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  • One free lawn cut at a time | Inquirer South Jersey

    One free lawn cut at a time | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. The recent trend of heat, high humidity, and random showers is here for another few days.

    A high school history teacher and a lawyer are spending their summer in Camden sprucing up the city where they have lived and worked — by providing free lawn care.

    And a third-generation South Jersey business makes stainless-steel food carts that spin their wheels on Shore boardwalks, huge theme parks, and military bases across the world.

    Plus, a man who pleaded guilty recently for stalking a TV news personality is the same person who was arrested for allegedly threatening Gov. Mikie Sherrill, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    P.S. As we wrap up another week, we want to thank you for your continuing support. We’re still new, so please tell us how we’re doing by taking our survey.

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

    Sprucing up the community

    Childhood friends Brian Turner and Keith Benson have cut nearly 100 lawns in Camden since June.

    Turner is a Camden High teacher and Benson is a lawyer at a Cherry Hill firm.

    The duo are providing the service for free and limit it to the city boundaries. They use their own equipment, and the only payment they’ll take is the occasional bottle of water.

    It’s their way to give back to the city and spruce up the community.

    “When you can help out, help,” Turner said.

    The Inquirer’s Melanie Burney followed the two friends as they took on eight lawns on a recent summer day.

    Meet the local business behind the food carts for Shore vendors and Disney World

    A Camden-rooted business may have built your favorite food cart.

    For 74 years, Custom Mobile Food Equipment has handmade stainless-steel food wagons and trucks.

    The company’s products have found their way onto Shore boardwalks, U.S bases in Japan, and iconic theme parks such as Disney World and SeaWorld.

    The Hammonton-based company has navigated food trends and consumer behavior changes. VP David Kyle is confident it’ll outlast recent inflation, global competition, and import tariffs.

    Reporter Joseph N. DiStefano provides a window into the business of food carts.

    What to know today

    • A man who recently pleaded guilty to stalking a Philly TV news personality is the same person who was arrested in January for allegedly making threats to New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill when she was a U.S. representative.
    • A sports coach at a Gloucester Township high school was charged with sexual assault of a student, Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAuley said Thursday. He was taken into custody Wednesday.
    • A conservative law firm is urging state officials to repeal guidance regarding transgender students and parental notification, New Jersey Monitor reports.
    • Burlington County will host a breastfeeding celebration and resource fair in Mount Holly today. Local organizations, vendors, and health professionals will be available to provide information.
    • JP Morgan Chase has four new Chase Bank locations under development in Berlin Township, Blackwood, Deptford, and Washington Township, and it continues its expansion into South Jersey, 42 Freeway reports.
    • The home-based A Labor of Loaf Bread Company in Audubon is preparing to open a storefront bakery in Haddon Township.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Buddy Guy performed in South Jersey last week the day after his birthday. How old is the iconic blues singer and guitarist?

    A) 70

    B) 80

    C) 90

    D) 100

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    ⚽ Watching: The new MLS commissioner and Cherry Hill native Larry Berg pays homage to his father and his South Jersey beginnings.

    🛍️ Touring: The best antique and thrift stores down the Shore.

    ❤️ Planning: A date night at Revell Hall in Burlington.

    🏖️ Down the Shore

    This “Ask Down the Shore” feature appears as part of our weekly summertime series from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore newsletter here.

    We asked readers about etiquette of playing ball on the beach via the Shore Line group chat.

    Here are a few of the responses:

    • Many years ago a bunch of guys were playing Frisbee. The Frisbee hit me in the face along with the guy diving for it. I lost a tooth from the force of the hit and also needed root canal. They should be far from the crowds.
    • The beachgoer needs to relax. They are kids and we all did it as kids. It’s a public place and to expect kids not to be playing is ridiculous.
    • Hello from Wildwood Crest! Our borough lifeguards maintain a very publicized posted rule about playing ball at the beach: only on the “Back Beach.”

    Where do you land? Do you accept that potentially getting hit is part of the price of enjoying a day on a public beach? Or do you think it should be limited to a dedicated zone? Be part of conversation and email Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.

    📸 Photo of the week

    Springhouse Farms, of nearby Upper Township, offers a wide variety of produce at the Sea Isle City Farmers Market.Vernon Ogrodnek / For The Inquirer

    🫑 One last fun thing to do: South Jersey is known for its produce for a reason, and not much is more peaceful than perusing farmers markets on a weekend morning.

    Enjoy your weekend, and I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday. 📧

    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.

  • 📸 Cameras are clearing SEPTA’s way | Morning Newsletter

    Let’s start with the good news: It’s Friday.

    Unless stifling humidity is your thing, the unpleasant news is that Philly feels more like South Beach, Miami, right now. (As a former Florida girl, I’m ambivalent.) Random showers are possible, and a heat advisory is in effect through Saturday night. The silver lining? Our drought conditions are improving.

    While it may be the dog days of summer, some Philly chains are already ringing in the Halloween season. The so-called seasonal creep is real, and it’s only picking up speed.

    But first, our main story looks into how SEPTA’s bus lane crackdown is going.

    Scroll along for these stories and more news to start your weekend.

    — Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    Under the watchful eye of AI

    If the results of AI-powered camera enforcement on SEPTA buses and trolleys are any indicator, people are less likely to illegally stop in bus lanes these days.

    👁️ More than 210,000 illegally parked vehicles were caught blocking bus lanes since the cameras were first deployed in May 2025. Violations have seen a downtown trend since enforcement began.

    💸 Parking perps have been charged $14.5 million in fines as of June 30. The hefty fines seem to be motivating drivers to avoid adding to congestion.

    🚍 Travel time has dropped, too. Buses along the enforcement routes are spending less time stuck in traffic.

    Transportation reporter Tom Fitzgerald shows us the data, and explains how tickets are issued and assessed by human officers.

