Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Category: Newsletters

  • Day vs. night in Collingswood | Inquirer South Jersey

    Day vs. night in Collingswood | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey. Be safe out there: The heat wave returns this week.

    Business owners in Collingswood want their section of Haddon Avenue to be as busy at night as it is during the daytime.

    And a Camden high-rise that was known for subpar conditions underwent a major overhaul via $130 million worth of renovations.

    Plus, Red Bank Battlefield is closed until further notice because of Saturday’s storm damage, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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

    P.S. Thank you for choosing this newsletter to provide you with your daily dose of South Jersey news. We want your input on how we’re doing! Tell us by taking our survey.

    Wishing for an evening boost

    Collingswood has garnered a reputation for its vibrant downtown, which is clear to see in its daytime foot traffic.

    But according to the town’s business owners, it’s a different story during the weekday evenings. And they seem to agree that’s because of Collingwood’s dry status.

    While they deal with slower nights, a few eye nearby Haddonfield, which is also a dry town but allows businesses to operate under state-issued manufacturing licenses beyond just beer. It’s the reason why it now has a brewery, a wine tasting room, and a distillery.

    Read more to learn how businesses navigate the drastic differences between night and day in Collingswood.

    A $130 million overhaul

    An influx of $130 million transformed a Camden high-rise previously known for its poor living conditions.

    The affordable housing tower once known as Northgate 1 is now The Encore.

    Extensive renovations allowed all of the units to get new kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, and more. It also beefed up security measures like cameras, access control, and fencing.

    The building is restricted to households that make no more than 60% of the median income.

    Reporter Lacey Latch has more details on the massive upgrades.

    What to know today

    • Cleanup from Saturday’s series of microburst storms was still ongoing on Monday. The storms caused flooding on several roads in West Deptford, Woodbury, and Woodbury Heights. Red Bank Battlefield is closed until further notice because of significant damage, according to officials from National Park.
    • Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched SimpleFile, a new and free website for families to apply for the state’s Child Tax Credit.
    • Two Camden students became champions of the Philadelphia MLB Players STEM League regional tournament. Their prize included tickets to a Phillies game and a behind-the-scenes look at the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.
    • Throughout the week, there will be several roadwork projects in Camden County. Most will occur in Camden and Gloucester Township.
    • Drive-thru-only coffeehouse chain 7 Brew Coffee is one step closer to opening in Lawnside. 42 Freeway reports that last week, crews demolished the former gas station on the White Horse Pike property that will soon become the new store.
    • Gather To Graze, the business known for its charcuterie boxes and boards, will move from Mullica Hill to downtown Swedesboro, according to 42 Freeway.

    đŸ—Łïž Quote of the week

    The recent high school graduate from Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees only started running track as a freshman. She’s now one of the most accomplished runners in state history.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Where is the Campbell’s Co. based?

    A) Pitman

    B) Camden

    C) Medford

    D) Voorhees

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🌼 Craving: Tacos from La Ingrata in Camden.

    🩖 Touring: The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University.

    🏀 Checking: The Bron-O-Meter, our unscientific tracker on the likelihood of LeBron James coming to the Sixers.

    And that should you get started for the day. I’ll catch you tomorrow. đŸ‘‹đŸœ

    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.

  • đŸšČ A rise in e-bike crashes | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning, Philly. It’s expected to be another warm one today, with highs in the low 90s. The rest of the week will be just as hot.

    Philadelphia has seen a boom in e-bike and e-scooter use, but the vehicles come with a more dangerous price than traditional cycling. Injuries from electric bikes and scooters rose by 40% between 2024 and 2025.

    Three Philadelphia City Council districts have emerged as key battlegrounds in the 2027 election. All 17 sitting City Council members appear poised to seek reelection next year, but a wave of potential challengers are gearing up to take on the old guard.

    Plus, Bryce Harper spoke out about a video he made that went to a FanDuel customer with a gambling addiction, and more news of the day.

    — Sam Stewart (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    The dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters

    Last year, more traffic crashes causing injury and death in Philadelphia involved electric bikes and scooters than manual ones, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data. The finding highlights a new reality in which e-bikes and e-scooters present a major safety problem, the state confirmed.

    The high numbers of injuries and deaths point to the need for legal clarity, statewide safety regulations, and new infrastructure to protect users of e-bikes, e-scooters, and bicycle riders from cars and trucks, advocates contend.

    E-bikes and scooters are poorly defined in Pennsylvania law. The ambiguity makes it hard for governments to identify problems; PennDot did not analyze separate crash data for the electric devices until 2024, for instance.

