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  • The King decided. Now it’s your turn | Things to do

    The King decided. Now it’s your turn | Things to do

    Two words: LeBron. James.

    I’m sure you’ve heard by now — and if you haven’t, shame on you, my friend.

    The NBA Hall of Fame player has officially signed with the Philadelphia Sixers, which means I’m walking around with 23-times the Ohio pride than I typically carry. (That’s right, all of Ohio claims LBJ as their own).

    No, but seriously. The city is due for a celebration with the King deciding to call Philly his sporting home. Now, it’s your time to decide how to spend your weekend.

    Read below to see what’s happening in the region, and take your pick.

    Also in this week’s edition:

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

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    A Philly street artist installs a LeBron James mirror mosaic

    Adam Hock, 28, of Center City, Pa., saw on Facebook about the LeBron James mosaic on 8th and Market Street in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Street artist irregular, born Sean Hassett, rarely cries. But when LeBron James announced he was going to end his NBA career with the Sixers, he shed some tears — and then got to work, writes trending sports reporter Gabriela Carroll.

    Within 48 hours, Hassett’s tribute in mirrors was up on the side of an old Burger King in Center City.

    Hassett usually sells art at Rittenhouse Square on Saturdays, but he spent most of last Saturday afternoon walking around Center City to scout potential locations for the piece. He ultimately settled on a building at 8th and Market, and it’s now become a public art attraction.

    Learn more about Hassett’s mirror mosaic here.

    The best things to do this week

    Pinchos by the river at La Placita on Cherry Street Pier by Dionicio Jimenez.Michael Klein / Staff

    🎭 Last chance to swoon in romance theater: Grab your tickets before the final showing of The Notebook, based on the best-selling novel-turned-film. The musical runs through Sunday at the Academy of Music.

    🏞️ Clark Park drama: Enjoy Shakespeare’s Hamlet under the evening sky. A free, open-air telling of the classic drama is happening at Clark Park through Sunday.

    🐅 A 1920s mystery at the Zoo: Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Zoo Done It? Stop by the Philadelphia Zoo for a night of wonder and mystery. Guests will play detectives, tracking down clues in a wild scavenger hunt.

    💃 A fiesta at Liberty Point: The third annual La Placita Fest returns with food, drinks, music, dance, and a live performance by artist Frankie Negrón.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Dirty Rocks Cocktail Clash at Fringe Bar, ACANA African Festival, and Freedom Now Festival. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Saif Manna’s famed pastries have a home in Kensington

    Assorted baked goods at the new brick and mortar location of Manna Bakery on Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    After building a following for his Levantine and Palestinian pastries at farmers markets, former Temple University student Saif Manna opened his first brick-and-mortar bakery in Kensington.

    The bakery opened Thursday at 110 W. Berks St., the former home of Essen Bakery.

    During the week, food and restaurant reporter Michael Klein writes that the bakery will feature many of Manna’s signatures — manakeesh, chicken sumac buns, fatayer, cardamom buns, and others. And the weekends will bring an even broader selection.

    For the full rundown, read Klein’s story here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    Fresh produce, like these peaches from AlÕs Produce, a local farm, on sale at the Sea Isle City Farmers Market, Tuesday, July 28, 2026.Vernon Ogrodnek / For The Inquirer

    🍑 Keep your weekend peachy: Peddler’s Village celebrates another sweet and peachy treat. The Peach Festival will boast finger painting, lawn games, sand art, a petting zoo, and other family-friendly activities.

    🚂 Take a train through Morris Arboretum: Make your way to this floral oasis, now offering discounted admission to celebrate the Garden Railway. There will be Thomas & Friends trains, the Whimsical Woods, a fairy garden, and other hands-on activities.

    🍽️ Final Pop-Up at RTM: It’s your last chance to enjoy a Tommy Dinic’s roast pork and warm apple dumpling at Reading Terminal Market’s Pop-Up Plaza. Dine outside the market’s doors for the last time this season on Sunday.

    🇺🇸 A world of wonder: The Workshop of the World Exhibition continues through Oct. 18 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The immersive exhibition features 250 objects — from ceramics to furniture and textiles — that tells the story of Philly’s centennial exhibition.

    Staffer picks

    FILE – Ella Langley performs during Amazon Music Country Heat at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)Amy Harris

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

    🎹 Thursday: South African pianist, composer, and educator Nduduzo Makhathini kicks off the first of back-to-back shows at Solar Myth on Thursday.

    🎤 Friday: Keyboardist and singer PJ Morton, who released his new album Saturday Night/Sunday Morning last month, is headlining at the Fillmore Philly Friday night.

    🎸 Saturday: Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley, the two biggest country stars and best-selling artists in the country, will headline at Lincoln Financial Field this weekend. The final show is Saturday.

    🎷 Sunday: After a Friday performance in Atlantic City, legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy will stop by the Keswick Theatre in Glenside for his “Buddy Guy 90 tour.”

    Check out the full concert list here.

    ❓Pop quiz

    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?

    A) 1962

    B) 1976

    C) 1967

    D) 1969

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: North Philly’s Jill Scott says her favorite cheesesteak is at Ishkabibbles. How does she take it? Answer: Fried onions, marinara, mozzarella, mustard, and mayo.

    That’s all for now, folks. Ride the high of this revamped Sixers roster and enjoy everything the weekend has to offer.

    – 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
  • 🎸 Gully’s vs. Avalon Boro | Down the Shore

    🎸 Gully’s vs. Avalon Boro | Down the Shore

    “More boring by a mile?” That was the assessment of one Facebook user after Avalon shut down a live music gig at Gully’s by the band Three and One, shortly after 8 p.m. on July 17.

    Someone complained about the noise, and Avalon police arrived on Dune Drive outside Gully’s, the lively new bar and restaurant that serves a Craig LaBan-approved “clothesline of candied bacon that dangles over a tasty plate of grits.”