    ‘The guardrails are gone’

    🎤 Allow me to pass the mic to my colleague Tony Wood for a look into a long-accelerating movement.

    A certain seasonal disorientation is understandable these days, and we’re not talking about whatever is going on with the planet’s climate.

    The Philly-born La Colombe coffee chain began offering its pumpkin spice drinks this week, and while that may seem early for evoking the spirit of Halloween, even among its rivals — Starbucks doesn’t turn to pumpkin until Aug. 25 — La Colombe is miles behind the candy industry, which has been at it for months.

    In early May, as part of its “Halfway to Halloween” promotion, Mars Inc. was offering a “Creepy Crunch” variant of Skittles, Twix “skulls,” and pumpkin-shaped Snickers.

    Over the weekend, as many as 3,000 people showed up for the seasonal grand opening of the Spirit Halloween store in Egg Harbor Township — 37 days before Labor Day, and in an era when summery weather appears to be lingering longer. (Philly’s average temperatures were above normal the last five Septembers.) — Tony Wood

    Learn what could be driving seasonal creep, and why one expert says “holiday fatigue” could be the result.

    What you should know today

    Plus: Why are the Citizens Bank Park seats blue?

    Welcome back to Curious Philly Friday. We’ll feature both new and timeless stories from our forum for readers to ask about the city’s quirks.

    This week, we’re resurfacing an explainer from 2024 about the color choice of the Phillies ballpark seats.

    Why are they blue — sapphire blue, to be exact — and not red to match the team? The reason can be traced back to the 1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Here’s the full explanation.

    Have your own burning question about Philadelphia, its local oddities, or how the region works? Submit it here and you might find the answer featured in this space.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Employees at this Philly museum adopted their first union contract this month:

    A) Fabric Workshop and Museum

    B) Woodmere Art Museum

    C) Museum of Illusions

    D) Magic Gardens

    Think you know? Test your local news know-how and check your answer in our weekly quiz.

    What (and whom) we’re…

    ❤️ Remembering: Chris DiJulia, a legend and dedicated part of the city’s sports scene.

    🧁 Discovering: Philadelphia is the birthplace of all-American cupcakes.

    🍃 Inspired by: A lawyer and a teacher sprucing up Camden, one free lawn cut at a time.

    🎤 Catching: A free Iron Chic show and Hilary Duff’s concert, among the best live music happenings this week.

    🍸 Intrigued by: A new vinyl listening room and bar concept coming to Kennett Square and Fishtown.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: A Philly film festival happening now through Sunday

    SLABTRACK

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

    Cheers to Chris Campolucci, who solved Thursday’s anagram: Donkey’s Place Steaks. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the Camden spot has better cheesesteaks than the “millions” she has tried in Philadelphia.

    Here are some of your thoughts:

    “Also recommended by the late Anthony Bourdain.”

    “No offense to the governor, but did you see that hers was on a poppy seed kaiser roll? Heresy!”

    “As a proud Philadelphian I dispute this.”

    I asked The Inquirer’s cheesesteak connoisseur Tommy Rowan for his two cents. Here’s what he had to say: “It’s a good steak sandwich. It’s not a great cheesesteak.” Mic drop.

    Photo of the day

    Dozens of Haitians, allies and supporters marched on Market Street to protest the elimination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, and to demand that Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators help restore TPS for thousands now in danger of being deported to the shattered Caribbean nation.Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer

    👋🏽 Thanks for starting your weekend with us. Have a great one, and take care.

    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.

  • 🏀 It’s official, y’all | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🏀 It’s official, y’all | Sports Daily Newsletter

    In a very unorthodox, yet surprisingly authentic way, Sixers newcomer Jaylen Brown got treated to Philly on Thursday. Instead of the Sixers facility or even Xfinity Mobile Arena, Brown held his press conference at an inner-city recreation center with spotty Wi-Fi, answered questions, met a few fans, and later threw out the first pitch at the Phillies game.

    Our coverage of Brown’s big day captured:

    Scattered showers are in the forecast, but I said that yesterday and it was light. We’re looking at some really steamy days coming up, so make sure you hydrate and stay cool, especially if you’re headed to the Phillies’ series against Toronto this weekend.

    Speaking of the Phillies, hopefully they decide to bring this guy back.

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

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    ❓Where should LeBron James hold his press conference? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Crawford’s new teacher

    Justin Crawford hit a sacrifice fly in the second inning Wednesday against Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin after asking for advice from Luis Arraez.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Phillies rookie center fielder Justin Crawford has made it a habit to ask his veteran teammates for advice throughout the season. In new second baseman Luis Arraez, he might have the ideal hitter to learn from. And that’s just what he did on Wednesday.

    Arraez, with his ability to spray the ball all over the field and his penchant for singles, might be more similar to Crawford than anyone else on the team. Both lefties hit for average, don’t swing and miss a lot, and have the ability to manufacture runs. Power is not a main feature of either of their games.

    Crawford knows there is a lot he can learn from his new teammate.

    The Phillies collected 16 hits en route to a 7-3 win over the Nationals for their second consecutive series win.

    Next: The Phillies open a series against Toronto at 6:40 tonight (NBCSP). Before the game they will induct Chase Utley into the Wall of Fame.

    What we’re …

    🎙️ Watching: This band who broadcasts pickup kickball games from their apartment window in Kensington.

    ⚽ Sharing: European federations are standing firm, wanting Gianni Infantino out as FIFA president, and are preparing to boycott FIFA-sanctioned events.

    ⚾ Wondering: How Andrew Painter and Derek Hill are holding up after leaving Wednesday’s Phillies game against the Nationals.

    🗞️ Reading: This tribute to St. Joseph’s and Philly sports super fan Chris DiJulia.