    Several bills to regulate these vehicles have been proposed in the state legislature, but none have been passed.

    City Council gears up for elections

    Philadelphia City Council is already looking to 2027. And with all 17 seats on the ballot next spring, the elections are shaping up to be a pivotal test of whether the city’s established politicians can withstand a rising tide of frustration with the party among Democratic voters.

    Every incumbent has said they intend to run for reelection, and several are likely to face serious challenges from new candidates focused on grassroots organizing and progressive groups. Three districts have emerged as key battlegrounds.

    In the North Philadelphia-based 5th District, at least four people are considering challenging Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., a freshman lawmaker who has championed controversial legislation and at times publicly clashed with constituents.

    And the city’s progressive organizations, emboldened by a series of wins locally and nationally, are targeting two other districts: the 1st, which stretches from South Philadelphia to Fishtown and is represented by Councilmember Mark Squilla, and the 8th, which includes parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia and is represented by Councilmember Cindy Bass.

    The Inquirer’s Anna Orso and Sean Collins Walsh have the full story.

    What you should know today

    • Bryce Harper, the Phillies’ All-Star first basemen, claimed that he was unknowingly working on behalf of FanDuel when he recorded a personalized video for a man with a gambling addiction who had placed millions of dollars in bets on the site.
    • Temple University will make student retention a focus in the year ahead with new programming for the first-year student experience and other efforts in the works as it seeks to reverse troubling trends in enrollment and matriculation.
    • Thomas Jefferson University is bringing its medical education offerings to Allentown, with a new four-year regional campus set to enroll students in 2029, officials announced.
    • For the first time in two decades, more money will soon be flowing into the pockets of Pennsylvania’s retired public school teachers, firefighters, police officers and other state employees.
    • A Philadelphia judge has blocked the city from resuming work to upgrade protections for the bike lanes along Pine and Spruce Streets in Center City, the latest turn in a high-profile legal battle.
    • Philadelphia last week took a step toward renewing its contract with a controversial Chester trash incinerator after a high-profile bill to ban the city from doing so failed to garner enough support in City Council.
    • Asylon Robotics, a 100-employee robot software and hardware maker based in Norristown, says it has been selected to test its network of doglike robots, flying robots, and software links at the Air Force’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Georgia.

    Quote of the day

    Richard D. Wood Jr., chair emeritus and former CEO and president of Wawa Inc., Convenience Store News Hall of Famer, lawyer, trustee, mentor, veteran, and philanthropist, died on July 10. He was 88. For more than 40 years, Wood supervised Wawa’s multistate expansion, and through it all, he remained affable and curious, friends and family said.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which Phillies legend made an appearance behind the counter of Sarcone’s Bakery earlier this week?

    A) Jimmy Rollins

    B) Ryan Howard

    C) Chase Utley

    D) Cole Hamels

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What (and whom) we’re …

    âšœ Looking forward to: The U.S. women’s soccer team returning to Subaru Park in October. They’ll face the reigning World Cup champion, Spain.

    🩅 Learning about: Jonathan Jones and Samori Touré, who have just joined the Eagles.

    👀 Keeping an eye on: Pennsylvania lawmakers have only days to set sentencing guidelines for felony murder cases. Hundreds of cases are on the line.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: đŸŽ¶ Baby, you light up my world like nobody else / The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed / But when you smile at the ground, it ain’t hard to tell / You don’t know, oh-oh, you don’t know you’re beautiful. đŸŽ¶

    INSULT MOON SOIL

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

    Cheers to Lori Franzke, who solved Monday’s anagram: Cristopher Sánchez. Sánchez, the Phillies’ ace, has been informed he’s the choice to start for the National League on Tuesday night in Citizens Bank Park, a league source confirmed.

    Photo of the day

    Utility workers restore power on Beacom Lane in Merion Station on Monday, as cleanup continues following the weekend’s microbursts that ripped through parts of the city and Montgomery County, downing trees and power lines and causing outages and road closures.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    🌳 One last thing: Hundreds of trees fell in Philadelphia within a matter of minutes during Saturday’s storm. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” said the Parks and Recreation commissioner.

    👋 Have a good day, everyone. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning.

    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.

  • Jenkintonians rebuild local playground | Inquirer Greater Abington

    Hello, Greater Abington!

    Welcome to the inaugural edition of Inquirer Greater Abington, your go-to weekly roundup of the top stories affecting your community, from updates on your local government leaders and schools to restaurant openings and events. We hope to make your day a little easier with helpful and accurate news you can really use.

