in 2020, Moore broke Brown’s single-season record at Ole Miss for receptions by one catch with 86. Moore accumulated 1,193 yards that season, 127 short of Brown’s total in 12 games in 2018. In his record-setting season, Moore led the nation with 149.1 receiving yards per game and 10.8 receptions per game.

    Quotable: “I think he’s so sudden in and out of cuts. I think that he can play inside and play outside and have that versatility for us. Smart guy. He knows his stuff. And he’s a fun guy to be around, too.” — Bills quarterback Josh Allen on Moore in July 2025

    Dameon Pierce was once a starting NFL running back with the Houston Texans.

    Player: Dameon Pierce

    Position: Running back

    Age: 26

    Previous experience: Pierce brings four years of NFL experience to the Eagles. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of Florida. Pierce spent more than three seasons with the Texans, highlighted by his rookie year, when he started 13 games and rushed for 939 yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries.

    An ankle injury ended his rookie campaign prematurely. Pierce fell down the depth chart in subsequent seasons and served as a depth running back and kick returner. In 2023, Pierce returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.

    Eagles newcomers ’26: Why the Arnold Ebiketie deal could be among the Birds’ underrated offseason signings

    Houston released Pierce in November 2025. He landed with the Kansas City Chiefs and appeared in one game. Last season, he took just 14 handoffs total and rushed for 36 yards. Pierce’s days as a full-time starter likely are behind him, but the Eagles could represent an opportunity for him to carve out a contributing role.

    Path to a roster spot: Special teams and running back depth. With Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby locks to make the initial roster, Pierce will compete with Will Shipley and Elijah Mitchell for the third running back spot. As the incumbent, Shipley has a leg up, but training camp will provide an opportunity for the three players to compete for the role, with the consolation prize being a chance at making the practice squad.

    Pierce could have an advantage over Mitchell, given his kick return experience. He has averaged 32.8 yards per return over the last three seasons. However, on four returns with Houston in 2025, Pierce averaged 23 yards per return.

    Fun fact: Pierce told the Texans in 2022 that if he could go pro in another sport, he would choose pie eating. Tastykake, here’s your next spokesperson.

    Quotable: “I’m still learning. Coming into this year, I just look at it as, I got four years of experience on my side. I take every up and down in my career as a collective and just look at it and try to learn how to get better from it. Coming to Philly is just another step in my journey that I’m looking forward to. At the end of the day, man, I just want to play ball, and Philly gave me a great opportunity to do so.” — Pierce in March

  • Malvern Prep and Mount St. Joseph capture historic USRowing Youth National Championships

    Malvern Prep and Mount St. Joseph capture historic USRowing Youth National Championships

    Two boats, two schools, two historic national championship wins.

    Malvern Prep and Mount St. Joseph Academy competed in the USRowing Youth National Championships from June 11-14 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla., and brought home first-place trophies.

    The regatta featured 235 of the top youth teams from around the nation. Malvern Prep’s youth quadruple sculls, which featured Will Bentley, Rory Coleman, Jack Arbogast, and Brendan Schuck, crossed the finish line in 5 minutes, 48.12 seconds to beat 28 other programs competing in the event.

    Mount St. Joseph’s second varsity eight team won gold, with a time of 6:34.7. The championship boat included Kayleigh Costello, Ella Kurek, Addison Marques, Aubrey Sheehan, Megan Bell, Addison Ross, Christian Robinson, Ava Kristel, and Zoe Nguyen.

    From Philadelphia to Henley: Drexel men’s rowing takes on the world’s most prestigious regatta

    The last time these schools won at nationals was roughly two decades ago: Malvern in 2008, and Mount St. Joseph in 2006.

    The two teams supported another from the sidelines. Malvern cheered on the Mount girls from shore, and vice versa when the boys were in the water.

    “There’s only so many crews that are coming down from this area,” Mount St. Joseph coach Alanna McCoy said. “We all often are on the same stretch of water, so we took all the boats on one trailer and made it one trip — it was cool to come home with two trophies.”

    ‘Fueled the fire’

    Malvern sent four boats to Nathan Benderson Park.

    Beside from the youth quad boat, the youth double sculls, under-17 double sculls, and under-17 quadruple sculls also competed in the regatta.