    There was a flurry of outrage on Facebook and at a recent council meeting, along with despair over the state of the upscale town’s vibe, echoing last year’s angst over the Union League’s purchase of the Whitebrier.

    Neighbors on 27th Street, meanwhile, tried to explain they weren’t against Gully’s — or even live music — but that the noise from the outdoor patio, either from live bands or amplified games like the Monday minnow races, were a “disruptive intrusion,” up and down the block.

    It turns out that all of Avalon’s liquor licenses contain a special condition that permits outdoor music between noon and 8 p.m. Gully’s is now appealing that restriction through the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, arguing that it’s arbitrary and capricious, and an abuse of Avalon’s discretion. The town has indicated it wants to be reasonable and figure out a solution. One council member spoke of his love for Gully’s and said, “We do appreciate your business and what you’ve done there.”

    I wrote about the Gully’s vs. Avalon controversy here.

    Have a listen to Three and One here, or check them out again this Friday at Gully’s, with a new daytime slot: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    📮 Do you think it’s reasonable for Avalon to limit outdoor music at bars to between noon and 8 p.m.? Or should businesses be given more leeway to thrive during the summer? How much say should people who live near commercial establishments have, especially during the summer? Let me know what you think by replying to this email, and I’ll include your most interesting responses in a future newsletter.

    Have ideas or news tips, memories or pet peeves about the Shore? Send them to me here.

    🫨 It’s been another crazy week of storms, but the weekend looks decent.

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

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

    Sign up for our text group, The Shore Line.

    Shore talk

    🔥 A fire and flooding at Ocean Casino shut down gambling operations for a day.

    💃🏼 Shakira closed out her World Cup Tour in Atlantic City.

    👑 LeBron James merch is already available down the Shore.

    🏄🏻‍♀️ Dept. of History: How surfing came to the Jersey Shore.

    ⚾ We miss Splash, the mascot. A look back at Surf Stadium.

    🚨 Wildwood Crest lifeguard’s vehicle hits beachgoer.

    🇮🇪 Derry Girls creator’s next project will be about a group of Irish girls who come to Wildwood.

    What to eat/What to do

    🎨 The 25th annual Art of Surfing is Saturday on the Ocean City boardwalk.

    🎭 Pretty Woman: The Musical is at Surflight Theatre on Long Beach Island.

    🎡 The St. Francis Festival of the Sea is on Brant Beach.

    📖 Reed’s Farm is hosting a book group Saturday morning. The book is The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Why cook? Hire Instagram-famous private chef Keegan McManus. Or order delicious meal prep from Ventnor’s Chef G.

    🎥 Check out The Odyssey on the A.C. Boardwalk at Tropicana’s IMAX Theatre.

    Shore snapshot

    The band Three and One packs up at Gully’s in Avalon shortly after 8 p.m. July 17, 2026, after a noise complaint. The liquor licenses issued by Avalon to bars prohibits live music after 8 p.m., but Gully’s has appealed that restriction to the state N.J. Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The band was scheduled to play until 10 p.m.Kate Nunan

    🧠 Trivia time

    Lots of love for the Bongo Room, which was the Avalon bar that closed 39 years ago this summer and featured the Greaseband on Sunday nights. Betsy Strittmatter was first with the answer.

    This week:

    This legendary Ventnor ice cream and water ice shop’s recipes — particularly its black cherry water ice — continue on in another location, the North Beach Creamery.

    Are the recipes originally from:

    A. Custard’s Last Stand

    B. Springer’s

    C. Willow’s Way

    D. Mento’s

    If you think you know the answer, email us here. First one gets a shout-out.

    More of your thoughts on: Sea Isle and the changing Shore

    In response to my story about changes and upscaling in Sea Isle City, Down the Shore reader Nancy Bucher came to the Shore town’s defense.

    As a retiree I find it magical to live here year round. Sea Isle truly is a City for All Seasons! Yes, people sold their quaint cottages and they are now replaced by 6 bedroom homes. But is that so bad? Large extended families get to enjoy a taste of beach life for a week or two, families get to bond, cousins get to play together and we all happily co-exist. Yes, some people have beautiful multimillion dollar homes …. but is that so bad? Our restaurants and shops stay prosperous and our town is thriving. Sure, we need more parking, but if people are honest, it is mainly in the busy summer season. We need more trees? Look around people, there are new young trees planted every year and right now the Crepe myrtles are blooming beautifully. Personally I applaud the growth and embrace the change and credit our community leaders for keeping our shoreline pristine and our beaches replenished!

    Reader Joseph Higgins brings us back down to earth.

    All of the shore towns are out pricing blue collar workers. My parents bought a trailer for $30,000 in 2000 outside of Wildwood Crest in Shawcrest. The land rental fees have climbed from $3,000 to $7,900 per year. The trailer next door is currently listed for $275,000 with land rental fees of $11,400. The working man’s shore vacation spot is quickly disappearing.

    Ask Down the Shore:

    We put the dress code question to our Shore Line text group (still time to join us here). There was a deluge of responses!

    Here’s a quick sample:

    “Down the shore everything’s alright.” Sure it’s OK to wear beach attire (not sandy though, and do brush ur hair 😉)”

    “I don’t care how much money you have. Make an effort, for the sake of the restaurant staff and other guests, to put on clean shorts and a polo for men and a cute cover up/sundress for women. If you can’t do that, then there’s always takeout.”

    “Some people, when they come to the beach, lose or abandon their sense of propriety. Decent, casual attire respects the restaurant and other diners.”

    Your Shore memory

    My sampling of Ocean City pizza triggered this memory from Susan Carlbaugh.

    As a Roxborough girl who lives in Baltimore now, reading your tribute to pizza on Ocean City’s boardwalk hit every nostalgia button possible! In my teen years, our friend ran the rides in Wonderland and that saved our cash for the rest of the night including the slice of pizza. Life was good!