    👋 I’m Laura, your trusty newsletter writer. I’ve called Greater Philadelphia home for about 12 years, and am endlessly charmed by the distinct identities of every borough, township, suburb, and city neighborhood. I hope this space will become your reliable news hub for everything Abington, Jenkintown, Cheltenham, and Elkins Park.

    I’m hopeful I’ll hear feedback from you as this newsletter grows. Seriously, I want to know what you like most about this digest, what’s not working for you, and any suggestions for improvement or story tips. Just be nice — you’ve got real humans working on the other end of this thing.

    Now, let’s get into the news.

    Jenkintown residents are leading the charge on planning and fundraising for the borough’s new $1.3 million playground project. Also this week, e-bikes and e-scooters face a potential ban in parts of Abington, eligible homeowners can apply for emergency home repairs assistance, and arrests were made in two nearly identical cases affecting both the Abington and Cheltenham school districts after adult men allegedly had illegal sexual contact with students who are minors.

    — Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)

    P.S. Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greaterabington@inquirer.com.

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

    Who’s rebuilding Jenkintown’s only playground? Maybe you are.

    Jenkintown’s community-oriented, DIY spirit is on full display as residents gear up to build the borough’s new playground at the end of the month, following the beloved Jenkintown Castle demolition in April. Dubbed Legacy Park, the forthcoming $1.3 million project will include slides, swings, a toddler section, and an imaginative play area with a stage donated by Jenkintown Music Theatre.

    Local volunteers have spearheaded planning and fundraising for the playground, while contractors will handle tasks such as land work, water drainage, and installing equipment to ensure safety and longevity.

    The hands-on effort reflects Jenkintonians’ desire for the playground “to be a community project that benefits the most people,” said Kelly Hudson, a volunteer who helms the newly formed playground board. “We’re very prideful about our small little town.”

    The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan, who covers all things Greater Abington, has the details on the project, including how you can volunteer to be part of it.

    💡 Community news

    • Abington is moving toward banning e-bikes and e-scooters at public parks and trails following crashes across the region, but some local cyclists argue the current proposed ban is too broad.
    • Phillip Prince, a 40-year-old Glenside man, has been charged with attempted murder after Montgomery County prosecutors said he intentionally drove his car into a cyclist, The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella reports.
    • Neighbors can sue Gov. Josh Shapiro and his wife, Lori, as regular Montgomery County homeowners, but not in his official capacity, a federal judge ruled — something they’re pursuing after claiming the Shapiros used yard space that doesn’t belong to them to build an eight-foot security fence.
    • Commuters using the Jenkintown-Wyncote station will soon see a development underway that will include 86 apartments. Plus, 40 new apartments are headed to the former Helweg funeral home site in Jenkintown.
    • Some Abington residents are eligible to apply for a piece of the $200,000 Pennsylvania recently awarded to the township’s emergency home repairs program.
    • Area residents are taking to social media to share fond memories of Weinrich’s Bakery patriarch Edward Weinrich, who ran the Willow Grove family institution for decades. Weinrich died last month at 92.
    • Cheltenham’s board of commissioners has selected Jonathan Altshul, current town manager of Newington, Connecticut, as the township’s new incoming manager, per Glenside Local. He’ll be formally appointed at the board’s legislative meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Curtis Hall in Wyncote, as well as on Zoom.
    • Jenkintown’s Capricorn Books has moved to a new location, Glenside Local reports.

    đŸ« Schools briefing

    • Abington’s new forthcoming middle school, part of a $285 million project, could feature more parking, a class “pod” setup, and layouts for easier monitoring of classrooms and bathrooms.
    • A 21-year-old Philadelphia man, Jamaal Raheem, has been charged with unlawful sexual contact with a minor and related crimes after allegedly posing as a teenager to persuade an underage student to enter Cheltenham High School after hours.
    • Abington School District has launched an internal investigation to review security protocols after a nearly identical case, in which police charged Raeem Grange-Allen, 25, with attempted rape by force and attempted statutory sexual assault of a 14-year-old student who let him inside Abington Senior High School, according to a police affidavit.

    đŸœïž On our plate

    • Four Jenkintown bars participated in a Nicolas Cage-themed bar crawl last month, shaking up themed cocktails inspired by the actor and hosting “Cage match” challenges based on his films. Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr details her experience at the crawl, likening it to many of Cage’s movies: “not a blockbuster, but still quirky and fun.”