    Malvern’s spring has been filled with wins, including a first-place finish in the quadruple sculls at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America championship in May.

    But placing second in a race at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta “unlocked this second gear,” Bentley said.

    “That was hard for us,” he added. “This fueled the fire for our training going into nationals, so I think it really helped us.”

    First-year head coach James Konopka helped cultivate that determination.

    “It was the willingness from the guys to make changes, to do the work, to really push themselves into moments of discomfort,” Konopka said. “At times, I’d argue, we were maybe the hardest-working team on the river. These guys worked so hard for this win.”

    Three Friars from the boat will move on to college rowing this fall.

    Bentley will row at Holy Cross, Schuck at the University of San Diego, and Arbogast at Wesleyan University. Coleman will return next season as a senior and plans to row in college.

    “It’s bittersweet to leave the program you spend so much time pouring hours and hours of effort into,” Schuck said. “But I know we left it in a place better than we found it.”

    Malvern Prep sent four boats to Nathan Benderson Park for the USRowing Youth National Championships.

    ‘Doing it for our sisters’

    For the Mount, inspiration and drive came from a more unconventional source.

    “[Coach] gave us this book, The Little Engine That Could,” Sheehan said. “Before our races, we read it, and it was interesting to go into the unknown with the idea of, ‘I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,’ and that kind of pushed us through the race.”

    With that mentality, the varsity eight boat crossed the finish line nearly two seconds ahead of the second-place boat. The group credited its teamwork and training for a successful final race of the season.

    “We would come to the boathouse in the morning, row on the water for two hours, go home, and then come back and go again for a few hours, and then do it all again for the whole week,” said Ross, who will row at George Washington next season. “I think that extra training is a really big push, especially for this boat, because we came together so late.”

    McCoy said the team shares a “unique bond,” despite nationals being the group’s first race competing together.

    “They all spend a ton of time together,” she said. “They’re together at school, they’re together after school, they’re together at the boathouse. They also are very good friends and hang out with each other outside of the boathouse.”

    Added Marques: “The main theme for our races is always to think about the legacy of the team. Doing it for the people who cheer us on, doing it for our siblings, doing it for our coaches, but the main thing is doing it for our sisters in the boat.”

  • From bakeries to brewpubs, all the Philadelphia restaurant and bar openings for July

    From bakeries to brewpubs, all the Philadelphia restaurant and bar openings for July

    The Philadelphia area restaurant boom continues into the summer, with newcomers including a neighborhood cocktail bar, bakery/cafes, a suburban brewpub, a $2 million pizzeria, a vegan cafe, a destination dining room, and a fusion sandwich shop.

    Chicken roulade with fava beans, gnocchi, and cauliflower at Academy Grill in Fort Washington.

    Academy Grill (424 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington): Fine Line Dining’s next project, an Italian-inspired, white-tablecloth restaurant, will serve seafood, steaks, and pastas in the former Cantina Feliz space near Germantown Academy (hence the name). Chef Jeff Power, formerly of Dettera in Ambler, is leading the kitchen. Owners Mike Sloane and Jay Rosenthal, who also own the casual Fort nearby and Jasper’s Backyard in Conshohocken, plan to open July 7 for dinner, July 9 for lunch, and then operate Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

    Banjara Indian Bistro (689 Berlin-Cross Keys Rd., Sicklerville): Vaneet Chopra, whose family owns Cross Culture in Haddonfield and previously operated Banjara in Chestnut Hill, is behind this Indian restaurant due to open soon in the strip center that also houses Gouldsburger’s, the Breakfast Nook, and Saladworks. Owners told 42Freeway that it was awaiting final inspections.

    Bar Cicci is due to open in late July at 1620 Sansom St.

    Bar Cicci (1620 Sansom St.): Ellen Yin and High Street Hospitality Group are behind this Italian cafe-bar next to Uchi near Rittenhouse Square. Pronounced “chee-chee,” it is positioned as an all-day salon for espresso, pastries, panini, cicchetti, wine, and aperitivi. It’s due to open later this month.

    Bart’s Bagels’ first shop opened in 2020 in the Powelton section of West Philadelphia.