    We knew it as “Mack” & Manco’s and it was always a stop on our night on the boardwalk. After waiting for my Grandma to get out of the Music Pier’s nightly performance, and before we left the ‘boards, it included a nightcap of fresh-squeezed orange juice from Litterer’s!

    Alex’s was our Roxborough home pizza shop. I can smell all of them right now. You are bringing tears to my eyes!

    Thanks Susan! You never know what will trigger a touching memory. There’s still time to send us your Shore memory, pizza or otherwise! 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.

  • And then a federal judge weighed in | Inquirer South Jersey

    And then a federal judge weighed in | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Despite those Tuesday storm warnings, not much ended up happening, weather-wise.

    One day after Gov. Mikie Sherrill refused to turn over information about the thousands of noncitizens who were mistakenly registered to vote to the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from President Donald Trump’s administration to obtain the state’s unredacted voter records.

    And after trying to fend off speculations about a closure since May, Cherry Hill’s Brio Italian Grille officially shut its doors.

    Plus, an employee at Camden’s EMR scrapyard was impaled by a blow torch while on the job, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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    Sherrill vs. the DOJ

    A U.S. District judge ruled Wednesday that the Department of Justice does not have the authority to force New Jersey to give up its unredacted records.

    The DOJ tried to use as leverage New Jersey’s disclosure last week that thousands of noncitizens were mistakenly registered to vote because of a software glitch in the motor vehicle system. It didn’t work.

    The federal case predates last week’s news, and the ruling came one day after Sherrill formally told the DOJ that she would not release personal information about the noncitizens who were improperly registered.

    What’s next? The Trump administration will likely appeal the case.

    The Inquirer’s Aliya Schneider and Abraham Gutman have the story.

    Closed (for real this time)

    It’s pretty empty inside the building that was the Brio Italian Grille in Cherry Hill.

    A sign on the restaurant entrance reads: “We have made the difficult decision to permanently close our Brio location in Cherry Hill. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served this community and are committed to supporting our team members during this transition.”

    The abrupt closure comes after staff emphasized that it was still open as recently as last month. Rumors about the restaurant shutting its doors have been swirling since May.

    Could a steakhouse take over the space?

    Reporter Lacey Latch has the latest.

    What to know today

    • A worker at EMR Scrapyard in Camden was critically injured after being impaled by a blow torch while breaking down a crane for scrap metal. This incident took place less than a week after the company reopened after a series of fires.
    • A guard at a federal prison in Fort Dix had a sexual relationship with a prisoner for about a year, according to federal authorities. She was charged this week with sexual abuse of a person in custody.
    • A Camden man was arrested after a K-9 dog found a phone allegedly used to solicit explicit photos from a 7-year-old girl, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAuley.
    • An incarcerated man in Trenton is suing the state to block corrections officials from forcing prisoners to give up their purchased tablet electronics. The civil rights lawsuit comes after the state Department of Corrections switched communications tech providers. The new company does not allow prisoners to buy tablets outright and instead provides loaners for free, but requires a subscription model to use their content, New Jersey Monitor reports.
    • Award-winning former Inquirer photojournalist Akira Suwa of Laurel Springs, 84, died at his home this month due to complications from dementia. In addition to his photography, he is known for his mentorship, as well as his lifelong love of gardening.
    • Eighteen new restaurants opened in the region this summer, including three sports bars in Gloucester Township, Mount Emphraim, and Barrington.

    🗓️ The best things to do this week

    🎄 Oaklyn Final Fridays: This monthly street festival features food, live music, and a variety of vendors. This upcoming Friday, get in the festive spirit and celebrate a belated Christmas in July. ⏰ Friday, July 31, 4:30-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 West Clinton Avenue, Oaklyn

    🎤 Friday Night Live Music at Wenonah Lake: Hear from musical acts Lost Art, Arthur Herrmann, and Nonsense Maneuver. ⏰ Friday, July 31, 5 p.m 💵 $8 (cash only), free with membership 📍 North Jefferson Avenue and West Maple Street, Wenonah

    🕺 80s and 90s Party: Indulge in nostalgia with throwback hip hop and R&B music and dance the night away. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 1, 6-10 p.m. 💵 $24.71 📍 Vera, Cherry Hill

    See more event listings here.

    🧠 Trivia time

    There’s an upcoming comedy in development at FX that will be set at the Shore. Which town?

    A) Atlantic City

    B) Wildwood

    C) Point Pleasant

    D) Asbury Park

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🎶 Listening to: WRTI’s Beethoven curated playlist for LeBron James.

    📚 Reading: University of Pennsylvania professor Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey after her scathing review of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation.

    🎣 Fishing at: Mantua Creek.

    Thanks for reading, and have a great day. ☀️

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

  • A psychiatrist’s sexual misconduct | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning! The weekend is in sight!

    A Main Line psychiatrist lost her license after a state investigation found her sessions with a young male patient turned sexual, even as she continued to treat him.

    Ten people — former coaches and players — were charged in two alleged assaults in a Cheltenham High School football scandal.

    The Trump administration wanted access to New Jersey’s voter records. First Gov. Mikie Sherrill said no. Then a federal judge dismissed the case.

    Plus, LeBron James breaks a record in jersey sales, Cecily Tynan explains why she’s retiring, and more news of the day.

    — Ellen Dunkel (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    Crossing psychiatric boundaries

    A Main Line psychiatrist has lost her medical license after a state investigation found she had sex with a young patient for years, all while prescribing him a revolving mix of up to 12 medications, including highly addictive psychotropic drugs, without proper evaluations.

    Amy Mazza MacIntyre, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in Bryn Mawr, started treating a then-17-year-old cancer survivor when he was a senior at Lower Merion High School.

    MacIntyre first had sex with him when he was 24 years old. She stopped billing him for treatment around the same time, though she continued to take patient notes for an additional 2½ years.

    She also prescribed medications to his parents, although they were not her patients, the board found.