    🎳 Things to do

    🎹 Blacklight Ben Franklin Bridge 100th Anniversary: Get smocked up and bring your artistic vision of the century-old bridge to life during this guided, BYOB painting session. ⏰ Friday, July 17, 7-9 p.m. đŸ’” $45 📍 Painting With a Twist, Jenkintown

    đŸ§” Flag-Making Workshop: Get hands on with a variety of fabrics and materials to create a one-of-a-kind flag that tells your story. ⏰ Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m.-noon đŸ’” Free 📍 Abington Art Center

    đŸ„ Free Summer Concert Series: Soak in the summer night while jamming out to the tunes of Irish band Shades of Green. ⏰ Saturday, July 18, 6 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 High School Park, Elkins Park

    🏡 On the market

    A 20th-century Tudor with elegant details

    The great room inside 1952 Canterbury Road in Abington.

    This property in Abington’s Baederwood neighborhood was constructed in 1938 for the Pennsylvania family behind now-defunct Laird & Schober Shoes, according to the listing. Details in this five-bedroom home include stone fireplaces, a handcrafted staircase in the foyer, and a great room with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, glass-paneled walls, and a Juliet balcony.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.2M | Size: 4,328 | Acreage: 0.93

    📈 Greater Abington market report

    Abington

    • Median listing price: $487,500 (down $7,400 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $451,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 25 (up five days from April) 📈

    Jenkintown

    • Median listing price: $275,000 (down $50,000 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $553,800 (up $36,300 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 27 (down 9 days from April) 📉

    Cheltenham

    • Median listing price: $497,800 (up $65,300 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $530,000 (up $48,800 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 25 (up one day from April) 📈

    Elkins Park

    • Median listing price: $496,500 (up $71,600 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $425,000 (up $35,100 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 28 (down three days from April) 📉

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

    đŸ—žïž What other Greater Abington 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.

  • ⚟ Crack of the bat | Sports Daily Newsletter

    ⚟ Crack of the bat | Sports Daily Newsletter

    Think about it. Only eight batters competed in last night’s MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, and two of them were Phillies — one a Commissioner’s Pick in Bryce Harper.

    Speaking of Harper, he’s picking up the pieces from a different spectacle at the moment, but let’s keep it to what’s on tap now, and that is tonight, back at the ballpark for the MLB All-Star Game (8 p.m., FOX).

    Ahead of that, Inquirer writer Scott Lauber sat down with one of the best to ever do it in Phillies pinstripes, former slugger Ryan Howard. The two talked about everything from his time taking part in an All-Star week to Kyle Schwarber chasing down his home run record. It’s a great read to start your Tuesday, but if you’re more of the visual type, you can watch their conversation right here.

    Speaking of Tuesday, we’re looking at a carbon copy of yesterday, with clear skies and highs in the mid-90s. Sounds like a steamy midsummer classic is on the horizon, y’all.

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

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

    ❓Which sport do you think delivers the best All-Star event? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    A man like Marsh

    Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh speaks during the National League media availability at Citizens Bank Park on Monday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    It’s not just that Brandon Marsh has become a beloved figure among fans and most notably in the clubhouse, but that he actually has teammates who are playing the role of proud dad watching him come up through the ranks to what will tonight be his first MLB All-Star appearance.

    But it’s not just that he’s a good-natured, fun-loving guy, he’s also a baller. A dive into his stats and you’ll see that the left-handed Marsh has been a .300 hitter since May of last year, and currently sits with a .301 average and an .829 OPS.

    Even more amazing is that there was a portion of time last year when we were talking about the slump he was in. Inquirer writer Lochlahn March takes a look at Marsh and why he’s a hard man to dislike.

    What we’re…

    đŸ€” Wondering: Is Makai Lemon feeling any pressure from all of the “ready to replace A.J. Brown” comparisons?

    👀 Watching: Sixers forward Johni Broome as he continues to rehab and refocus from an unexpected injury.

    âšœ Sharing: The U.S. women’s national soccer team will play Spain at Subaru Park in Chester in October.

    đŸ‘đŸœ Applauding: Chase Utley coming back to Philly to dish out slices of tomato pie at Sarcone’s Bakery yesterday.

    ‘That would be amazing’

    Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe (left) says that LeBron James was a guy he looked up to and even tried to emulate when he was coming up the ranks in his own basketball career. Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-I

    VJ Edgecombe was already “shocked” at the Sixers going after — and obtaining — former Celtics forward Jaylen Brown during the NBA’s free agency period. Now, he’s holding his breath for the possibility that the Sixers will win again in their still-ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, one of Edgecombe’s basketball idols.

    “I like it,” Edgecombe said at the Sixers’ Summer League practice in Las Vegas. “It’s LeBron James. At the end of the day, despite how old he is, he’s still, to me, the greatest player of all time. If I get to play alongside LeBron, that would be amazing.”