    Early look at the Eagles nest

    The latest unCovering the Birds podcast examines the highs and lows of Eagles training camp so far. INQ

    As the Eagles continue to grind through the second week of training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season, there’s been a good enough sample size to discuss. How’s Jalen Hurts looking? What about his targets? Is the defense elite?

    All of those questions and more are dissected in the latest edition of unCovering the Birds podcast with Jeff McLane, who also welcomes Inquirer colleague Jeff Neiburg on to run down the gauntlet. Listen to the latest edition right here … or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Do ‘what you love’

    D.J. Rivera (left) with his son, Derrick Morton-Rivera, who will play college basketball at Temple in the fall of 2026.Courtesy / D.J. Rivera

    Derrick Morton-Rivera had little choice but to “fall in love” with basketball. He was always around it. His father, D.J. Rivera, had Derrick while he was a sophomore at St. Joseph’s and other stops of his college career at Binghamton University and the University of Montevallo in Alabama.

    Hank Gathers is his dad’s late uncle. Yes, the same Gathers, who starred at Loyola Marymount and was the NCAA’s scoring champion and rebounding leader in 1989. The Riveras are also staples of the Danny Rumph Classic, which tipped off yesterday. Inquirer writer Isabella DiAmore caught up with both to talk about being a part of Philly’s basketball fabric.

    She’s kind of a big deal …

    Ashley Sessa has won a national championship in each of her three seasons in college.World Sport Pics / Simon Watts

    If there’s one Philly-area athlete to know this week, it’s Schwenksville native Ashley Sessa. When it comes to field hockey, she’s kind of a big deal, as Sessa, 22, won a national championship as a freshman at North Carolina in 2022, transferred to Northwestern, where she helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back national titles in 2024 and 2025.

    Now, she’s a member of Team USA and will look to be a big part of the Americans’ quest to win the women’s International Hockey Federation World Cup beginning Aug. 14. Inquirer writer Owen Hewitt caught up with Sessa on her ascension up the sport’s ladder.

    On this date

    Aug. 7, 2024: Kyle Schwarber tied his previous career high in single-game home runs (3) and RBIs (7), fueling a 9-4 road win for the Phillies against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit four home runs in a game against the Braves last year.

    Mike Sielski’s take …

    Cheltenham High School is located in Wyncote, Montgomery County.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    “It is easy and of course correct to lament that youth and high school sports too often have taken on an outsized and inappropriate importance for too many coaches and parents and athletes. But one of sports’ greatest benefits to young people is that it gives them a stake in something bigger than themselves, a stake in something that matters to them; they learn to develop and modify actions and habits to preserve sports’ place in their lives.” — Mike Sielski’s latest looks at what’s lost in the Cheltenham football investigation that is so much more than a season.

    What you’re saying about sports curses

    We asked: Do you believe that curses in sports are real?

    No, I don’t believe in any myths and superstitions, and curses in sports such as the Curse of the Bambino, etc. Or maybe even the curse of Alvarado. These are things dreamed up by sports writers that make for fun reading and, in the case of the Red Sox, for instance, years of fun and having an excuse for not being able to overcome the mighty Yankees until they finally did. — Everett S.

    I used to. I used to think that there was a time that Boston had us on lock and I didn’t know what was going on. The Flyers couldn’t beat the Bruins, the Sixers couldn’t beat the Celtics, the Eagles couldn’t beat Brady and the Patriots. But then 2018 happened and getting that Super Bowl against the Pats, and it felt like that Boston weight just lifted. We’re the captains now. Haha. Great question. No curses. Not here in Philly. Not anymore. — Jeff K.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Alex Coffey, Isabella DiAmore, Owen Hewitt, Mike Sielski, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Ariel Simpson, Jeff McLane, and Jeff Neiburg.

    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.

    That’s it for this week. We’ll be back in your inbox on Monday. Enjoy your weekend. — Kerith

  • 📽️ Happy 15th birthday, BlackStar | Things to do

    📽️ Happy 15th birthday, BlackStar | Things to do

    Good news! I have somehow avoided being eaten by the polka-dotted lanternflies that have swarmed our city to deliver this week’s Things To Do Newsletter.

    Here’s the best of what’s happening this week:

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

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

    BlackStar Film Festival returns to celebrate filmmakers of color

    Directors Melissa Beatriz & Andrés Cisneros are set to premiere their short documentary, “Philly Rumba,” at the 2026 BlackStar Film Festival.Courtesy of Luiza Barreto

    The BlackStar Film Festival, one of the nation’s premier showcases for filmmakers of color, returns for its 15th annual celebration.

    This year’s lineup includes 91 films from filmmakers from over 30 countries.

    Along with showcasing the work of first-time directors and veteran storytellers, there will be wellness sessions, seminars, panel discussions, and after-hours events starting Thursday.

    My colleague Elizabeth Wellington and I wrote all about it.

    Check out the full schedule and grab your screening passes here.

    The best things to do this week

    Get the perfect colorful summer selfie this weekend during the Sunflower Spectacular at Butler’s Orchard. The farm is open late on Saturday with live music and local craft beer and cider. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)Michael S. Williamson

    🦹🏽‍♂️ Nerd out at Liberty Comic Con: Comic book and anime lovers, rejoice! You will have access to your favorite voice actors, artists, cosplayers, and a wide range of vendors all weekend long at Liberty Comic Con.

    🪲 A bug’s life: Stop by the Academy of Natural Sciences to celebrate insect biodiversity at Bug Fest 2026. Through Sunday, guests can mingle with bug enthusiasts and researchers, and watch a real-life roach race in action.

    🌻 Let your curiosity blossom: At Linvilla Orchards, bask in the beauty of the bright yellow daisy at Sunflower Festival. Guests can pick their own blooms and enjoy delicacies like peach pie, fresh cider, roasted sweet corn, and more summertime treats.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Wine Safari at Elmwood Park Zoo, Nicetown 24th Annual Giveback Community Festival, America’s 250th celebration in Newtown. Here’s our full list for the week.