    Reporter Wendy Ruderman has more details and spoke to the patient.

    Charges in alleged Cheltenham football assaults

    Four Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players have been charged in connection with two assaults in the school’s locker room that injured a 15-year-old player and led to the cancellation of two football seasons.

    Multiple football players attacked a sophomore on the team, District Attorney Kevin Steele said. They stomped on his chest and groin while wearing cleats and used a broomstick to poke at his buttocks.

    “The assaults on this victim were not typical goofing around by teammates, or horseplay, as some of the coaches in this case called it,“ Steele said. ”They were crimes.”

    Reporters Maddie Hanna and Vinny Vella have the details.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    A refugee family found a new home and “the first step of hope” in Philly. Now, fewer may get that chance. Here’s the full story.

    🧠 Trivia time

    What does LeBron James like to do to calm down between lifting weights and playing a game?

    A) Practice yoga

    B) Meditate

    C) Listen to classical music

    D) Chat with family members

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🍕 Eating: Delicious Detroit-style gluten-free pizza.

    🧐 Spotting: Postage stamp-size art in the Mini Mini Art Show.

    🎵 Awaiting: Lyle Lovett, who is playing three solo concerts at City Winery.

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: A Penn professor’s work was used as reference for this film. It didn’t impress her, though.

    DYE SHY TOES

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

    Cheers to Akili Z. Davis, who solved Monday’s anagram: SWISS FARMS. Like rival Wawa, the Delco fixture selling dairy, groceries, and convenience goods plans to add gas pumps under its latest owner.

    Photo of the day

    Excited Eagles fans, including Santa, wait for autographs during the first day of training camp at the Jefferson Health Training Complex in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Photographer Monica Herndon was at the first day of Eagles training camp.

    Enjoy your Thursday.

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

  • A psychiatrist’s inappropriate patient relationship | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    A local psychiatrist is seeking to get her license back after it was revoked for inappropriate sexual contact with a young patient. Also this week, a sourdough startup founded in a Rosemont living room has expanded, a bike share program could be coming to the township, plus, we pay a visit to the newly updated 333 Belrose.

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    Bryn Mawr psychiatrist’s license revoked over inappropriate sexual contact with a young patient

    The State Board of Medicine recently revoked the medical license of Bryn Mawr psychiatrist Amy Mazza MacIntyre.Julia Duarte / Staff Illustration,

    Bryn Mawr psychiatrist Amy Mazza MacIntyre, whose practice is on Lancaster Avenue, has had her medical license revoked after a state investigation found she had sex with a young patient for years while prescribing him powerful psychiatric drugs.

    The former patient, who attended Lower Merion High School and is now 39 years old, breached a nondisclosure clause in a previous settlement by discussing the case with authorities “for the good of the public interest.”

    “This is not acceptable and she needs to be held accountable,” he told The Inquirer’s Wendy Ruderman.

    Here’s what to know before MacIntyre is scheduled to go before a judge to argue her case today.

    A Rosemont baker’s expansion from living room to brick-and-mortar

    John Goncher recently opened a brick-and-mortar space for Wild Yeast Bakehouse, which he initially launched in his Rosemont home. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Last year when John Goncher’s Rosemont living room had become overrun by sourdough loaves, he knew it was time to reassess his burgeoning bread business: “I said to my wife, ‘It either has to contract or it has to really grow.’”

    Goncher opted for the latter and recently debuted a brick-and-mortar for Wild Yeast Bakehouse in Wayne.

    His new storefront in the Eagle Village Shops was designed by the same team who renovated his family’s home and maintains a living room vibe, while dramatically upping capacity.

    The Inquirer’s Jenn Ladd takes us inside the new space.

    💡 Community News

    🍽️ On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎭 Hamilton: Catch a film screening of the original Broadway hit, complete with a singalong ahead of time. Registration is required. ⏰ Thursday, July 30, 5-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Ludington Library

    🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: Hear Americana duo Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams perform. ⏰ Friday, July 31, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

    🥖 Hands on Challah Bake: Learn the basics of making this braided bread or get a refresher on it. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 $10 📍 Kaiserman JCC

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom Wynnewood home with a sunny primary suite

    The home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.Realtour Pilot | Courtesy of Matt Tallent/Keller Williams Main Line

    Situated near South Ardmore Park, this three-bedroom Wynnewood home has been updated over the years, including with a three-story addition. Among the highlights is a bright and airy primary suite with vaulted ceilings, multiple skylights, and lots of windows. The space also has a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub. There are three upcoming open houses: tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $900,000 | Size: 2,722 SF | Acreage: 0.13

    🗞️ 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.

  • Inside Granite Run’s evolution | Inquirer Greater Media

    Inside Granite Run’s evolution | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Malls were once a quintessential part of everyday life, but that shifted with the rise of online shopping. The Granite Run Mall was no exception. We take a look at its evolution. Also this week, Wawa debuted a hoagie-inspired mini-tote, the county has launched a measles vaccination campaign, plus, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has among the highest athletics participation in the region.

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

    Why the Granite Run Mall had to evolve

    The former Granite Run Mall has undergone a massive transformation in the past decade to turn it into a mixed-use town center. Google Earth

    A regular at Granite Run Mall growing up, Delaware County native Mike Fenn is a little saddened about the state of former malls throughout the region. After all, many hardly resemble what they did in their heyday.

    That’s the case for Middletown Township’s former mainstay, which closed in 2015 amid declining store occupancy. But it soon got new life when developer BET Investments began a more than $100 million effort to transform the hulking space into a mixed-use town center now known as the Promenade at Granite Run.

    Today it consists of luxury apartments, stores, restaurants, and a medical facility, with retail nearly fully leased and apartments not far behind, BET president Michael Markman said.

    The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy takes a deep dive into why malls like Granite Run proliferated and then changed over the years.