    So how realistic is it, really? It’s what we’re evaluating with our Bron-o-Meter, updating as we get the latest news, reports, and rumors on where King James might take his talents next.

    Road trip

    Over 50 members of the Bonner-Prendie community took a bus to watch alumnus and current Detroit Tigers star Kevin McGonigle play earlier this month.Jason Shepherd

    When Detroit slugger Kevin McGonigle made it to The Show, few people were happier than teachers and administrators at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School.

    They desperately tried to get to a game to see the Delco native, but each notion was interrupted by a school event, except one: a game on July between the Tigers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. So 55 members of the school’s community got on a bus and went to the game to see McGonigle, who rewarded them with a 422-foot home run.

    Now, they have the opportunity to see him in Philly as he was named to the All-Star roster for the American League. Inquirer writer Alex Coffey tells this awesome story of planning, preparation, and a little bit of luck.

    On this date

    July 14, 1951: Today marks the first time a sporting event was televised in color. The station was CBS, and the first-ever sport to go full color? Horse racing. đŸ‡đŸŒ

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    DASHE NAWU

    This former top prospect out of Ohio State is doing what he can to crack the Eagles roster at the cornerback position after an unsuccessful go at a few other spots. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

    🧠 Trivia time

    With the MLB All-Star Game leading off tonight, we wanted to know how many Phillies players have hit a home run in a game. The number was surprising, even to us.

    A) Three

    B) Nine

    C) Seven

    D) Five

    What you’re saying about the MLB All-Star Game

    A line of Phillies hats and other merchandise are on display at the 2026 MLB All-Star Village inside the Convention Center in Philadelphia.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    We asked: What is your favorite part of the MLB All-Star Game?

    My favorite part of the All-Star game, especially as a young fan, was seeing all these great players together. Seeing Stan Musial and Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, the great Willie Mays, and our own Robin Roberts, Mike Schmidt, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Steve Carlton, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, and on and on. And of course, years back, the players from the two leagues only played each other at the All-Star game and the World Series. An all-time favorite All-Star moment was Johnny Callison’s walk-off in New York in 1964. — Everett S.

    I personally love watching the Phillies players who make the team. As a lifelong Phillies fan in a baseball-crazed family, in addition to my favorite part of the whole weekend being the Home Run Derby and all of the smaller events leading up to it, but I do get joy in watching a Phillies player do well in the game. Here’s hoping we get [Kyle] Schwarber, [Bryce] Harper, or [Brandon] Marsh to hit an absolute tank and give us something to be proud of. — Harold W.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Alex Coffey, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Conor Smith.

    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.

  • 🏡 Buying a home in Haddonfield | Inquirer South Jersey

    🏡 Buying a home in Haddonfield | Inquirer South Jersey

    Good morning, South Jersey.

    A local single mom explains how she bought her house in downtown Haddonfield.

    And Freedom Fuel gas stations have begun to pop up across the region, but a lot remains unclear about the operation.

    Plus, thousands of people walked across the Ben Franklin Bridge to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and more news of the day.

    — Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

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

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

    How she bought this house in Haddonfield

    Amanda Caroccio, a child and adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner, was living in a Haddon Township apartment when she decided she wanted to buy a home for herself and her daughter, Giuliana.

    In September 2024, she began to work overtime to build additional savings and slashed her spending except for special occasions.

    By February 2025, she started searching in Haddon Township and Haddonfield to get ahead of the spring competition. In mid-March, she found the house she ended up buying on Zillow.

    “It was my version of hitting the lottery,” said Caroccio, “because it had every single thing on my checklist: updated, small, close to downtown, within walking distance of schools.”

    See the full journey on how she bought her house here.

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

    What we know about Freedom Fuel stations

    For about a week, there has been 25 gas stations with Freedom Fuel Network signs in the greater Philly region selling gas that is 40 to 50 cents cheaper compared to nearby stations.

    Marlton and West Berlin are among the listed South Jersey locations.

    There are several questions surrounding these stations, including how they can offer such low prices. But here’s the latest of what we do know:

    ⛜ The White House and President Donald Trump are promoting the discount gas chain.

    ⛜ There aren’t any businesses registered in Pennsylvania or New Jersey with the name Freedom Fuel Network.

    ⛜ The effort features some local owners.

    For more insight, reporters Rob Tornoe, Ximena Conde, and Ryan W. Briggs have the story.