    WWE SmackDown stars will rumble in South Philly

    Solo Sikoa, The Bloodline, Roman Reigns – WWE SmackDown 10-18-2024WWE.com

    Top WWE superstars will be throwing elbows, leaping from turnbuckles, and tossing tables, ladders, and chairs this Friday.

    Watch top-end performers Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, CM Punk, and Rhea Ripley at the center of the action at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This South Philly rumble might get messy. (And we hope it does).

    Grab your tickets to catch these world-renowned wrestlers in action.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    A child runs through an octopus display at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)Tassanee Vejpongsa

    🍻 Need First Friday plans?: Elfreth’s Alley and 48 Record Bar are teaming up for a free garden party this Friday. The 8 Record Bar Garden Party will include a night of delicious cocktails, a pop-up vinyl market, and DJ sets.

    🖼️ A spiritual quest through time: It’s your last chance to witness “A World in the Making: The Shakers,” an exhibition centered on the legacy of Rebecca Cox Jackson, the founder of the only Black-led Shaker community. The exhibition is on view at West Philly’s Institute of Contemporary Art through Sunday.

    🍴 A deal you can’t refuse: Center City District is offering new summertime lunch specials ranging from $10-20. Participating restaurants include Pruenlla, Darling Jack’s Tavern, Dolce Italian, Hard Rock Cafe, and other dining spots.

    🏮 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: There are less than two weeks left to enjoy the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an illuminated Franklin Square, which wraps for the year on Aug. 16.

    Staffer picks

    Billy Idol on a video set in 1981.Live Nation Studios

    Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

    🎤 Thursday: The Isley Brothers, led by soul and R&B maestro Ronald Isley, now 85, will take the stage at Dell Music Center. Stephanie Mills and Breakwater open.

    🎸 Friday: Billy Idol, a forthcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, I might add, is teaming up with Devo to perform at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton on Friday night.

    🕺🏼 Sunday: Former Disney Channel Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff is on tour for her first album in 11 years. She’s joined by Jade LeMac and La Roux for her “Lucky Me” tour stop at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann.

    Check out Dan’s full concert list here.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Before filmmaker Maori Karmael Holmes founded BlackStar Film Festival, what other festival did she help develop in Philly?

    A) Black Orchid Film Festival

    B) Black Lily Film & Music Festival

    C) Black Rose Film & Music Fest

    D) None of the above

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: With LeBron James’ arrival, NBA Championship hopes are now abound. Most Sixers fans know the last time the team captured a chip, but what year was the first? Answer: 1967

    Ask Earl anything

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Philly, you’re in for a cinematic weekend. Grab a bucket of popcorn and catch a screening at BlackStar. You won’t want to miss the action.

    – Earl Hopkins

    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.

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • 🌺 Let the luau play on? | Down the Shore

    🌺 Let the luau play on? | Down the Shore

    Last week’s newsletter highlighting the band Three and One getting the hook midway through their outdoor 6 to 10 p.m. set at Gully’s in Avalon prompted a lot of soul-searching.

    Even though Avalon liquor licenses have limited outdoor music past 8 p.m. for years (not far behind is Sea Isle, where outdoor bars end music at 9 p.m.), many people felt that it illustrated something essential, and frustrating, about Avalon and the Shore’s changing identity.

    Meanwhile, in Strathmere this week, the Deauville Inn said it was canceling its annual luau because a neighbor had complained before the event.

    “Apparently tropical vibes are louder than we thought,” the historic inn wrote on Facebook, citing a “premature noise complaint” from a neighbor who is “not a fan of live music, fun or people enjoying themselves.”

    The luau, sponsored by Kona Big Wave, was due to begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday; tickets for dinner and the show were listed as $117.23 plus tax. A Kona Big Wave Luau at Congress Hall on Aug. 20 in Cape May (no tickets required) looks like a go. (Deauville events director Judy Brenna Felicetta declined further comment).

    What is the future of the freewheeling bar and music scene that has defined summers down the Shore, in Asbury Park legendarily, of course, but also in Avalon and elsewhere? Have things become too tightly controlled by the demands of wealthy homeowners who have scooped up real estate and turned the islands into noise-canceled enclaves?

    Marc Ziss runs the Facebook page Bands in Avalon (and beyond). Last summer, he took me on a tour of the old Avalon, lamenting the fading of the live music scene.

    He wrote:

    Saw your piece on Gully’s and was reminded of our walk a while back where we saw the changes in Avalon. This year, like a breath of fresh air, a new venue tries to rekindle the soul of old Avalon, but new Avalon slaps it down and says that’s enough out of you!

    Mike Hudome wrote:

    What’s really going on here is people are searching for the Avalon of the ’70’s and ’80’s that no longer exists. They’ll never find it, and it is impossible to replicate.

    Ira Dosovitz wrote:

    I’ve been coming to Avalon for 40 years, and have seen the place transition from a somewhat casual, family-oriented beach town to a more corporate vibe destination. Having said that, I still feel that Avalon is right to place strictures on the music at Gully’s. Avalon is still a family town, and that should be respected.

    📮 What is the future of music down the Shore? Has there been a culture shift? Where do you go to hear music? (I’m a fan of the free music series on the A.C. Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, where jazz returns this week.) Related, is $117.23 per person too much for a dinner and luau performance? Let me know what you think by replying to this email and I’ll include your most interesting responses.

    Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Pet peeves for us to opine on? Send them to me here.

    🌞 Forecasters said it would rain all week but except for Monday, it’s been lovely. So just come down already.

    — Amy S. Rosenberg (Find me at @amysrosenberg, or on Instagram at @amysrosenberg. 📧 Email me here.)

