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  • đŸȘż Wawa or waWA? | Morning Newsletter

    Saturday is here.

    Smoky conditions are expected to persist into the afternoon, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

    Is it ever too late to correct a newbie’s blatant mispronunciation of a Philly mainstay? Inquirer staffers discuss.

    Plus, we’re talking about what changed at the President’s House, allegations of collusion in the Philadelphia DA’s Office, and our report card for this week in Philly news.

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

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    What you should know today

    Wait … wa-WHAT?

    A reader asked: My new-to-the-area coworker keeps calling Wawa “waWa” where she emphasizes the second syllable more than the first. The first time it happened, I just made sure to say it correctly so she’d get the hint. It didn’t work. The second time, I let it go. The third time, I told her the deal but was maybe too subtle because I didn’t want to seem rude. Now, she’s still saying it that way. And to be clear: She has no distinguishable accent. Do I say something more explicitly or has the time passed? I’m trying to help!

    To handle this case, we tapped in Inquirer columnist and Wawa superfan Stephanie Farr, along with life and culture reporter Dugan Arnett.

    Arnett, who seems to enjoys the mispronunciation, came to a simple conclusion: They’re probably doing it on purpose to poke a bit of fun.

    But the Philadelphia dictionary is sacred, after all. Farr, who recounted an embarrassing moment after committing a Philly faux pas, is wary of letting it slide.

    “As someone who was a transplant many moons ago I say to you, a recent Philly transplant, that is not going to go well,” Farr said.

    Read their full chat here. Need advice, or want to share your thoughts? We want to hear it. Email us here.

    One viewpoint

    In this week’s Shackamaxon, Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson unpacks Philadelphia’s success as a host city for major events, the emergence of self-driving cars, and chatter about a progressive takeover for incumbent Council seats in next year’s races.

    “As someone who closely follows City Council, I have mixed feelings about this news,” Pearson writes.

    Read on for Pearson’s perspectives.

    📍 Find the location

    Tis the season for outdoor movie screenings! We’ll show you a photo of a free film showing taken in the Philly-area, you drop a pin where you think it was taken. Closer to the location results in a better score. Good luck!Kerry Hyland

    Think you know where these moviegoers are set up? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Philly’s streets and places to the test. Check your answer.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: đŸŽ¶ Reunited (with the Union) and it feels so good đŸŽ¶

    REAWAKING

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

    Cheers to Ed Rivkin who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: I Play Rocky. The trailer for the forthcoming biopic shows iconic Philly scenes and gives glimpses of the many hardships that went into making the first movie.

    Plus: Rocky always represented the best of Philly. The city is finally loving him back, writes columnist Mike Sielski.

    We were there

    President Donald Trump attended a Defense and Innovation Summit hosted by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle on Wednesday, marking his second stop in three weeks to Pennsylvania. National politics reporter Sam Janesch has the story, with photos by staff photographer Tom Gralish.

    Somewhere on the internet in Philly

    😳 Don’t mind us. We’re just casually replaying the video of LeBron James saying the magic words “trust the process” over and over again. He says it’s not a Sixers hint … but we’re still closely monitoring the Bron-O-Meter.

    🌆 I’m here for the orange-on-blue contrast captured in this hazy skyline photo.

    đŸ’” People are booking last-minute trips to Sunday’s World Cup final. We have a guide to get there and back from Philly for $60.

    đŸŽ›ïž A hip-hop producer shared his creative sampling of the classic 6abc Action News song.

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Thanks for stopping by. Have a good one, and I’ll catch up with 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.

  • It’s peak tick season | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: We should avoid long or intense outdoor activities today. Wildfire smoke in our region is making it hard and unhealthy to do so.

    As we prepare to venture back outside safely again, here’s what we’re getting up to:

    đŸ˜¶â€đŸŒ«ïž Your weekend weather outlook: Hot and smoky. Good air quality is not expected to return till Saturday, and it’s expected to rain then, too. Sunday should be mostly sunny.

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

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    Mind the uptick

    I’m sorry for the mildly horrifying photo.

    But given that the Northeast is usually hit hardest by ticks — and it’s peak tick season — it’s important to recognize these pesky creatures so we can avoid them at all costs.

    Here are some quick anti-tick reminders:

    đŸŒŸ Cut tall grasses.

    🧩 If you must go into dense vegetation, wear long pants and closed shoes.

    🔍 Perform routine checks for ticks on yourself and pets.

    Get the rundown on all things ticks.

    News worth knowing

    🌳 Your outdoorsy experience

    My colleague Michaelle Bond and I recently got to talking about our shared enjoyment of kayaking. Here’s what she told me about the activity:

    I love kayaking. And every year, I make at least one trip to the Pine Barrens to paddle on one of the rivers there. I’ve gone in the spring to see the foliage waking up, the summer when everything’s green and lush, and the fall to see the leaves putting on their colorful show. I rent a kayak from the folks at Pinelands Adventures, who drop me off in the river in the morning and pick me up when I reach the end of the route. I spend a few hours on the water, alternating between floating gently and working to navigate obstacles and tight turns. I enjoy the tranquility and relative silence – just the wind in the trees and chirping birds – before getting in my car and heading back home to Philly.

    Sounds like total bliss. Thanks for sharing.

    đŸ“„ Now it’s your turn: Tell me about what you like to do outdoors. We love pictures if you have them. You may see your memories and stories featured in this spot.

    Showgirls of a shrinking industry

    đŸŽ€ Now we’re passing the microphone to Jason Nark.