    💡 Community News

    • Main Line Health, which owns Riddle Hospital, is in the process of adding specialty physicians such as gastroenterologists. The goal is to reduce how long patients have to wait to access specialized care.
    • As measles cases continue to climb statewide, Delaware County has launched an immunization campaign to increase vaccination uptake. While no cases have been reported yet in the county, it’s “only a matter of time,” the department’s director said.
    • A Havertown man, Sean Keenan, 40, has been charged with terroristic threats and ethnic intimidation after allegedly leaving racist, threatening voicemails for Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara.
    • More mosquitoes capable of spreading West Nile virus were recently detected in surrounding communities, including Ridley and Springfield Townships. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection conducted controlled spraying last week and reminded residents to reduce standing water on their properties.
    • Heads up for drivers: Roadwork will close the southbound I-476 ramp to Baltimore Pike from Saturday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. In Middletown Township, Darlington Road will be closed between Old Forge and Valley Roads from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday. Expect paving today and tomorrow on select roads in Swarthmore. And in Aston Township, Pennell Road will be closed between Old Pennell Road and Glendale Boulevard Monday through next Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Tomorrow is the last day to provide feedback on PennDot’s draft planning and environmental linkages study for its Routes 352 and 1 roadway improvements project.
    • Nonprofit Well Rooted has launched a new housing initiative geared toward young adults aging out of foster care. Ardmore-based Well Rooted Housing has partnered with Media home goods store Chosen Tweed to open two furnished apartments in the borough, which will be used by two individuals for the next year. The organization is also providing supportive services like mentorship, financial literacy, and trauma-informed mental health resources.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    🍽️ On our Plate

    In addition to the tote, consumers could score a Wawa-themed charm and a T-shirt. Wawa
    • Delco-based Wawa recently teamed up with Lands’ End to create a limited-edition mini tote just big enough for lunch. Known as the Shorti Tote (naturally), the bag cost $39.95 and sold out online when it debuted last week.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: Echoes of Laurel Canyon, which performs a wide range of American throwback covers, kicks things off tonight. Tomorrow, cover band FuseBox performs, followed by Prince tribute Controversy on Saturday, and the Merion Concert Band on Sunday. Reggae Thunder will perform Jamaican-style music on Wednesday. ⏰ Thursday, July 30-Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🔥 Summer Fireside: There will be food trucks, fire pits, and marshmallows at this evening event. ⏰ Friday, July 31, 5-8 p.m. 💵 Admission is free for members and $10-$18 for non-members📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🍿 Movie Night: Catch an outdoor screening of 1984 classic The Karate Kid. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 1, around 8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Media Borough Hall lawn

    🗞️ 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.

  • 🦅 Talkin’ ’bout practice | Sports Daily Newsletter

    🦅 Talkin’ ’bout practice | Sports Daily Newsletter

    It’s happening, y’all!

    What surely feels like Christmas morning for many in Philly and beyond dawned on Wednesday as the Eagles took the field for the first training camp practices of the 2026 season — and, for Jalen Carter, with a nice pay raise.

    So what did our writers see?

    In short: plenty.

    Plenty of Birds on the field (they’re healthy). Plenty of positional battles (especially on defense). Plenty of new concepts (on offense). And if you want the in-depth version of Wednesday’s key observations, Jeff McLane has you covered.

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

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

    ❓While there’s plenty of reason to hope regarding the Sixers and Eagles, is it time to panic about the Phillies? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Birds in flight

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts fakes a handoff to running back Saquon Barkley during the first day of on Wednesday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Part of Nick Sirianni’s opening message to the team stuck out to quarterback Jalen Hurts. He wrote it down in his notebook, and it underscores his mentality as a new season begins.

    “100% alignment and zero entitlement,” he said Wednesday as the first practices of training camp began.

    So what does that look like, as Hurts embraces his role as a veteran and helps his new teammates get acquainted with the Eagles?

    And while there isn’t a Duolingo course for Sean Mannion’s offense, but Barkley is enjoying the challenge of “learning a new language” as the Birds install the offense.

    Next: The fun continues today at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

    Dog day doldrums

    Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly returns to the dugout after making a pitching change. The Phillies blew a six-run lead to lose their third straight game on Wednesday in Miami.Rebecca Blackwell

    Bryce Harper’s candid comments about the Phillies’ needs ahead of the trade deadline certainly raised eyebrows on Tuesday night.

    Before Wednesday’s series finale vs. the Miami Marlins, interim manager Don Mattingly responded to his star first baseman, saying, “… players like being GMs and making calls and spending other people’s money, so just let it go at that.”

    And the Phillies’ on-field misfortune continued Wednesday, as they blew a six-run lead en route to an 8-6 loss to the Marlins.

    Next: After an off day Thursday, the Phillies’ road trip continues with a weekend series in Baltimore. The Orioles’ Brandon Young (8-2, 3.13) will start on Friday (7:05 p.m., NBCSP) against a Phillies starter to be determined.

    Max(ey) effort

    LeBron James will wear No. 23 with the Sixers, the team announced Monday.Sixers

    OK, so what was the deal with that asterisk by Tyrese Maxey’s name on the now-infamous white board? Turns out the Sixers point guard had a notable role in helping bring LeBron James to Philly.

    Rich Paul, who’s James’ and Maxey’s agent, offered a glimpse into the decision process that brought the all-time great to the Sixers. He also hinted at James playing beyond that two-year deal, too.

    James jersey sales broke a record, according to Fanatics, and with him officially now in the fold, how do the Sixers stack up within the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference?

    ‘Opening doors’ in lacrosse

    Women’s Lacrosse League players Abby Bosco (left), Katie Detwiler, and McKenzie Blake demonstrate a lacrosse drill for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Wednesday.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    The Philly area is a hotbed for women’s lacrosse. Of the Women’s Lacrosse League’s four teams — the Maryland Charm, California Palms, New York Charging, and Boston Guard — 18 players and two coaches have ties to the region.