    Shore talk

    🎳 Avalon’s biggest home has been greenlit by borough and state officials: a whopping 17,694-square-foot house and carriage house to be built on Avalon’s high dunes at 5475 Dune Drive. In an intra-island twist, the builder is Eustace Mita, the developer who has proposed a luxury hotel on the site of Ocean City’s old Wonderland Pier.

    Mita says the house is not for his personal use. He’s looking for a buyer who will appreciate amenities like a bowling alley, recording studio, golf simulator, and cold plunge. LeBron? Taylor? More on that house here.

    ☀️ The Soleil, a six-story hotel-condominium project at 11th and the boardwalk in Ocean City could break ground this fall, Bill Barlow reports.

    🚀 Corson’s Inlet State Park was closed for about four hours this week after a rocket-assisted supply line launcher was found on the beach, state officials said.

    🦀 Animal rights activists want Ocean City to use robot crabs instead of hermit crabs for its iconic Miss Crustacian Beauty Pageant and hermit crab races.

    🎠 Relics from Wonderland Pier are still available for purchase at Obnoxious Antiques.

    What to eat/What to do

    🎶 Atlantic City’s beloved summer Chicken Bone Beach free jazz on the Boardwalk series returns to Kennedy Plaza this week with Warren Wolf and Wolfpack and local artist Keith Hollis beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday. Full schedule here.

    🍸 Consider ordering a $1.1 million cocktail. It comes with a speedboat.

    🍅 Check out Hira Qureshi’s guide and map of the Jersey Shore’s best farmers markets.

    🍧 Here’s Hira’s report from Atlantic City’s water ice festival.

    😋 In other water ice news, Ventnor’s North Beach Creamery is now offering a chocolate black cherry flavor. That’s chocolate with black cherries in one flavor.

    😭 Visit the Wonderland Pier museum in the Promenade food court on the Ocean City Boardwalk through Aug. 9.

    Shore snapshot

    A variety of tomatoes on sale at the No Frills Farm tent at the West Cape May Farmers Market, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.Vernon Ogrodnek / For The Inquirer

    Vocab lesson: sea gorse

    Not to be confused with seahorse, gorse (n) is a perennial, spiny shrub with green branches and shiny yellow flowers known to grow along coastlines, sometimes in an invasive fashion.

    See the Shore memory below for its use in an ode to Avalon.

    Ask Down the Shore: Ball playing

    We asked our text group, The Shore Line, about etiquette around playing ball on the beach. Two texters said they’d been hit in the face with Frisbees, and one lost a tooth! My personal pet peeve is those who throw a football in the ocean over the heads of bathers, but I’m sure it’s fun.

    Here’s a sample, lightly edited for clarity: Send your thoughts to us here.

    • Hello from Wildwood Crest! Our borough lifeguards maintain a very publicized posted rule about playing ball at the beach: only on the “Back Beach.”
    • I recently was sitting in a chair near the water’s edge and I got hit several times with either soccer balls or other throwable items. Most times the player apologized. It’s the beach, so you have to keep your head up and be on the defense at all times!
    • Many years ago a bunch of guys were playing Frisbee. The Frisbee hit me in the face along with the guy diving for it. I lost a tooth from the force of the hit and also needed root canal. They should be far from the crowds.
    • The beachgoer needs to relax. They are kids and we all did it as kids. It’s a public place and to expect kids not to be playing is ridiculous.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Reader Jacqui was first with the correct answer to last week’s water ice trivia question (Mento’s of course, which famously ended the free taste era with a sign: “Chocolate tastes like chocolate; lemon tastes like lemon.”

    This week:

    Bathhouses are vanishing at the Jersey Shore. Daytrippers, in North Wildwood, profiled by my colleague Jason Nark, charged just $5 for a shower in 2021.

    Is the price for a shower in 2026:

    A. $20 for adults, $5 for children under 42 inches.

    B. $7 for adults, $3 for kids.

    C. No change: $5.

    D. $10 for everyone.

    First correct answer gets a shout out.

    Your Shore memory: A poem

    Laurance Angelo submitted an ode, To Avalon.

    It is only a walk to the bridge/though now the carpet swirl of Spring-whipped sand/bites like a raid of mosquitoes.

    Once

    sun burned with the taste of salt,/the hours soft as baby waves/cool as dawn tide.

    Now

    gulls stall in air/to hang like fixtures overhead/sea gorse crumbles and hisses.

    the jettys like brown broken teeth/and broken too the half-shells/made a bracelet for the shore.

    So cold/I will go back.

    Send us your Shore memory! In poetry or prose, tell us how the Shore taps into something deep for you, and we will publish them in this space.

    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.

  • Monroe Township vs. data centers | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. I’m sorry to share we may get the worst of both worlds: heat and the possibility of more storms.

    Monroe Township officials are not budging their stance on data centers as they push for the dismissal of a $300 million lawsuit from a developer challenging the municipality’s recent ban.

    And a judge tossed out the Cherry Hill Board of Education’s lawsuit against a journalist for filing too many public records requests.

    Plus, two New Jersey municipal water systems were targeted in a nationwide cyberattack, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    P.S. You have questions, and we might have the answers. Inquire to Curious South Jersey and they could show up in a future story.

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

    The saga over Monroe’s data center ban continues as Collingswood considers its own

    Monroe Township is doubling down on its data center ban.

    Officials recently requested to dismiss a $300 million lawsuit from Hexa Builders — a Princeton-based real estate developer that wants to build a 1 million-square-foot data center — that challenges the municipality’s ban.

    The saga continues as Hexa Builders pushes for the case to go back to state court instead of federal.

    Meanwhile, Collingswood pursued its own ban through an ordinance that would amend the borough’s code.

    Other South Jersey municipalities to consider and pass similar bans include Cherry Hill, Millville, and Medford.

    The Inquirer’s Sarah Nicell has the latest on the ongoing data center sagas.

    Dismissed

    Freelance journalist Benjamin Shore can file as many public records requests as he wants in South Jersey.