    TOWANDA, Pa. — Her full name was Cashells Jry Shakira-Red-ET — Shakira to keep it simple — and like her namesake, the big red and white Holstein had 6-foot hips that didn’t lie as she hoofed down Main Street.

    Shakira is a showgirl accustomed to winning, one of the few cows that allowed judges to place a floral crown on her head at the Bradford County dairy cow beauty pageant in Towanda on June 20, about 100 years after their last one.

    “The most beautiful dairy cow in Bradford County, folks,” said Duane Naugle, Bradford County’s community planner and the day’s emcee.

    Bradford County, population 59,600, sits about 175 miles northwest of Philadelphia in North Central Pennsylvania. County officials said they found an old, black-and-white photo of a similar beauty pageant from 1926 in the county courthouse recently.

    The purpose of that contest a century ago, organizers said, was to highlight the county’s bustling dairy industry. — Jason Nark

    It’s all in Nark’s full feature story. Keep reading on how the pageant’s meaning has changed over the years.

    Paola’s picks

    đŸ‘đŸœ A legend: This 91-year-old hiker taking on the Appalachian Trail (again!).

    đŸ„” A doozy: How Philly-area kitchen professionals keep cool in sizzling hot kitchens.

    🎣 An activity: Free, family-friendly fishing with Friends at Pier 68 on Saturday.

    đŸŒČ A read: The transformation of Centralia, Pennsylvania’s burning ghost town. Nark wrote about it back in 2017.

    😎 A song: “Keeping versed and on my feet (If you steal my sunshine).”

    A sparkling view

    Breathe in…and out. I shot this at the South Garden’s Central Marble Fountain near the Fairmount Park Water Works in Philadelphia.Paola PĂ©rez

    Near the tail end of a recent hike, I took a beat here to enjoy a mango gelati. It was divine.

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Take care, Outdoorsy friends.

    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.

  • Do data centers count as free speech? | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. I’m editor Julie Zeglen, filling in for Taylor today and Monday.

    First, a look upward: Canadian wildfire smoke has prompted air quality alerts across the state, with local governments advising residents to avoid polluted air and canceling outdoor events. See the latest air quality measures in chart and map form.

    In Monroe Township, a $300 million lawsuit against its data center ban has moved to federal court. The developer behind it is alleging free speech and equal protections violations.

    And an Inquirer journalist’s notes appeared in the state attorney general’s office files in a case against South Jersey power broker George E. Norcross III.

    Plus, more than 500 acres of Burlington County farmland could be protected, and more news of the day.

    — Julie Zeglen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    P.S. We’ve been sending this newsletter for just over a month now. How are we doing? Tell us by taking our survey.

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    A data center fight in Monroe Township

    Data centers have drawn controversy across the region as residents protest their potential impact on the environment, noise levels, and quality of life. That debate is raging now in Monroe Township, where officials recently banned their development.

    Now, a company that has been planning to build a data center in the Gloucester County municipality is pushing back.

    Princeton-based Hexa Builders has for years sought to develop a property at 3043 Black Horse Pike. It’s now suing Monroe officials for $300 million after they denied its application to build a 1 million-square-foot data center and a warehouse.

    Among Hexa’s allegations, according to its complaint: “Data centers are a medium of expression and banning data centers would impose a significant burden on the free speech rights of all citizens in the United States.”

    The Inquirer’s Sarah Nicell has more on the fight.

    AG files include journalist’s notes

    An Inquirer staffer’s typed interview notes from 2019 came into the possession of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office during an investigation that led to the high-profile, and recently abandoned, racketeering indictment against South Jersey power broker George E. Norcross III.

    News organizations typically treat unpublished reporting material as confidential and often fight government demands for it in court.

    The Inquirer’s top editor said the notes were not passed on by the journalist, nor was the company subpoenaed by authorities for them.

    Reporter Sean Collins Walsh has the story.

    What to know today

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which former New Jersey governor signed a bill into law to formally recognize Central Jersey?

    A) Phil Murphy

    B) Jon Corzine

    C) Chris Christie

    D) Jim McGreevey

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🐕 Protecting: Our cats and dogs from the heat.

    🍕 Craving: Pizza from Tacconelli’s.

    🚱 Viewing: Photos of Battleship New Jersey through the years.

    đŸ–ïž 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.

    A reader asks: I have been doing the Shore my entire life. I still pack an outfit for every day and an outfit for every night. Am I weird? Do other people do this or do they just throw stuff in a suitcase and wear the same things over and over because they are “on vacation down the shore”?

    Amy answered: I appreciate [this reader’s] effort to keep things elevated. But I think the majority is falling into the “throw stuff in a suitcase” camp. Plus, they need room for the sheets the rentals don’t provide down the Shore.

    Where do you fall on this topic? Is there such a thing as too casual at the Shore? Email Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.

    📾 Photo of the week

    Hazy skies over the Ben Franklin Bridge caused by wildfires in Canada on Thursday.Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer

    Stay safe out there as you enjoy your weekend. I’ll be back with you Monday morning with more South Jersey news of the 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.

  • 🧑‍🍳 Enduring the heat | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning. Let’s finish the week off right.

    First, learn how Philly’s kitchen professionals manage to stay as cool as possible throughout the hottest days.

    Then, get a look at where all of the tangible signs of the World Cup in Philadelphia have gone to.

    Plus, we have updates on the wildfire smoke and its health impacts, and more news of the day.

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

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    If you can’t take the heat 


    Trying to cook up a meal on a scorching hot day can turn real uncomfortable, real fast. It’s a surefire way to feel immediate regret.