    Bart’s Bagels (273 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd): Bagelmeister brothers Brett and Kyle Frankel plan a late-July opening of their third shop, at the old Bravo Pizza in Bala, a five-minute walk from their childhood home.

    Bluebird Distilling & Dough House is a $2.2 million expansion and renovation of the popular Phoenixville destination.

    Bluebird Distilling & Dough House (100 Bridge St., Phoenixville): Bluebird’s $2.2 million expansion, Dough House, arrives July 7. It’s a neo-Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant inside its downtown Phoenixville distillery, and adds an expanded cocktail bar, a 50-seat dining room, a chef’s counter, and an enlarged retail shop. Executive chef Devon Migeot, formerly of Zahav, Laser Wolf, Rosalie, and Tresini will serve naturally fermented pizzas, house-baked breads, and shareable small plates alongside the distillery’s cocktails.

    Cheezy Vegan by Chef Reeky (1216 S. 17th St.): Now in soft-opening mode at 17th and Manton Streets in Point Breeze, this plant-based concept from Tarik “Chef Reeky” Ryant and Erin Mignogna-Dougherty (previously in Woodlyn, Delaware County) serves a full menu — breakfast, lunch, appetizers, coffee drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies — from a counter, with coffee beans roasted on-site. A sidewalk cafe is planned.

    The pica pica sandwich at Chibanos, which comes with picadillo, Swiss cheese, mayo, and crispy taro sticks.

    Chibanos (1127 Pine St.): Opening today at 8 a.m., this casual sandwich shop in Effie’s former Washington Square West building is an ode to owner Evan Jaroff’s multicultural upbringing, blending Chinese and Cuban flavors for a tight fusion menu. Breakfast sandwiches are made on Dodo Bakery bolo baos, there are pressed sandwiches like the pica pica (picadillo, swiss, mayo, crispy taro sticks) and mima frita (Chinese sausage croquetas, Swiss, mayo, cabbage, mojo vinagrette), plus salads, sides, and a robust drink list that offers both colada and black milk tea.

    Comedian Meg Goetz entertains at a preview of Claude’s Comedy Club & Bar, 1123 S. Broad St.

    Claude’s Comedy Club & Bar (1123 S. Broad St.): Reid Benditt’s intimate South Philly venue for stand-up, in its opening days, sits alongside a bar serving cocktails, beer, and casual fare from 4 p.m. daily. He’s positioning this as an affordable alternative to larger comedy clubs, with modest ticket prices, no two-drink minimum, and a mix of touring performers and local comics.

    Dublin Brewing Co., Brendan FitzGerald’s Irish pub, in Downingtown.

    Dublin Brewing Co. (137 Wallace Ave., Downingtown): Irish-born homebrewer Brendan FitzGerald’s decade-in-the-making brewpub is designed as an authentic Irish pub, with an Irish dry stout, Irish red ale, IPAs, pale ale, Pennsylvania wine and spirits, and bar food. FitzGerald built the pub himself while continuing his day job, borrowing design cues from pubs in Howth and Dublin’s Temple Bar. It’s open for special events (check Instagram) while FitzGerald awaits final permitting.

    Home Team Tavern (267 S. Black Horse Pike, Mount Ephraim): The short-lived Mount Ephraim Bar & Grill has been flipped into a compact, sports-minded neighborhood tavern from Greg Carta, who previously managed North Bowl and South Bowl in Philadelphia. He told 42Freeway that he’s aiming for an early July opening with a menu built around tavern pizzas, burgers, starters, and other game-day food.

    Lillian’s, 1900 S. 19th St., during a preview on June 25, 2026.

    Lillian’s Bar (1900 S. 19th St.): This week, Point Breeze got a cozy neighborhood cocktail bar at 19th and Mifflin Streets with an evolving kitchen concept from Sam Ahern, a former bar manager at Fabrika who also worked at Cicala at the Divine Lorraine and Fitler Club after hosting backyard supper clubs during the pandemic. Ahern has brought in chef Alejandro Martín Sánchez (Mesona) to set up the concise menu of Mediterranean-leaning bistro fare, including sandwiches, salads, tinned fish, charcuterie, and cheese boards with kitchen operations overseen by Isobella “Izzy” Ioffreda. Guest chefs will take over for weekend or monthlong runs. First will be Miled Filianos of Habibi Supper Club, whose six-course dinners and happy hours are scheduled for July 9-11, 17-18, and 23-25. Cocktail program is led by Fitler Club alum Avdo Babic. Opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

    Luna at the Luxe (1705 N. American St.): Sarah Varisano expects to open her relocated Luna Cafe on Monday in the Luxe apartment complex in Old Kensington. The reboot keeps Luna’s familiar brunch, breakfast, and coffee-to-go identity, while adding a larger bar and beverage program, evening hours, and courtyard seating.