    When the Cherry Hill Board of Education filed a 128-page lawsuit back in February, it claimed the “numerous, repeated, and vexatious” requests he filed under the state’s Open Public Records Act qualified as harassment.

    Superior Court Judge Michael Mikulski disagreed. On July 31, the judge dismissed the case and stated the district failed to provide evidence of ill-intent.

    How did the district’s lawsuit get this far?

    Reporter Lacey Latch draws a line from a 2024 state law that made it possible.

    What to know today

    • Hackers targeted two New Jersey municipal water systems in a nationwide cyberattack. Three state officials, according to a report, said some analysts highly suspect the attack could be traced to Iran amid the ongoing war.
    • A teenager has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and other crimes after allegedly shooting at a family member while in a moving vehicle in Willingboro Township, according to officials.
    • The rehab work on Collings Avenue Bridge that would close it for three months is postponed until further notice. The bridge on the border of Gloucester City and Camden will remain fully operational until a new project date is determined, according to Camden County officials.
    • According to Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the best cheesesteaks are in Jersey at Donkey’s Place in Camden. She said they are better than the “million” she’s tried in Philadelphia.
    • Some Gloucester Township residents are organizing to oppose a proposal for a housing development at the site of the former Freeway Golf Course, CBS Philadelphia reports.

    🗓️ The best things to do this week

    🍽️ Burlington County Restaurant Week: The county’s restaurant week ends on Saturday. Check out the list of participating restaurants for special discounts for the last few days. ⏰ Through Sat, Aug. 8 💵 Pay as you go📍Various locations.

    🎶 Summer Street Feast: Go out tonight to this evening festival featuring live music, face painting, and treats from more than 10 food trucks. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 6 4-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go📍Kings Highway, Haddonfield.

    🦈 Sharks at the Park: The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University will host a series of events about the prehistoric sea, including a foam party, a quarry shark tooth contest, and a trivia night. ⏰ Friday Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 16, various times 💵 Various prices 📍 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua.

    See more event listings here.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which celebrity from Cherry Hill is searched the most on Wikipedia, according to 2025 data?

    A) Lauren Cohan

    B) Cristin Milioti

    C) Ali Larter

    D) Dominic Sessa

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🏠 Ogling: A previous House of the Week in Cherry Hill.

    💭 Wondering: Did Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper secretly get married?

    🍴 Considering: Food writer Kiki Aranita’s perspective on the lack of food focus in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey.

    Thank you for starting your morning with The Inquirer. I’ll have more news for you 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.

  • Philly movers make the impossible happen | Real Estate Newsletter

    Philly movers make the impossible happen | Real Estate Newsletter

    When I was getting ready to move into a Center City trinity (longtime readers will know it as “the mouse house”) in 2019, I was told my box spring would probably not make it up the narrow stairway.

    I decided to take my chances. And it looked for a second like the movers would be able to maneuver it up there. But they couldn’t make it fit, and I had to order one that folded in half.

    Turns out Philly movers aren’t magicians. But they’re overall pretty good at working with the challenges thrown at them by the city’s housing stock. They even make moving look easy.

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

    — Michaelle Bond

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

    Moving like a pro

    Old buildings. Tight spaces. City streets. Wild West parking. Philly’s professional movers have to navigate it all.

    One mover told my colleague that getting furniture where it needs to go sometimes means “you gotta puzzle-piece it up the stairs.”

    Older Philly homes have smaller doorways, hallways, and staircases that can be a problem for larger, modern furniture (and box springs).

    Sometimes, that means stuff has to be hoisted through windows. A mover said he once hauled furniture through trap doors in a house’s floorboards.

    Some of the more interesting items movers told us they’ve hauled into homes include:

    • retro pinball machines
    • gun safes weighing more than 600 pounds
    • an (empty) casket

    Keep reading to hear professional movers’ stories and get some moving tips.

    Contractors vs. developer

    Driving on Philly highways recently, you may have noticed billboards that call out Post Brothers, the apartment developer. The signs are part of a pressure campaign by the city’s carpenters union.

    More than a dozen Philly-area contractors, most of which are affiliated with the union, have sued the developer. They say Post Brothers owes them millions of dollars for work they did at an apartment complex at Broad Street and Washington Avenue in South Philly.

    A union official accused Post Brothers of undertaking a “Donald Trump business model” and not paying contractors.

    Post Brothers says these legal fights are really about who should pay costs that ballooned throughout the apartment project because of inflation. Spoiler: They’re saying “not it.”

    Keep reading to learn more about the allegations and what the legal saga says about today’s construction environment.

    The latest news to pay attention to

    Finding property tax help

    Philly homeowners will have new property tax bills to pay come March, thanks to new property assessments the city released in June.

    Property valuations increased citywide, but some neighborhoods are seeing higher increases than others.

    Philadelphia offers programs that help homeowners with rising property tax bills, but you’ve got to opt into them, and a lot of people don’t. Homeowners could be missing out on thousands of dollars in savings.

    To figure out which assistance programs you’re eligible for and how much you could save, use this online tool my colleagues built.

    In related news, the city has kicked more than 13,000 Philly homeowners off tax break programs they weren’t actually eligible for.

    Most of them had been getting tax relief from a program that’s only available for people’s primary residence. Now, the city is charging them back taxes.

    📮Did you successfully appeal a past property assessment? Let us know how you did it.

    Home tour: Downsized in Bella Vista

    For 26 years, Andrea and Eran Preis lived in a four-bedroom house in Queen Village. But when Andrea turned 80, their sons told them it was time to downsize.

    Now, the couple lives in a two-bedroom condo in Bella Vista.

    Andrea had to part with beloved belongings, including cookbooks, photo albums, her collection of framed embroidery, and the dining room table that seated 14.