    đŸ„” This reality is part and parcel for Philly-area food and restaurant professionals. Toasty days only amplify what they already have to cope with inside their sizzling kitchens.

    ⛔ They may shut down if temps threaten the integrity of certain dishes.

    🧊 To handle one heat wave after another, their solutions require preparedness, hydration, and lots of icy treats.

    Food writer Kiki Aranita has the story on how local chefs get through their stifling shifts.

    After the final whistle

    Goodbye, Philadelphia Stadium. Welcome back, the Linc.

    Now that the World Cup takeover is effectively finished (at least as far as Philly games go), FIFA flags and team bench caps are nowhere to be found, and the pitch is returning to its usual form.

    But where does everything go after the teardown? What happened to leftover food, and to items like television monitors? Apparently, there’s a WhatsApp group for that.

    Sports editor Kerith Gabriel reports on how all the big game gear is finding a second life.

    What you should know today

    • Pa. officials advise that all residents limit their time and exertion levels outside Friday due to “very unhealthy” air from Canadian wildfire smoke. Whether you are planning to go out or stay home, see what experts suggest to stay healthy, and visit Inquirer.com for updates.
    • Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner rallied protesters on Capitol Hill, thumbing his nose at Republicans a day after they subpoenaed him for immigration records.
    • The city filed stop-work orders for the redevelopment of a handful of historic rowhouses along Mole Street following an Inquirer article about the project.
    • An Inquirer staffer’s interview notes came into the possession of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office during an investigation that led to the high-profile, and recently abandoned, racketeering indictment against South Jersey power broker George E. Norcross III.
    • Nineteen people have been hospitalized for measles since April in Pennsylvania, state health officials reported in a new online data dashboard launched this week to track the spread of the highly contagious disease.
    • Prosecutors withdrew charges against a Philadelphia Family Court judge accused of assaulting his wife and daughter, citing the victims’ wishes and evidence of mitigation.
    • After a failed vote that could have ended aid to Israel, Sen. John Fetterman said he’d consider leaving the Democratic Party over a lack of support.
    • New Jersey state energy regulators will examine utilities’ handling of recent heat-related outages that affected thousands of residents.
    • Amtrak and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority will work together to revive passenger train service between Philadelphia and Reading after an absence of 45 years.
    • The U.S. Mint on Independence Mall will soon begin producing $1 gold-hued coins featuring a portrait of President Donald Trump.

    Plus: Can you park in school zones during the summer in Philly?

    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 on school zones and whether or not ticket-free parking is possible during the summer months.

    While Philadelphia schools are not in session, there may be summer programming to consider. Here’s the full story.

    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

    This local personality has the most-searched Wikipedia pages of celebrities born in Lower Merion or Narberth:

    A) Kylie Kelce

    B) Beck Dorey-Stein

    C) Sabrina Carpenter

    D) Kobe Bryant

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

    What (and whom) we’re 


    đŸŽ€ Ready for: Bebe Rexha’s FIFA Fan Fest concert and more shows around Philly this week.

    🧀 Proud about: Even the internet’s toughest food critic can’t deny that Philly cheesesteaks rule.

    ⚟ Applauding: Cole Vanderslice, the former Villanova pitcher who caught the winning Home Run Derby ball — and then did what “felt natural.”

    👀 Watching: The Bron-O-Meter updates while we wait on pins and needles, and “King James” quietly lives his best life.

    🧠 Considering: Ways to save Pennsylvania’s crumbling behavioral health organizations.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: “Yo, Adrian!” biopic

    PICKY ROYAL

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

    Cheers to Dustin Flay, who solved Thursday’s anagram: The Sandlot. Eleven locals took part in a tribute to the 1993 classic film at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

    Photo of the day

    Christian “Machphive” Walker, 28, breakdances at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Walker is a professional dancer working with brands such as New Balance and Red Bull.Aidan T. Gallo / Staff Photographer

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Thanks for reading. Have a great start to your weekend when you get 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.

  • ⚟ Throwing it back | Sports Daily Newsletter

    ⚟ Throwing it back | Sports Daily Newsletter

    As Jordan Walker’s game-winning Home Run Derby ball sailed high into a steamy section of the Citizens Bank Park outfield, what was on Cole Vanderslice’s mind as the ball got closer to where he was standing?

    Was it that he was about to have a piece of Philly sports history in his hands? He had something that was going to be worth a good chunk of change, or at a minimum, something he could exchange for swag from Walker.

    Nope. There was only one thing on Vanderslice’s mind once he had it firmly in his grasp.

    
 Throw it back.

    Vanderslice, a former pitcher at Villanova, succumbed to peer pressure from the crowd, who urged him to toss it back onto the field, which he did to a raucous cheer.

    But does he now regret it? Or was it something he’s always yearned to do? That is what Inquirer writer Isabella DiAmore implores you to find out, as she caught up with Vanderslice to understand what he was really thinking.

    It’s not supposed to smell like old shoe leather outside today as the smoke dissipates from the Delaware Valley, but it’s still going to be a steamy Friday with temperatures expected to creep close to 90.

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

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    ❓Would you have thrown Jordan Walker’s ball back if you caught it? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    First game (back) jitters

    Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola exits the game in the seventh inning in Thursday’s game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    For the fifth straight season, the Phillies found themselves on the losing end of their first game back after the MLB All-Star break, following a 4-1 loss to the Mets. They contend it wasn’t the smoke that caused their misstep, but an inability to find hits on a night when ace Aaron Nola pitched an impressive six-inning stretch, allowing just one run in that span.