    What to know today

    • Nino Constantino, 13 and from Westville, died earlier this month in Franklin Township after getting trapped underneath an overturned tractor. His family and friends remember the incoming eighth grader as an adventurous teen who was kind and had a love for the outdoors.
    • A retired South Jersey police officer who worked for the Haddonfield Police Department has been charged with sexually assaulting an underage girl, said Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw on Friday. Louis J. Baselice was taken into custody at the Maple Shade Police Department earlier in the week on Tuesday.
    • Thousands of people crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge on Saturday to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
    • Speaking of the Ben Franklin Bridge, it costs $6 to cross from Camden into Philadelphia. Before it opened a century ago, Pennsylvania officials advocated for it to be free while New Jersey was adamant about charging tolls.
    • According to 70and73, Virtua Health named Dr. Nicole Lamborne, an expert in women’s and children’s health, as its new president of its hospitals in Voorhees and Marlton.
    • The work to repave a section of South Avenue in Mount Holly is set to begin today. The project for the 0.7-mile portion of the road is expected to take two weeks to finish.
    • Although New Jersey was among the states to not attend Trump’s Great American State Fair, one of its exhibits won the Best in Show award, NJ.com reports.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Between 1917 and 1952, which Jersey-based company is known for building more than 2,000 diners across the country?

    A) Mountain View Diners Company

    B) Silk City Diners

    C) Jerry O’Mahony Diner Co.

    D) J.G. Brill Company

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🌉 Wondering: If you can guess the location of the area’s bridges based on these pictures?

    🌊 Exploring: Sea Isle and Strathmere.

    ☀ Protecting: Ourselves from dehydration and heat exhaustion.

    📬 Your South Jersey view

    Crowds of people celebrate the Ben Franklin Bridge’s 100th anniversary of its opening on the Camden side near the toll plaza on Saturday. Taylor Allen

    The below “South Jersey view” came from reader Ed Rivkin, who shared a few memories of the Ben Franklin Bridge on its 100th birthday:

    I’ve never walked across the bridge but have bicycled it hundreds of times. I used to commute into Center City in the 2000s. My commute bicycle was a ‘70s vintage Motobecane 10-speed. During my first ride home in the rain, I discovered that my brakes were totally ineffective. The bicycle had steel rims and when wet, they were almost useless. It was a little harrowing. I bought a set of aluminum wheels the next week. The bike was donated to the Collingswood Bike Share program a few years ago.

    • My only challenge cycling across was in 2008 after our Phillies won in the World Series and masses of people were walking across the bridge to the victory parade. I had a bell on my bike and used it a lot that day crossing the bridge.
    • I encountered Carlos Ruiz once as he was jogging across in the morning on my way to work. The Phillies lost the previous night. He didn’t look very happy.
    • One morning, the air temperature was in the low 20s and I rode into the city facing 20 miles per hour headwind. It took me about 20-30 minutes to defrost. I never rode below 25 degrees again.

    What does your community look like? What South Jersey memory would you like to share? Submit a photo and/or a brief description for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

    đŸ—žïž What other South Jersey residents are reading

    And that should get you started for the day. Thanks for beginning your week with The Inquirer. ☀

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

  • ⭐ Philly’s All-Star moment | Sports Daily Newsletter

    ⭐ Philly’s All-Star moment | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The All-Star festivities are in full swing.

    This weekend was highlighted by the HBCU Swingman Classic, the MLB draft, and the Futures Game, among other events around the city, including the All-Star Village opening, which drew thousands of fans.

    Tonight, the stars will be out during the Home Run Derby at 8 p.m., featuring Phillies sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Will a Phillie take home the crown in their own ballpark?

    Also, Cristopher Sánchez will start the All-Star Game for the National League, and he’s certainly deserving of it. The 29-year-old lefty ranks second in the majors in innings, third in strikeouts, and ninth in ERA. He’ll join Schwarber and Brandon Marsh in the lineup.

    Tuesday night — when the All-Star Game takes place — will be extra special for Delaware County native Kevin McGonigle, who returns to the same stadium he grew up watching games in, this time as a major leaguer himself.

    And the Phillies are going into the All-Star break on a high note after Zack Wheeler threw 10 strikeouts in a 5-0 shutout against Detroit on Sunday.

    — Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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

    ❓What is your favorite part of the MLB All-Star Game? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    Promising weapon

    Makai Lemon will likely slot in as the No. 2 opposite of DeVonta Smith and should be a versatile weapon in Sean Mannion’s offense.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Makai Lemon is Philadelphia’s promising new weapon. DeVonta Smith will be the No. 1 wide receiver with A.J. Brown in New England, but Lemon will likely slot in as the No. 2 opposite.

    Lemon’s ability to play slot and outside makes him a versatile piece in Sean Mannion’s offense. But can he fill the production left by Brown?

    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.