    “I think it’s just super crazy growing up in the area,” said Katie Detwiler, a California Palms defender who’s from Devon. “When we were growing up, we didn’t have any of this. We played in college, and then it was on to the real world. So I think it’s really good for them to see what could be possible someday. It’s awesome to see.”

    And on Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the WLL, and local lacrosse players came together to celebrate the league making history in the area when it plays its inaugural championship game in the area next month.

    Next: The inaugural WLL championship is coming to Subaru Park in Chester on Aug. 15 (5 p.m., ESPN).

    Sports snapshot

    On this date

    Mike Schmidt and other Phillies celebrate their World Series triumph on the night of Oct. 21, 1980. Schmidt also was the National League’s most valuable player that season.File photograph

    On this day 31 years ago, two of the Phillies’ all-time greats were enshrined among baseball’s best as Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

    An article by the Hall of Fame estimated that 40,000 came out to see Schmidt, a 12-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner, and Ashburn, who hit .308 over his career. Which Phillies might be next?

    Standings, stats, and more

    It’s a bit early for scoreboard watching, but the Phillies’ hold on a wild-card spot has gotten precarious. They’re tied with the Diamondbacks for the final two spots, and the Marlins, Pirates, Nationals, and Padres just two games behind them.

    Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

    Mike Sielski’s take

    Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter takes the field during the first day of training camp.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    After Jalen Carter signed his lucrative extension, he met with the media flanked by two important people: security chief Dom (DiSandro) and his mom. Dom and Mom has a nice ring to it. They’re also the two people who’ll be most instrumental in making sure the Eagles get their money’s worth from the 25-year-old defensive tackle.

    Sure, he’s talented. But, as Mike Sielski writes, the Eagles are taking on a bit of risk here in signing Carter to this extension.

    What you’re saying about the Birds

    We asked: Which Eagles player is destined for a big year?

    #33 is going to have an incredible year. Cooper DeJean 2026 Defensive Player of the Year. — Ronald R.

    Jalen Hurts is destined for a big year. Rid of complaining AJ Brown, Jalen will have time and support to learn Sean Manion’s playbook without the pressure to cater to a diva receiver. — Bob C.

    I think Jalen Carter will have a great year as he works extra hard to prove that he is worth that $152 million. Unless he is injured I think he will have an outstanding year. You always have to be wary of these long time extensions due to memories of Carson Wentz and Russel Wilson, [Deshaun] Watson, Jay Cutler and others, but I don’t think Carter will ever fail like any those players. — Everett S.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Novozinsky, Lochlahn March, Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, Ariel Simpson, Matt Breen, Becca O’Reilly, Mike Sielski, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

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

    Thanks for reading along! Bella will be back in your inboxes tomorrow morning to close out the week. — Maria

  • This pizzeria has Craig LaBan’s stamp of approval | Let’s Eat

    This pizzeria has Craig LaBan’s stamp of approval | Let’s Eat

    Craig LaBan has found a pizzeria he can take his whole family to.

    Also in this edition:

    — Mike Klein

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

    This pizzeria has Craig LaBan’s stamp of approval

    Gluten-free pizzas are generally less than exciting, as Craig LaBan notes, with textures ranging between pressboard and Styrofoam. At Barclay Pies, it’s not like that at all. Even the mozz sticks and their conventional pizzas are well worth a stop.

    The bakery beat

    Wild Yeast Bakehouse, Wayne’s new sourdough bakery, has a living room vibe, writes Jenn Ladd. That makes sense, because the founder started baking out of his living room.

    Saif Manna started baking during the pandemic in his Temple dorm room. He’s opening a brick-and-mortar home for his Levantine and Palestinian pastries, and tomorrow is the first day.

    Ba Le Bakery in South Philly is practically synonymous with the city’s bánh mì scene. Now, writes Kiki Aranita, a third generation is expanding the business dramatically.

    Two Sweet Boutique has had an interesting problem in its new location in Washington Township, writes Sarah Nicell. It’s selling out. Want that banana pudding? Get there early.

    Memories: The Frog Commissary Cookbook

    After four decades, The Frog Commissary Cookbook remains a Philadelphia icon — “our book,” says one acolyte. Contributor Devra Ferst takes a stroll down memory lane and winds up at the Commissary’s original location, where the current restaurant occupant bakes its carrot cake.

    Omakase on a budget at Oroshi

    Oroshi, a new omakase restaurant at Broad and Lombard Streets, is part of a minitrend of faster, less expensive omakase experiences. The lights are bright and the decor is spare, but Kiki Aranita walked away happy after 90 minutes.

    Getting with the GLP-1 program

    Here’s a twist: Local food brands such as Philly Pretzel Factory are working to accommodate consumers who are eating less and “protein-maxxing,” Olivia Prusky writes.

    The best thing Craig ate last week

    Craig visited an old fave — Porcini in Rittenhouse — and found the pastas have not lost a beat even after three decades. And yes, it’s still a BYOB.

    Scoops

    Chef Nic Macri and restaurant-ops specialist Suzanne O’Brien are proving you’re never too old experienced to open your first restaurant. They’re partnering with Stephen Simons on a spot just off 13th and Sansom in Washington Square West, and Macri describes the menu as “Philadelphia cooking with an Italian accent.”

    Anh Em, a Vietnamese bar-restaurant and bar from husband-and-wife team Victor Nguyen and Anna Huynh, is aiming for an Aug. 8 grand opening at 1252 S. 21st St. in Point Breeze, the former Madira. Nguyen, a longtime Philadelphia hospitality veteran who bartended at Mad Mex in the late 1990s, co-owned a Chinatown bubble tea shop in the early 2000s and later spent 15 years managing Tango, is realizing a longtime goal of opening his own place. The roughly 45-seater will pair Vietnamese comfort food (pho and bánh xèo alongside home-style dishes) with a 20-seat bar pouring 24 local drafts and a small cocktail list.