    “The weather was a bit different tonight, but it played no part in the final result,” Brandon Marsh said. “We just didn’t play as well as we should have, you know? Yeah, we’ve just got to be better.”

    Next: After an off day on Friday, the Phillies resume their series against the Mets on Saturday (4:05 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia). JesĂșs Luzardo (8-4, 3.51 ERA) is scheduled to face Mets lefty Sean Manaea (2-4, 4.56).

    What we’re 


    đŸ€” Wondering: Why Jayson Tatum thinks former teammate Jaylen Brown’s move to the Sixers is weird. His words, not ours.

    đŸ€š Sharing: Speaking of “weird,” that’s how Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes refers to Phillies teammates Zack Wheeler and Bryce Harper.

    👀 Watching: How MLB All-Stars reacted to the questions while on the red carpet this week.

    📖 Reading: Everything needed to know about the Flyers’ upcoming 2026-27 season schedule that was released Thursday.

    Dispatch from Las Vegas

    The Sixers look pleased with the work first round draft pick Labaron Philon Jr., has put in so far at Summer League exhibitions in Las Vegas. Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    While the world eagerly waits for LeBron James to announce where he’ll take his talents next, the show continued for the Sixers at the NBA Summer League, where Labaron Philon Jr., the Sixers’ first-round draft pick, demonstrated why this new-look front office believed it could not pass on him at No. 22.

    Also, second-year big man Johni Broome has recovered from knee surgery, and has flashed interior dominance in an environment where he should thrive. Inquirer writer Gina Mizell is there to provide this look at the state of the Sixers from Las Vegas.

    Return to the ‘Linc’

    The stadium and soccer pitch is dismantled at Lincoln Financial Field as workers began converting the stadium back to its regular playing surface last week. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Actor and comedian Shane Gillis is expected to play to a near-capacity crowd Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field, which has been restored to its customary look in the aftermath of hosting six FIFA World Cup matches.

    It took a crew of union labor just 11 days to deconstruct and restore the Linc to its original state, which begs the question: From banners to signage and more, what happens to all that World Cup stuff?

    FIFA venue director Jolyon Bowman sat down with us to explain the process, along with what happens to everything that made Philly the center of the soccer universe this summer.

    The latest on LeBron

    Bronometer: What is the current likelihood of LeBron James joining the Sixers?Sam Morris

    Have you checked out the Bron-O-Meter lately? As LeBron James’ free agency drags on — and Philadelphia remains among his reported top destinations — we’re tracking the future Hall of Famer’s chances of signing with the Sixers through our wholly unscientific Bron-O-Meter. Our patented technology is powered by reports, our own analysis, and the latest social media buzz 
 but mostly it’s based on vibes.

    On this date

    July 17, 2024: Union wunderkind Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to debut in a North American sports league at just 14 years and 293 days old.

    Our best sports 📾 of the week

    Patti LaBelle performs the National Anthem before the start of the All-Star Game on Tuesday.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. We decided to run back MLB All-Star week one more time, along with the awesome events and moments that surrounded it. Check it out right here.

    Mike Sielski’s take 


    In his latest column, Mike Sielski takes a look at the binding popularity and power of our city’s sports statues. Julia Duarte / Staff Illustration, Photo by Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    “Think of the controversies that have followed [city statues] 
 controversy that on the surface, is about what the statues represent and where they belong, but that is really about class, commercialism, and community.” — In his latest video op-ed, Mike Sielski examines the decision to have a full-on Rocky Exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum, and sees it as a sign that the city has finally fully embraced the statue’s popularity, and power.

    What you’re saying about sports movies

    We asked: What’s your favorite sports movie?

    Rocky No. 1, hands down. Not only did the storyline embrace the character and culture of the city, but the soundtrack still permeates the Linc on any given Sunday! The Rocky statue is an iconic tourist attraction, and chanting “Yo Adrian!” is an ice breaker at any local event in and around the city. — Bob C.

    My favorite sports movie is Field of Dreams, but my second is an old comedy of my youth in 1949 called It Happens Every Spring, starring Ray Milland and Philadelphia’s Paul Douglas, who at one time announced Penn football games. — Everett S.

    My favorite sports movie was “Eight Men Out”, the story of the men who participated in the Black Sox gambling scandal. This was a fascinating look at the people involved in fixing the 1919 World Series. You realize after watching the movie that these men weren’t necessarily the evil people they have been portrayed to be, although their actions were absolutely abhorrent. — Tom E.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Isabella DiAmore, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Kerith Gabriel, Ariane Datil, Mike Sielski, Sam Morris, Matt Mullin, Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Becca O’Reilly, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

    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 the week. Appreciate you hanging with me for a good chunk of it. Here’s to smokeless skies and Schwarbombs all weekend. We’ll catch you on Monday. — Kerith

  • 🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    While Independence Day has passed, it won’t be the last time fireworks light up the summer sky.

    America’s 250th birthday celebration continues Saturday with the Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival.

    More than 100 local food vendors, live music, a pop-up beer garden, and a fireworks show will take over Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack.

    Read below to see what else is happening in the region.

    Also in this week’s edition:

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

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

    Diplo’s Run Club returns to South Philly

    Diplo’s Run Club in San Francisco in 2024. The DJ-producer brings the 5K to FDR Park in South Philly on Saturday, in a Make The World Better Concert Weekend adjacent event.Prscilla Rodriguez

    Lace up your running shoes and don’t forget your headphones: Diplo’s Run Club Philadelphia is back for another sprint in South Philly.

    The 5Kfun begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field. Once runners cross the finish line, the football field transforms into a concert venue for Diplo’s post-race performance.