    Bakery owner Saif Manna and his wife, Stefaniya Surikova, at their table at Headhouse Farmers Market.

    Manna Bakery (110 W. Berks St.): Baker Saif Manna, shifting from pop-ups to a brick-and-mortar at the former Essen in Kensington, is looking for a late-month soft opening of his 50- to 60-seat bakery/cafe specializing in Levantine and Palestinian wares. It will initially open for daytime service, in addition to his farmer’s market stops. The menu expands to include individual manakish made in the style of Manna’s grandmother, rotating savory buns led by a chicken-sumac version, airy Palestinian-style brioche filled with seasonal fruit and creams, cookies, cakes, and gluten-free desserts such as a flourless chocolate cake and whipped rice pudding created in honor of Manna’s late father. The space also will host baking, cooking, coffee, and arts workshops with visiting chefs, bakers, artists, and baristas, and monthly supper clubs.

    Bartender Euclides “Victor” Lopez behind the bar at Mixteca in New York City on June 4.

    Mixteca (2113 E. York St): This agave-focused Mexican cocktail bar from New York’s Jeff Bell and Euclides “Victor” Lopez is taking over the former Martha in East Kensington. The Philly location, expected later in the month, marks the local debut for Mixteca and Apres Cru Hospitality. The plan includes tequila, mezcal, Mexican drinking culture, indoor-outdoor seating, and a reworked layout with an expanded bar and lounge.

    Philly Po Boy Co. (102 W. Berks St.): Brothers Chris and Greg Lynch are looking for late month for their New Orleans-inspired sandwich shop under the Berks El stop, with po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and coffee from Applied Arts Coffee in New Orleans. Chris spent years cooking in New Orleans, while Greg’s Philly resumé includes Starr Restaurants and LMNO.

    Sandpiper Cafe (1640 South St.): This all-day breakfast-and-lunch spot is due to soft-open Thursday at 1640 South St. It’s the latest from Gunawan Raharjo, who owns the West Passyunk Indonesian gem Indo Spice (noted in our list of Philly’s 76 most influential restaurants). Sandpiper’s American menu, served from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, will expand upon the menu at Raharjo’s other restaurant, Cafe Olivier in Old City. At Sandpiper, Raharjo is partnered with Deddy Pornomo.

    Stella’s Ice Cream (1832 N. Front St.): This Idaho-based chain of ice cream shops planted its first East Coast location on June 27 in Kensington/Fishtown on what reporter Beatrice Forman has dubbed Ice Cream Row, mere blocks from Sweet 45 and 1-900-ICECREAM. Franchisee Shay Marlin had no prior ties to Idaho or the ice cream biz, but was drawn to Stella’s inclusive and family-friendly vibe. The shop offers 24 flavors of ice cream — including eight nondairy options — plus gluten-free waffle and sugar cones, sandwiches made on hulking brownies baked in-house, and yogurt-peanut-butter popsicles for pups.

    Thirsty Turtle Tavern (270 White Horse Pike, Barrington): Just days old, this Camden County taproom in the former Chuck Lager/Wild Wing Cafe building near I-295 is the brand’s second, after Whitehall, Pa., and 42Freeway says it features a refreshed dining room, open kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven, sushi station, and patio.

    333 Belrose Bar & Grill (333 Belrose Lane, Radnor): A slow-moving top-to-bottom renovation will add a larger bar, expanded kitchen, redesigned dining rooms, upgraded private-event spaces, and refreshed outdoor dining to this Main Line landmark, whose new American menu is overseen by chef Ross Esner.

    Staff writer Beatrice Forman contributed to this article.