    But she was able to keep other treasures. She still has a carved antique buffet and vintage Hanukkah oil lamps from Spain and Italy. And the condo’s walls are covered in art.

    Peek inside the home the Preises filled with the important things.

    📷 Photo quiz

    Do you know the location this photo shows?

    📮 If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

    Last week’s quiz featured a shot of a pedestrian walking through the south portal of City Hall.

    Shout-out to Ian M. for knowing that.

    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.

  • ⚽ Was the World Cup a win for Philly? | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning, Philly. After what seemed like an endless barrage of flood warnings, we’re back to a heat advisory.

    Today, we start with some early signs of the economic impact of the World Cup on Philadelphia. Also, moving in the city is a stressful puzzle, so we followed a few Philly pros who make it look easy, and to teach us a few tricks of the trade.

    Plus, City Council members grilled the police commissioner over officers’ Pride response as LGBTQ+ advocates demanded accountability, and more news of the day.

    — Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    Was the World Cup good for Philly’s economy?

    Prior to the kickoff of the World Cup, the organizers of the city’s events projected the soccer tournament would bring $770 million to Pennsylvania in gross revenue.

    The cleat-kicked dirt is still settling, and conclusions will continue to emerge as more data comes to light.

    But here is what we know so far:

    ⚽ Hotels and short-term rentals made more money.

    ⚽ SEPTA, PHL, and rideshare handled more travelers.

    ⚽ Philly’s fan festival, and bars near it, were poppin’ off.

    Read our full report here.

    All the right moves

    For most homeowners and renters, moves are stressful — once ranked more stressful than getting a divorce.

    But for the city’s professional movers, it’s just another day at work. Between parking troubles on tight South Philly streets and narrow doorways in historical trinity homes, these crews encounter and overcome Philly-specific challenges daily.

    Reporter Olivia Prusky looked at how Philly movers maneuvered complicated or unwieldy items out — and into — small, old, or weirdly-shaped Philly homes, and learned a few expert tips.

    Read her full, delightful report.

    What you should know today

    • Several members of Philadelphia City Council and a bevy of LGBTQ+ community leaders on Wednesday sharply criticized Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who testified about the department’s response to Pride festivities in the city’s Gayborhood in June and largely defended the force’s crowd-control tactics that had drawn outrage.
    • A Northeast Philly man disappeared in 2014 and months later his body was found in the Schuylkill with bullet wounds. A woman was just arrested.
    • Attorneys for Bucks County Democrat Bob Harvie filed a defamation lawsuit against a political action committee and a consultant supporting his opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, in a high-stakes congressional contest.
    • Right as work was set to begin on the Collings Avenue Bridge, Camden County announced Wednesday that the $2.5 million repair project is postponed until further notice.
    • Hackers breached two local New Jersey water systems as part of a wider cyberattack across several states. Officials say drinking water remained safe.
    • U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, in perhaps the most in-depth and toughest interview he has faced in recent memory, defended his unwavering support for Israel and his harsh criticisms of fellow Democrats when pressed by Jon Stewart in a podcast episode.
    • A new $10 million fund is a “first step” toward recovery for Pennsylvania farmers after a disastrous April freeze.

    Quote of the day

    Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey is visually arresting, but not when it comes to dining. Our food reporter, who is also a classics scholar, tells us how to watch the movie and dine like a hero.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The school year started Wednesday for 500-plus new Philadelphia School District teachers and counselors. When do the district’s 113,000 students return to the classroom?

    A) Aug. 31

    B) Sept. 8

    C) Aug. 24

    D) Not soon enough.

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🍕 Curious about. Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy stopped into at least five Philly-area pizzerias this week for much-coveted “one bite” ratings. One spot nabbed an 8.3.

    🙏 Remembering. Avid St. Joseph’s basketball fan Chris DiJulia was known for his wit, loyalty, and perseverance — not for his wheelchair. His death has been emotional for the greater St. Joe’s community who admired his battle with cerebral palsy.

    🎬 Following. The HBO crime thriller Task has added new cast members who will join stars Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali for its second season, which centers on two opposing dads in Philadelphia and its collar counties.

    🏀 Noddying along to. Fans are all asking the same question after the 76ers signed prized free agent LeBron James: Does this make the Sixers favorites to win the NBA championship? So we asked our experts.

    🍽️ Anticipating. Philadelphia’s late-summer restaurant openings range from Italian aperitivo culture and contemporary Mexican fare to family recipes, comfort food, and a returning neighborhood sports bar.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said this New Jersey shop has the best Philly cheesesteak.

    CAT PEAKEDNESS YOLKS

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

    Cheers to Page Allinson, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Aldar Bistro. The longtime Bala Cynwyd restaurant is closing after more than three decades, and Center City Italian restaurant veterans are moving in.

    Photo of the day

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts participates in training camp practice with a video camera mounted on his helmet at the Jefferson Health Training Complex in South Philly.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles held the sixth practice of their 2026 training camp on Wednesday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. As you can see, they’re pulling out all the stops this year — no matter how goofy they may seem.

    👋 Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Paola Pérez has you covered tomorrow.

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

  • 6 new eateries to know about | Inquirer Lower Merion

    6 new eateries to know about | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Restaurants and eateries continue to proliferate in the region, including two new dessert cafes, a bagel shop, a Jamaican patty joint, a rooftop bar, and a forthcoming Southern Italian spot that’s taking over a longtime staple. Also this week, the township is weighing the future of its aging parking meters, plus the latest on the district’s technology policy.

    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.

    A pair of dessert cafes have opened in Ardmore

    Half A While serves teas and pastries, including a matcha silk crepe. Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer

    Two new dessert cafes, Half A While and Mango Mango, have opened in Ardmore.

    Half A While, which took over the former Kung Fu Tea space and is currently in a soft opening phase, specializes in cold-brewed teas as well as pastries and cakes with Asian influences.