    Purchase tickets here.

    The best things to do this week

    Alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune is to headline Saturday at Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival.

    đŸ„˜ Wickedly Gluten Free: Drop in to the Wicked Gluten Free Expo this Saturday for allergen free, vegan, and gluten-free vendors. There will also be free product samples, a kid’s play area, and over 100 exhibitors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

    đŸŽș Get Jazzy in West Philly: The Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival returns Saturday with live music, food trucks and local vendors at Saunders Park Greene.

    đŸŽș All Love Block Party: Stop into West Philly for the ninth All Love Block Party, featuring a stacked lineup of local DJs, live performers, and Black-owned vendors.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Philly Youth Music Fest, Summerfest in Northern Liberties, Jewelry Swap with Yam Jewelry. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Fireworks continue to light the summer sky

    Fireworks fill the sky at the One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival returns to Harrah’s Philadelphia on Saturday with more than 100 vendors, including local food trucks, a pop-up beer garden, and an antique and general vendor market.

    Mechanical bull rides, live performances, and a family fun zone round out the festivities before a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

    The festival kicks of at 2 p.m.

    Purchase tickets here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    People at the Parks on Tap – Water Works traveling beer garden drink as the setting sun reflects off of the Schuyllkill, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    🍛 Specialty dishes in UCity: Get a taste of specialty discounted dishes for University City Dining Days. Select restaurants will offer three-course meals ranging from $20-40 through July 26.

    🎣 Good catch my friend: Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 offers families a chance to learn the fishing basic – rods, tackle, and instructions provided. Participants ages 5 and older can try their new skills on the Delaware River.

    đŸș Parks on Tap: This week, the traveling beer garden is in East Falls’ McMichael Park through Sunday.

    💐 A second life: Wood recovered from Morris Arboretum & Garden is transformed into beautiful arches and trellises for the new exhibition, Exuberant Blooms.

    Staffer picks

    Earth, Wind & Fire – (from left) Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson – brought a party to The Theater at MGM National Harbor Dec. 12, 2025 at the first of two sold-out shows at the venue.Vickey Ford for Live Nation

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week from our music critic Dan DeLuca.

    🎾 Thursday: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire take over Xfinity Mobile Arena for an all-in-one celebration of R&B, soul, disco, funk, and jazz.

    đŸŽ¶ Friday: While the FIFA Fan Festival runs through Sunday, the final show in the concert series will feature dance-pop singer Bebe Rexha.

    🎾 Saturday: Philly bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma teams up with Sun Ra Arkestra leader Marshall Allen for a performance at the Grounds for Sculpture stage in Hamilton, N.J.

    đŸŽ€ Monday: North Carolina rap star J. Cole says his new album, The Fall Off is his last. That’s to be seen. For now, he’s bringing “The Fall-Off World Tour” to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday and Tuesday.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Diplo returns to Philadelphia for his annual 5k run. While the DJ and record producer largely grew up in Miami, what local university did he graduate from?

    A) Drexel University

    B) La Salle University

    C) Thomas Jefferson University

    D) Temple University

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What Chestnut Hill tavern created the signature Philly sandwich, the Schmitter? Answer: McNally’s Tavern

    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 him for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Alright folks, that’s it for this week’s edition. Have fun and hydrate. It’s going to be another simmering weekend. But take it from me, it will be well-worth the extra sweat.

    – 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
  • 😋 Settling the boardwalk pizza debate | Down the Shore

    😋 Settling the boardwalk pizza debate | Down the Shore

    Are we even still talking about pizza down the Shore? Just on the Ocean City boardwalk alone, there are so many other intriguing options: lobster rolls, Greek nachos, pierogis, birria tacos, smash burgers, Korean corn dogs, japchae, acai bowls.

    But, like the rhythm of the tides that everyone should be checking before deciding where to put their chairs (see more on that below), the Shore conversation invariably turns to pizza.

    Even on Peacock’s megahit Love Island USA, where Cape May’s Sincere Rhea barely survived a villain edit this summer, he and Philly not-quite girlfriend Melanie Moreno were planning a pizza date for when they’re down the Shore. “Pizza is such a staple on the boardwalk,” muses Melanie in the Sunday finale. “Walking around with a big slice of pizza on the boardwalk,” agrees Sincere. So here we are. Genuinely, as the Islanders say over and over again.

    In Ocean City, where people can, genuinely, be found walking down the boardwalk with whole pies under their arms, I have tried to settled the big debate: Manco’s, Preps, or, new this year, Alex’s? Or is there a wild card?

    The big three feature the ringed sauce that is Ocean City’s signature. I liked my slice this week at Preps better than at a previous outing, so if you like a thicker cheese-forward slice, yet three solid rings of sauce, Preps is for you. I’m no Manco’s hater, and I am typically happy at the Ninth Street counter with a slice and a diet soda, but this time, at 12th Street, I was underwhelmed. Maybe it was just too hot out. Maybe it was that the hose-applied ring of sauce left too much of the slice near the crust sauce-free. Meanwhile, Alex’s, hailing from Roxborough, is a similar style, but crispier. The sauce on my slice was a bit well done. Maybe it had sat in the oven too long? It didn’t sing. I agree with others, including Craig LaBan in this summer’s Shore food review, that Alex’s standout is its smash burger.

    So which is best? My answer: Roma’s!

    The best slice I tried came from this shop in that famous 600 block of the boardwalk, shared with the former home of Wonderland Pier. That was a New York-style slice straight out of my childhood. Tangy, saucy, fresh cheese, just a hint of oil, charred yet foldable. Nicely done, Roma! If a big hotel will keep business humming at Roma, I say reason enough.