    What we’re…

    ⚟ Tracking: The Phillies completed the draft Sunday, let’s look at their selections — plus which area players were picked.

    đŸ€” Wondering: What Phillies’ top pitching prospect Gage Wood thought about playing in his potential future home during the Futures Game.

    👀 Watching: Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard will host Chase Utley and Cole Hamels on their podcast at All-Star Village on Tuesday.

    📖 Reading: The story behind Tug McGraw gifting his 1980 World Series jersey to a teen fan. Now the jersey will be auctioned off this week.

    Keep proving himself

    Johni Broome has compiled a double-double in each of the Sixers’ first two games in Las Vegas.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Johni Broome was the Sixers’ second-round pick last summer, after blossoming into an All-American for powerhouse Auburn. But the 23-year-old played in 11 NBA regular-season games as a rookie, which was interrupted by knee surgery.

    Now he is looking to “keep proving myself,” and has recorded a double-double in each of the Sixers’ first two Summer League games in Las Vegas.

    Center stage

    Cavan Sullivan has finally broken through with the Union’s first team this year.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    After the U.S. men’s soccer team’s ugly exit from the World Cup, it’s time to look forward to a new era of players — Cavan Sullivan knows he’ll be on many observers’ prospect lists.

    Sullivan will be age 20 by the 2030 World Cup and entering the prime of his career. The hope is he’ll be progressing at his future club, the English Premier League’s Manchester City. For now, he’s focused on getting the Union’s season back on track.

    And although he isn’t retiring yet, the longtime voice of the Union, JP Dellacamera, is choosing to step back from the biggest stage after a tournament on home soil.

    Revive the Orange

    Havertown’s Ryan Daly will serve as an assistant coach this season under first-year head coach Gerry McNamara.Syracuse University Athletic Communications

    At 28 years old, Ryan Daly has climbed the coaching ranks after serving as a college basketball assistant at Albany, Bryant, and Virginia Commonwealth. The Havertown native said none of that would be possible without his Philadelphia basketball roots and the people he met along the way.

    As an assistant at Syracuse, he looks to take on “the challenge of bringing them back” to the top.

    David Murphy’s take

    The Phillies’ Jonathan Bowlan has been one of baseball’s most effective relievers over the past two-plus months.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    By several different metrics, Jonathan Bowlan has been one of the most productive relievers in the majors over the last two-and-a-half months.

    But the real question is quality: Do they believe Bowlan can be an eighth-inning version of Jhoan Duran? As of right now, he looks like the only viable option, writes columnist David Murphy.

    What you’re saying about the Flyers’ roster

    We asked: If you could pick any player, past or present, to immediately join the Flyers, who would it be and why? Among your responses:

    The Flyers are in need of a top line center. Who better to fill the void from the past than Eric Lindross or Bobby Clarke. Lindros for his size and unstoppable physicality and Clarke for his heart and grit. — Bob C.

    Bobby Clark for leadership and the center we need. Reggie Leach for putting the puck in the net. The “Hammer” Dave Schultz for instilling fear in the opposition. Ed VanImp for defense. Bernie! Bernie! For stopping every puck And let us not forget our good luck charm, Kate Smith blasting out “God Bless America”. Get yourself ready for the PARADE DOWN BROAD STREET! — Ronald R.

    If I could pick a past Flyer to immediately join the Flyers it would be the great center they need which would be Bobby Clarke. — Bob G.

    Mark Howe. Best defenseman in Philadelphia Flyers history who would answer a lot of questions. — Alan K.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Matt Breen, Gina Mizell, Ryan Novozinsky, Jonathan Tannenwald, Owen Hewitt, Mia Messina, Gabriela Carroll, and Lauren Jones.

    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 getting your morning started with me. Enjoy the Home Run Derby, we’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday. — Bella

  • Kids left waiting for school buses | Morning Newsletter

    Good morning, Philly! Happy Monday. It’s expected to be another hot one today, with highs nearing the 90s.

    Some special-needs students in Philadelphia say they are waiting hours this summer for buses that never come. The Philadelphia School District acknowledged “significant delays” for some students in the extended school year program.

    And some young, Philly-area workers say they fear remote work more than AI. There are disadvantages to remote and hybrid work, but they can be mitigated.

    Plus, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declared a disaster emergency as Philly cleans up from weekend storms, and more news of the day.

    — Sam Stewart (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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

    🚌 ‘It’s a huge inconvenience’

    Brent Rose and his 9-year-old son, Alexander, were ready for the bus on the first day of a summer school program in North Philadelphia for children with special needs. Alexander, who is on the autism spectrum, was told to be ready for the bus at 8:08 a.m. But when it had not come by 9:30, Rose’s wife drove their son.