    It’s joined by Asian-inspired dessert chain Mango Mango, which dishes up desserts and teas that lean heavily on the tropical stone fruit.

    Here’s what to know about the new additions.

    Bala Cynwyd’s Aldar Bistro says farewell

    Aldar Bistro is located at 281 Montgomery Ave. in Bala Cynwyd.Michael Klein / Staff

    Longtime Bala Cynwyd staple Aldar Bistro is closing its doors, with the owners selling to the two couples behind Gran Caffè L’Aquila in Center City.

    They plan to convert the Lebanese restaurant into a Southern Italian-focused concept, complete with white tablecloths. Bruzi will dish up house-made pastas and a robust beverage program.

    The Inquirer’s Michael Klein has the details.

    🍽️ In other food news …

    • Bart’s Bagels is now open at 273 Montgomery Ave. in Bala Cynwyd. This marks the third location for the New York-style bagel shop founded by brothers and Bala Cynwyd natives Brett and Kyle Frankel.
    • The Jamaican Pattie Shop is now open at 107 E. County Line Rd. The Ardmore eatery is currently in a soft opening phase.
    • Pomelo Rooftop Terrace is opening this weekend at The Brandywine hotel in Radnor, where it will serve shareable plates, a raw bar, and botanical-focused cocktails.

    💡 Community News

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • The school board’s policy committee voted to advance updated technology rules earlier this week after shutting down public comment and moving to Zoom for the vote. The new guidelines, which scale back screen time for the youngest students, will go before the full board later this month, The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna reports.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: Steve Forbert, an early pioneer of Americana music, headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

    🚴 Ardmore Rock n’ Ride: Watch the race and catch live music at this annual event benefiting Narberth Ambulance. ⏰ Sunday, Aug. 9, races run from 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m., live music is from noon-7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Ardmore

    🎞️ The Princess Bride: Catch a screening of the 1987 cult classic. ⏰ Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $17.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    🏡 On the Market

    A Wynnewood Colonial with curb appeal

    The home sits on a corner lot in Wynnewood.Courtesy of Brett Furman/Real Broker LLC

    Situated on a corner lot near South Ardmore Park, this brick Wynnewood home packs a lot into a small space. The first floor has a living room with a fireplace, a dining room with a bay window, and a kitchen, while all three bedrooms are upstairs. One opens onto a covered second-floor deck, and there’s another covered patio out back. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $675,000 | Size: 1,408 SF | Acreage: 0.17

    🗞️ 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.

  • A can’t-miss tomato tart | Inquirer Greater Media

    A can’t-miss tomato tart | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Peak tomato season is here and you won’t want to miss this savory tart showcasing the summer staple. Also this week, a Media Farmers Market breadmaker has expanded, county measles vaccination rates have declined slightly, plus, Middletown Township will continue discussions about Rose Tree Media School District’s proposed K-1 Early Learning Center.

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

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

    Two local farmers’ markets staples to know about

    John Goncher recently expanded Wild Yeast Bakehouse. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Two brands that might be familiar to local farmers’ market goers have raised their profiles this summer.

    Wild Yeast Bakehouse, the sourdough startup that frequently has sell-out crowds at the Media Farmers Market, has opened a Main Line storefront, allowing it to expand its capacity.

    🥖 The Inquirer’s Jenn Ladd has the details.

    And Market Day Canelé’s savory tart recently got a shout out from Inquirer reporter Kiki Aranita, who said it was the best thing she ate last week. She’s especially loving the mushroom, tomato, corn, ham, gruyère, and egg tart right now, at the height of tomato season.

    You can score a piece when the eatery sets up shop at the Swarthmore Farmers Market.

    🍅 Read more about Aranita’s thoughts on the tart.

    💡 Community News

    • Delaware County has fully restored operations after a June cybercriminal attack, but is continuing to investigate what may have been compromised, noting hackers were able to access data “maintained within the network.”
    • The executive director of DELGO Community Transit, a Delaware County subsidized transportation organization for seniors and people with disabilities, is facing felony charges of child endangerment after a DUI arrest. Nick Miccarelli, a former state representative and Ridley Park native, was previously accused of physical and sexual assault.
    • New data shows that 93.9% of Delaware County kindergarteners are vaccinated against measles, which is below the 95% threshold scientists say is needed to prevent the spread of the contagious virus. Across grades, the county has seen a slight drop in measles vaccination rates.
    • The Walgreens at 51 Baltimore Pike in Glen Mills is closing its doors on Sept. 3.
    • Spooky season may still be a couple of months away, but Spirit Halloween has already opened at a former Joann space in the Marple Crossroads shopping center in Springfield. It’ll be joined this month by another Springfield location in the former Party City on Baltimore Pike, as well as one in the former Joann at the Concordville Town Centre in Glen Mills.
    • Planning to take the D1 trolley in the next few days? SEPTA will be doing work on the Lansdowne Avenue grade crossing and substituting in bus service tomorrow through Sunday.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Middletown Township’s planning commission will consider Rose Tree Media School District’s application to reverse subdivide a parcel at 134 Barren Rd. with the goal of building a K-1 Early Learning Center there. The meeting will take place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Penn State Brandywine.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: The upcoming lineup features performances from wind ensemble Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds tonight, the Americana-rooted Matt Santry Band tomorrow, Barbershop’s Best on Saturday, and Polynesian luau band Paradise Island on Sunday. Zydeco-inspired New Orleans Fish Fry will play on Wednesday. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 6-Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🌻 Sunflower Festival: Pick your own sunflowers, participate in dance workshops, and listen to live music. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (rain date: Aug. 9) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

    🎵 Tribute to Fleetwood Mac: Tickets are going fast for this concert featuring covers of some of the band’s most iconic songs. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 6:45 p.m. 💵 $52.92-$63.72 📍 Media Theatre

    🗞️ 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.