    📼 What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten down the Shore? What do you wish there was more of (fresh seafood shacks)? And, OK, what’s your go-to pizza? Let me know what you think by replying to this email and I’ll include your most interesting responses in a future newsletter. And check out LaBan’s full Shore dining report here.

    Have ideas or news tips about the Shore or this newsletter? Send them to me here.

    🌞 It’s heating up again, with a dreaded west wind and some weekend showers in the forecast. (Not to mention some air quality concerns from Canadian wildfires). But you never know.

    — Amy S. Rosenberg (@amysrosenberg, on instagram @amysrosenberg. 📧 Email me here.)

    Shore talk

    🏀 Jalen Brunson, the de facto mayor of Margate, was photographed outside the Other Lucy Grille near the Elephant with his arm in a sling. This caused an uproar in New York media and beyond.

    đŸ§č Brunson, meanwhile, was plugging local business Shore Schleppers.

    🏠 This couple wanted to recreate their Shore memories. So they rebuilt a house in Strathmere.

    đŸ›„ïž John Kruk and Randy Quaid were named the grand marshals for this year’s Night in Venice boat parade.

    đŸšïž Neighbors demand action on a Wildwood abandoned house.

    đŸ’ƒđŸ» Thousands danced on Atlantic City’s beach during the 10th anniversary of the BRT Festival, this year featuring Lauryn Hill.

    What to eat/What to do

    🍅 Eat like LaBan: More suggestions from our restaurant critic Craig LaBan, from LBI to Cape May.

    🏈 Vacation like Kelce: Sea Isle and Strathmere make the perfect Philly road trip, says writer Adam Erace.

    🎭 Eye-gore: Go see the musical version of Young Frankenstein at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven.

    đŸŽč One of us: Joan Osborne is coming to Cape May as part of the city’s summer music series.

    đŸ–Œïž Check out artist Johnny Dreamawake’s new painted electric boxes in A.C.’s Orange Loop neighborhood.

    đŸ‘©đŸœâ€đŸŽš Visit the new MudGirls Studios on Arctic Avenue in Atlantic City. MudGirls is a nonprofit whose mission is “empowering disadvantaged women through the making of functional ceramic art and architectural tiles.”

    Shore snapshot

    Spectacular sunsets are an almost everyday occurrence in Strathmere. Monday, June 29, 2026.Vernon Ogrodnek / For The Inquirer

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which two beach towns had boardwalks that were destroyed in the Great Hurricane of 1944 and never rebuilt?

    A. Margate and Ventnor

    B. Beach Haven and Stone Harbor

    C. Ocean City and Margate

    D. Wildwood and Wildwood Crest

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

    👙 Ask Down the Shore

    Tony Santini asks: I have been doing the Shore my entire life. I still pack an outfit for every day and an outfit for every night. Am I weird? Do other people do this or do they just throw stuff in a suitcase and wear the same things over and over because they are “on vacation down the shore?”

    So this topic came up when I wrote about the Shore’s ultimate beach bum, Bruno Battaglia, who logged countless hours on Ventnor’s Newport Avenue beach and mentioned to me that he does, in fact, notice (and judge) when people wear the same bathing suit day after day.

    But let’s face it, the Shore, not to mention the entire state of New Jersey, is nothing if not casual (just look at those lines to get into happy hour at classy places like Dock’s and the Knife and Fork). So I appreciate Tony’s effort to keep things elevated. But I think the majority is falling into the “throw stuff in a suitcase” camp. Plus, they need room for the sheets the rentals don’t provide down the Shore.

    What do you think? How casual is casual? Should we be planning outfits for every day and night? Can Tony recycle a few shirts? Let me and Tony know what you think!

    Your thoughts on: Tide chair etiquette

    Does an early setup mean nobody can sit in front of you when the tide goes out? What about when the tide is coming in, do you have to go to the back of the line or just scrunch closer and closer? Is it just a free-for-all on a narrow beach? We asked our Shore Line text group (join here!).

    We sit back, and like to have a line of vision to our kids but it never fails that people are gonna sit in front of you but I feel like that’s just the nature of the beast.

    Ok to sit in front of others as long as you are willing to move behind others as the tide rolls in.

    We try to get the sweet spot of finding the closest possible high tide placement that way we never have to move and those that grabbed the low tide real estate either head out with the incoming tide or relocate behind us.

    Tide clock is a must.

    I always try to put my chair where I won’t blocking anyone’s view of the ocean. I would hope others would do the same for me.

    Send us your thoughts here.

    Your Shore memory

    Donald Haskin shared this Atlantic City memory:

    My favorite memories come from working as a teenager for my grandfather, Lou Segal, at his North Carolina Ave. parking lot, just down the street from the Chalfont Haddon Hall: Lou, stout and ruddy-cheeked, deploying his incredible people skills on customers, friends and fellow merchants; Uncle Sid’s artistic talents displayed in his incomparable pencil-drawings on the interior walls of the shanty; Ray Martain, the perpetual prognosticator who regaled everyone with his mispronounced “trassic” [traffic] predictions; pre-dawn SOS breakfasts at Frank Burns’ Flying Dutchman on South Carolina Ave. and lunch runs to Kornblau’s on Pacific Ave. for their juicy corned-beef sandwiches. But the topper was the fleet of gleaming white Oldsmobile convertibles racing back and forth across the city during “Pageant Week.” Their annual arrival meant that Grandpop could raise the price for parking from $2.50 to $5.00!

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

    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.