    Andorra Kitchen & Tap will join Andorra Shopping Center’s $32 million glow-up by Federal Realty, possibly in the fourth quarter. Spanning 6,900 square feet in the former Applebee’s, the restaurant is positioning as an all-day neighborhood gathering place serving breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a full bar and dedicated coffee area for the morning. Owner Emmanouil Lagoudakis says he was drawn to Andorra-Roxborough for its “wonderful energy.”

    Restaurant report

    333 Belrose, one of the Main Line’s old-guard restaurants, has reopened after a dramatic renovation that flipped the bar with a dining room, opening up the layout. The menu is still “nothing too cerebral, nothing too crazy,” as chef Ross Essner told me, adding that there’s one dish he will never take off the menu.

    Toll Man Joe’s, whose South Philly run was abbreviated by the pandemic, will resurface at the former Mixto on Pine Street near 12th. The owners hope to get the sports bar open in just a few weeks.

    Pomelo Rooftop Terrace, atop the new Brandywine hotel in Radnor and counterpoint to Merrick’s Tavern off the lobby, will grand-open Aug. 8. It’ll be open year-round with indoor-outdoor seating. Weekend brunch begins Aug. 22.

    The region’s last Brio Italian Grille, in Cherry Hill’s Towne Place at Garden State Park, closed abruptly Monday, two months after its Marlton location shuttered. The site 42Freeway joined the Facebook account A View From Evesham in first reporting that steakhouse Fogo de Chao will occupy the Cherry Hill location, citing township permits. A rep from Fogo declined my request for comment.

    Briefly noted

    Flash back to 2023, when chef Dionicio Jiménez and Mariangeli Alicea Saez of Cantina la Martina, La Baja, and the Cantina on the Go locations went to Mexico with Inquirer critic Craig LaBan and photographer Jessica Griffin for articles that won a James Beard Award in 2024. The restaurateurs are using part of that trip as inspiration for a five-day excursion to Oaxaca they’re planning for Oct. 30–Nov. 4. (LaBan and Griffin, who also met with Tequilas’ David Suro for a lesson in mezcal and tequila production during that 2023 trip, will sit this one out.) Limited to eight guests, the experience will feature family celebrations, cultural traditions, home-cooked meals, a private mezcal tasting, artisan visits, and special dinners, including one from Jiménez himself. It’s $2,000pp plus airfare. Details via cantina@cantinaonthego.com.

    Nine Philadelphia bartenders will throw down Patrón Tequila-based cocktails in the Dirty Rocks Cocktail Competition from 3-7:30 p.m. Sunday at Fringe Bar (140 N. Columbus Blvd.). Attendees will determine the winner among Matt Welch (R&D), Kari Rosenfeld (Bourbon & Branch), Kevin Castro (Soufiane at the Morris), Roland Bui (Com.Unity Consulting), Damian Langarcia (Drams by Damian), Chris Harrop (Known Associates), Tony Jimenez (Static), Jackie Miller (Fringe Bar), and defending champion Jessica Stark (Trestle Inn). Also: a DJ, pizza truck, food and drink specials. Admission ($20) includes three tasting votes; VIP tickets are $45 and include a welcome cocktail, gift bag, and 10 votes. Cocktails: $5-$12. Tickets via DirtyRocks.com.

    2nd Street Festival returns to Northern Liberties from noon-10 p.m. Sunday, transforming the stretch from Spring Garden to Girard Avenue into a festival with more than more than 50 restaurants and food trucks, 10 beer and cocktail gardens, two live music stages, and family activities.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Name the brand that Wawa has partnered with on a hot-selling tote bag.

    A) Vera Bradley

    B) Coach

    C) Lands’ End

    D) Louis Vuitton

    Find out if you know the answer.

    Ask Mike anything

    Any news on New York Bagels? — John C.

    Owner Rayyan Kayyali sounded discouraged but not defeated when we caught up yesterday, more than two months after a gas explosion destroyed his Overbrook Park bagel bakery on the very morning of its reopening following another blast in March. He said he is waiting for a new burner pipe for the oven, and “so far, I haven’t seen a dime” from the insurance company. Meanwhile, lords Jeffrey Gladstone and Andy Rubin of Herbert Yentis & Co. say they have not charged him rent since the first explosion. Kayyali vows to rebuild and reopen.

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

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

  • A Craig LaBan pizza pick in Cherry Hill | Inquirer South Jersey

    A Craig LaBan pizza pick in Cherry Hill | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Don’t pack away your rain jacket yet. The region is still under a flood watch with more showers expected.

    Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan visited Barclay Pies in Cherry Hill and found a new standard of gluten-free pizza in the region.

    And speaking of Cherry Hill, the township banned large-scale data centers, becoming the latest South Jersey municipality to send a clear message to potential developers.

    Plus, Gov. Mikie Sherrill shared Tuesday that about 2,000 registered voters who were identified last week as noncitizens may actually be citizens after all, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    P.S. If you like what we’re doing — or see room for improvement — take our survey. We want your thoughts so we can better serve you and remain your trusted source for South Jersey news.

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

    Craig LaBan’s gluten-free pizza standard

    There’s a reason Barclay Pies in Cherry Hill generates a lot of buzz among the gluten-free community, according to our food critic, Craig LaBan.

    The owners worked for nine months to create the crust for its gluten-free pies. LaBan explains that the pizza has a bit of cornmeal for the bottom crunch, a frico cheese band around the edges, and a pan-based format that helps to prevent cross-contamination.

    Barclay Pies sells both standard and gluten-free pies, and the latter now accounts for a third of the pizzas they sell.

    “There’s a market need for a pizzeria that was truly inclusive,” co-owner Thomas “TJ” Hunton said.

    Read on for the full review.

    Cherry Hill’s data center ban

    It’s official: No large-scale data centers can come to Cherry Hill.

    The township council voted unanimously this week to list data centers as a non-permitted land use within its borders, as debate around artificial intelligence technology continues nationwide.