  • 🎓 All expenses paid | Inquirer South Jersey

    🎓 All expenses paid | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Hot temperatures will continue, so don’t forget to drink water today. The state has experienced an uptick in heat-related deaths from last year, according to New Jersey Monitor.

    After winning a prestigious all-expenses-paid scholarship, a Haddonfield High School student has a blank check to attend any college he wants in the country.

    And the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office quietly closed the investigation into the 2022 death of a Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office K-9.

    Plus, the politics surrounding FEMA may complicate Camden getting federal aid, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

    P.S. Thank you for your continuing support. We want your thoughts! Tell us your opinion of the newsletter by taking our survey or replying to this email.

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

    🎓 A blank check for college tuition

    Luke Patterson will start his final year at Haddonfield Memorial High School with one less thing to consider: how to pay for college.

    The student won an all-expenses-paid merit scholarship from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. The award will cover Patterson’s tuition, room and board, and other related expenses for any college he wants to attend in the U.S.

    He’s among five students nationwide selected, and the first one to ever win from South Jersey.

    The Inquirer’s Melanie Burney has more on the scholarship and the impressive student.

    A state investigation into a 2022 K-9 death is closed

    Four years ago, a K-9 working for the Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office and another dog died after an official allegedly left them in a hot vehicle.

    On July 8, Gloucester County received notice that the Attorney General’s Office closed the state investigation into the incident with no criminal charges attached.

    That was one day after the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office charged a sergeant for a May incident in which the official allegedly left two K-9s in a work vehicle.

    Now, a Gloucester County commissioner is using the more recent case to renew interest in the 2022 case and push for justice.

    Reporter Sarah Nicell has the story.

    What to know today

    đŸ—“ïž The best things to do this week

    đŸ€  Stampede Rodeo and Bull Riding: The event is a two-day affair full of bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Enjoy food vendors, live music, and a beer garden. ⏰ Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 7 p.m. đŸ’” $25 for adults, $12 for children under 12 if you buy tickets online ahead of time📍 Miller Farms Arena, 134 N. Grove St., Berlin.

    🎉 South Jersey Caribbean Festival: This 26th annual free family event features live music and dance performances, food and craft vendors, and community resources. ⏰ Saturday, July 18, 2-8 p.m. đŸ’” Pay-as-you-go📍Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Dr., Camden.

    âšœ SoccerFest26 World Cup Final Watch Party & Community Soccer Tournament: Start your morning with the tournament among recreational teams from across the region. In the afternoon, cheer with fans at the viewing party for the World Cup Final. ⏰ Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m- 5 p.m. đŸ’” Pay-as-you-go 📍 South Delsea Drive Park, 152 Delsea Dr. South, Glassboro.

    See more event listings here.

    🧠 Trivia time

    The owner of South Jersey’s Tideline added the Liquid Asset to her drink menu with a eye-popping price tag. It consists of tequila, an ice cube, a red chili pepper — and a speedboat. How much is it?

    A) $50

    B) $500,000

    C) $760,000

    D) $1.1 million

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re 


    🍅 Appreciating: The region’s farm stands.

    ⚟ Discovering: The Phillie Phanatic’s true identity.

    🏠 Ogling: A rebuilt Shore home after a couple spent years designing it. (Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email — and send some digital photographs — at properties@inquirer.com.)

    Thank you for starting your morning with The Inquirer. I’ll be off for a couple of days, but my editor Julie will step in to take over Friday and Monday, so there will not be a gap in your news roundups. See you soon! ☀

    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.

  • N.J. apartments back from the brink | Real Estate Newsletter

    N.J. apartments back from the brink | Real Estate Newsletter

    “Everybody complains about traffic.”

    That’s what real estate lawyer Mark Kaplin told The Inquirer’s Chester County reporter Brooke Schultz this week when she asked about pushback to development projects.

    It made me laugh out loud. After years of editing real estate stories, I’ve learned that he is so right.

    Kaplin talks about his latest work with Exton Square Mall and how it’s becoming harder to to get stuff done in the city and the burbs.

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

    — Erica Palan

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

    From ‘deplorable’ to ‘simply remarkable’

    Karen Merricks, a nearly 30-year resident of a Camden apartment building once known as Northgate 1, is finally feeling safer in her home.

    After years of poor conditions, a new owner purchased the building in 2024. Renamed the Encore and given a complete overhaul, the building now offers tenants:

    👚 a working laundry room for the first time in years

    🛜 free internet access for 15 years

    đŸ„• an urban farm where residents get first dibs at veggies

    🛝 an indoor playground and children’s room

    🔍 increased security

    The building’s future as affordable housing has also been secured for the next 20 years.

    Read more about how the property, originally planned as a luxury residence, fell into disrepair and then came back from the brink.

    ‘Hitting the lottery’

    Is there anything more heartwarming than a dream realized? One thing I enjoy about real estate stories is that people often talk about how hard they worked to buy their homes. It reminds me that we can do tough things.

    Amanda Caroccio, a single mom in South Jersey, is a perfect example. “For a long time I didn’t think it was going to happen,” she said of homeownership. But little by little, she saved, sometimes working a whole month without a day off, and last year, she was able to purchase her dream home in Haddonfield.

    She calls it “one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.”

    Read more about how she did it and what it means to her family.

    📼 Did you recently buy a home in the Philadelphia area or South Jersey? Share the story of how you did it. Email Inquirer real estate reporters at properties@inquirer.com.

    The latest news to pay attention to

    Home tour: A Shore house to remember

    ‘Tis the season to fantasize about owning a Shore house. In my dreams, I have an outdoor shower, a covered porch, and a dining table big enough for my whole family to sit comfortably.