    “We don’t think that Cherry Hill should be a guinea pig,” Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher said. “So while the technology is evolving, we wanted to be proactive and make sure that we eliminated a problem before it became one.”

    If a developer wanted to build one in the future, they would have to get a land-use variance from the zoning board. And according to a city planner who worked on the ordinance, it’s one of the hardest approvals to get.

    So far, no data center developers have approached the township.

    Reporter Lacey Latch has the story.

    What to know today

    • About 2,000 of the 6,600 New Jersey registered voters who were identified as noncitizens could be citizens after all, Gov. Sherrill said on Tuesday. The news comes a week after her disclosure that a software glitch registered thousands of noncitizens to vote ahead of the 2024 election.
    • A state grand jury voted not to file criminal charges on Monday against a Haddon Township police officer in connection to the fatal shooting of a Pennsauken man while responding to a reported burglary in 2024.
    • Due to this week’s predicted storms, the scheduled maintenance of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge that was supposed to close to vehicle traffic Tuesday night into Wednesday has now been postponed to begin Monday, Aug. 3, at 9 p.m. and conclude Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5 a.m.
    • The Burlington County Library System on Wednesday is launching a “StoryWalk,” an interactive attraction that features reading stations that display pages of an illustrated children’s book. The stations are built around the playground at Riverton Memorial Park.
    • Four Green Cats Cafe in Mount Laurel announced an expansion coming later this year to a second location under construction in Haddonfield. Owner Nadia Vasa told New Jersey Voyager it will be called The Grand Salon, with a full commercial kitchen to serve authentic Czech dishes and room to host a cultural program.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden has had several name changes since the venue opened in 1995. Which of the below was its shortest-lived name?

    A) Tweeter Center

    B) BB&T Pavilion

    C) Susquehanna Bank Center

    D) Waterfront Music Pavilion

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🥖 Craving: Fresh bread from Dulce Artisanal Pastry in Collingswood.

    🎤 Playing: 76 Seconds with Boyz II Men.

    🏀 Running: The numbers to see how likely it is for the Sixers to clinch a championship with their revamped roster (thank you, LeBron).

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: 🎓 The Prof

    INTRAVENOUS WIRY

    Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Dan Tureck, who solved last Wednesday’s anagram: Rancocas Creek. It’s Burlington County’s largest interior river.

    🏡 On the market

    A private Medford home with a large backyard deck

    Sitting on almost five acres, this Medford home has hardwood floors, a modern kitchen with an exposed brick wall, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a family room.

    Outside, there’s space for gardening, a deck for entertaining, and an above-ground pool. Catch an open house this Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $539,999 | Size: 1,836 SF |Acreage: 4.89

    Congrats on making it halfway through the week! 🎉 Let’s do this again 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.

  • 🍄‍🟫 The fight over fungi | Morning Newsletter

    Welcome to Wednesday. A flash-flood warning is in effect through 2 p.m., and showers could return in the evening.

    Mushroom growers in Pennsylvania are divided over cheap, grocery-store fungi.

    A top mayoral appointee is leaving his post with the City of Philadelphia.

    Plus, City Council is pressing the school board to return to the negotiating table on school closings, and more news of the day.

    — Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    Private equity vs. family farmers

    Pennsylvania mushroom growers and their Canadian counterparts — whom are winning a larger share of the U.S. market — find themselves on opposite sides of tariff and “dumping” disputes.

    🍄‍🟫 The state produces 68% of the mushrooms grown in the U.S., and most of that is within 100 miles of Philadelphia. As domestic production has dropped, imports have risen.

    🍄‍🟫 Canadian farms have “dumped” mushrooms, or sold them at unfairly low prices, to U.S. grocery stores, according to a preliminary finding by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    🍄‍🟫 This anti-dumping ruling would ease competitive pressure and other compounding factors on family-owned U.S. growers. But one Keystone State grower called the decision a protectionist move, and warned that consumers would be left with fewer choices.

    Dive into the mushroom wars with business reporter Joseph DiStefano.

    City manager steps down

    Philadelphia Managing Director Adam K. Thiel is resigning from his job in Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration.

    Thiel supervised many of the government’s day-to-day operations, stood by Parker as a key crisis manager, and was the face of the administration’s strategy in Kensington.

    He has also been one of its least visible senior officials. The Inquirer previously reported his frequent absences.

    City Hall reporter Anna Orso has the full story.

    Plus: Philadelphia’s top lawyer is also parting ways with the Parker administration.

    What you should know today

    Quote of the day

    A football player was sexually assaulted by teammates in Cheltenham High’s locker room. Nearly a year since the hazing incident, no charges have been filed. His mother is pushing for answers.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The Eagles signed defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a contract extension through 2031, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

    What’s the value of the deal?

    A) $122 million

    B) $199 million

    C) $173 million

    D) $152 million

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What (and whom) we’re …

    🍣 Hungry for: Budget-friendly omakase.

    💰 Explaining: The fine print in Peco’s new contract that gives all workers pensions.

    🤖 Wondering: Are Waymo self-driving vehicles really less likely to cause accidents than people?

    🤩 Starstruck by: LeBron James and nine other stars who stunned Philly simply by coming here.

    ⚽ Discovering: What Premier League team to support, based on this quiz. (Paola says: I got Coventry City, and Fulham and Nottingham Forest as alternatives. As an existing Fulham fan, I feel seen — and I concur!)

    🧩 Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Delco fixture selling dairy, groceries, and convenience goods

    FRASS SWIMS

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

    Cheers to Jody Schiavelli, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: National Treasure. A three-day event in late August will celebrate one of the best and most absurd films ever partially filmed in Philly.

    Photo of the day

    People walking by the LeBron James mosaic on 8th and Market Street on Tuesday.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    A Philly street artist who goes by irregular. installed a LeBron James mirror mosaic on an old Burger King wall. “It explains itself,” he said.

    👋🏽 Thanks for starting your day with us. 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.