    This week’s homeowners took that last point seriously and had two kitchens put into their house when they rebuilt it.

    That’s just one of the special details in this spacious abode. There’s also a secret wine cave, custom book cases, stained glass transoms, whimsical light fixtures, and two bedrooms with decks.

    See more photos of this Strathmere stunner, including my favorite detail: the just-quirky-enough jellyfish wallpaper pictured above.

    đŸ“· 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.

    And congrats to Diane B. and Michele G. for correctly guessing last week’s photo location: the fountain at Logan Square. Lars W. gets bonus points for knowing its proper name: Swann Memorial Fountain.

    –

    I pride myself on knowing a lot of Philly trivia, but I learned something new in choosing last week’s photo.

    The fountain was designed by Alexander Stirling Calder (no, not the same Calder as the new Parkway museum; that’s his son). Tuck that one away for your next Quizzo night.

    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.

  • Property tax pushback | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning, Philly. We’re in for a hot and smoky day.

    We start with beef between Philly City Council members and the mayor’s office over rising property assessments. And Council members say: Homeowners “deserve answers now.”

    And smoke is drifting into Philly from Canadian wildfires, and from a large junkyard fire in Delco. It’s enveloping the region.

    Plus, Philly DA Larry Krasner was subpoenaed over immigration records, and more news of the day.

    — Tommy Rowan (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    Fighting a tax hike

    Members of Philadelphia City Council say they are concerned that the city’s recently released property reassessments will mean tax hikes for thousands of residents — and they are demanding to know more about the methodology used to determine property values.

    Councilmember Mike Driscoll, a Democrat who represents the Lower Northeast, authored a letter sent Monday to Chief Assessment Officer James Aros Jr. and other top officials in Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration, expressing concerns on behalf of a half dozen Council members.

    He wrote that his office has received “numerous” calls from constituents whose homes will see sharp increases in valuation, the measure that is used to calculate property tax bills.

    Citywide, there was a 3% median change in valuations from the 2025 tax year, the last time there was a mass reassessment, according to an Inquirer analysis of assessments of single-family homes.

    But some neighborhoods saw much steeper increases.

    Get the full scoop from reporter Anna Orso.

    Smoky forecast

    It’s about to get both hot and smoky in the Philly region.

    High temperatures and high humidity, which started on Wednesday and will continue into Friday, will be met by smoke drifting south from a batch of Canadian wildfires.

    The smoke will bring hazy skies and fine particle pollutants that can irritate lungs and increase health threats to those with asthma and respiratory illnesses.

    Additionally, smoke from a large scrapyard fire in Delaware County has prompted the Health Department to urge residents to take precautions to avoid exposure.

    Read the full report from Frank Kummer here.

    Also: Amtrak and SEPTA were slowing trains down by 5 to 10 mph on Wednesday, and Amtrak was canceling some Acela and Northeast Regional train trips, because of the heat.

    And in related news: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Mayor Parker are assessing whether they’ll need to ask the federal government for help following recent storms in Philly and Camden as President Donald Trump rejects more disaster aid from blue areas.

    What you should know today

    • A U.S. House committee has asked District Attorney Larry Krasner to turn over documents related to his office’s handling of immigration matters. They want the documents by the end of July.
    • The Trump administration has installed its own version of history with new displays at the President’s House site. Meanwhile, President’s House advocates are vowing to keep fighting.
    • President Trump used a visit to Central Pennsylvania as a chance to promote defense investments in the state and say Gov. Josh Shapiro is “overrated.”
    • A former Bucks County man who voted twice for Trump in the 2020 election was sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years of probation.
    • The city government will assume control of the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, the only program in the city that offers free sexual assault exams, after years of uncertainty over how the center would be managed and financed.
    • Three major Philadelphia-area health systems — Jefferson, Nemours, and Temple — are exploring an alliance to support financially struggling St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia, its leaders announced.
    • Almost half of Pennsylvania voters say they are worse off financially compared to one year ago, while nearly 3 in 4 say they don’t want an artificial intelligence data center in their backyard, according to new poll.

    Quote of the day

    Sports columnist Marcus Hayes thinks Phillies star pitcher Zack Wheeler and star slugger Bryce Harper are acting weird. He wonders: Is it the pressure for the Phillies to win, or is it just us?

    🧠 Trivia time

    This Washington, D.C.-based bagel sandwich shop has signed for a third Philly location before its first two have spread a single schmear.

    A) Text Your Sister

    B) Help Your Father

    C) Call Your Mother

    D) Walk The Dog

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🕙 Waiting on. The House passed a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the nation. Critics have concerns. And, yes, we have tried this before.

    🙏 Mourning. Mark Donovan Hagins, an actor, teacher, and producer who knew everyone in Philadelphia’s theater community, from the upstarts to the grizzled veterans, died at his home on June 24. He was 56.

    ⚟ Anticipating. Baseball celebrated itself with a sparkling All-Star Week in Philadelphia. Next up: Avoiding self-destruction with a looming labor fight.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: Eleven locals took part in a tribute to this 1993 classic film at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

    HOTEL STAND

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

    Cheers to Ann A. Walker, who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Federal Donuts. The restaurant group Cook N Solo will close three Center City Federal Donuts & Chicken locations and shrink its Goldie falafel chain from four shops to one.

    Photo of the day

    Nahir Albright, of Sicklerville fishes with his daughter Gia Albright, 5.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    And we end today with this lovely shot of a father and daughter fishing on the Cooper River on Wednesday in Collingswood.

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

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