    The episode was not an anomaly. Three weeks into the Philadelphia School District’s extended school year program, Rose said that on more than half of the days, his son’s bus simply has not shown up.

    Rose said the district has directed him to call dispatch for First Student, the company that operates his son’s bus route. But often no one answers that line, Rose said.

    A spokesperson for the school district said the district is aware that “some families have experienced transportation delays and service disruptions for the Extended School Year (ESY) programming.”

    The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna has the full story.

    đŸ§‘â€đŸ’» The pros and cons of remote work

    Soon after Aubrey Lee graduated college and moved to Queen Village in 2021, she determined that her burgeoning career in marketing would be aided by time spent in an actual office. She had found it alienating to fully work from home, with little chance to interact with coworkers.

    “I feel like remote work, especially at such an early point in my career, made me more of a face on a Teams screen than an actual person,” said Lee. “I’d also been inside, locked away from my senior year of college during COVID and feeling very isolated.”

    Remote work has many advantages, especially for those with physical disabilities, parents of small children, older workers, and those caring for elderly relatives. It also reduces time spent commuting and money spent eating at restaurants.

    But soon after desks emptied in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, battle lines began forming over the future of the office.

    What you should know today

    • Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has declared a disaster emergency one day after at least four storms known as microbursts ripped through parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, downing trees and power lines and causing electrical outages and road closures.
    • Eastern State Penitentiary opened its new permanent exhibition, “Freedom Through Faith: Judaism at Eastern State and Beyond,” a restored synagogue that’s the first within a U.S. prison.
    • Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said. He was 71.
    • The White House directed FBI Director Kash Patel to oversee a leak investigation into reporting by the New York Times about security issues with the new Air Force One, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
    • A federal judge on Friday night granted the Justice Department’s request to dismiss the seditious-conspiracy case against four top members of the Proud Boys who led a violent mob into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

    Quote of the day

    Susan Morrissey’s body was discovered along the banks of the Brandywine River nearly seven years ago. But to this day, the Delaware County teacher’s murder remains unsolved, and her family is still left wondering what happened.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Which of these counties has drastically reduced homelessness thanks to one family’s hard work along with countywide cross-sector collaboration?

    A) Bucks County

    B) Delaware County

    C) Montgomery County

    D) Chester County

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re…

    🍩 Trying: A new ice cream shop in Fishtown, hailing all the way from Idaho!

    đŸœïž Appreciating: Home AppĂ©tit, a Philly business that started by making dinners for doctors. Now, it’s selling thousands of meals a week.

    ⚟ Listening to: The story behind why Tug McGraw, a beloved Phillie, gave a teen fan his World Series jersey. After decades of holding onto the jersey, its owner is ready to part with it.

    đŸšœ Considering: Does Philly need more public restrooms? A self-proclaimed “toilet scholar” weighs in.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: He’s a baseball pitcher

    ACHINESS CROP HERTZ

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

    Cheers to Gerry Dinon, who solved Sunday’s anagram: Kylian MbappĂ©. The French soccer star condemned a Paraguayan senator over racist remarks she made following Paraguay’s loss to France in the round of 16 at the World Cup game in Philadelphia.

    Plus: Two soccer hopefuls from Kensington got the full World Cup experience, including getting to meet Mbappé.

    Photo of the day

    National League Futures manager Shane Victorino (center) takes a selfie with members of his team before the 2026 All-Star Futures game in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 12, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ story

    Think back to a night that changed your life and could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

    This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Michael Leibrandt, who describes gridlock in Philly:

    If you call yourself a true Philadelphian you are used to spending time in some traffic gridlock. We’re not just one of the most congested cities in America, but in the world. By the time that I was an adolescent it was a part of almost any trip that I took around the city. But for a chance to take in a fun weekend trip in North America’s oldest planned city, my father never complained.

    Sometime around the late 1960s, the days of Philadelphia winning championship after championship were over. What would follow was the relocation of professional sports to South Philadelphia. Attending an Eagles home game on a Sunday afternoon? Better leave early.

    Now, Governor Josh Shapiro, in cooperation with the Parker Administration, has announced a $30 million project intended to improve the traffic patterns around the sports complex including a new I-76 ramp, an expansion of I-95 access, a hub for traffic operations located in the complex, even new AI traffic signals.

    It’s hard to imagine what Philly would be like without the traffic. After all — if you were traveling through Philadelphia in the summer of 1776 — you were almost certainly equally as frustrated with bulky horse-drawn carriages rumbling slowly through cobblestone streets. That must have been a whole other level of aggravation.

    👋 Bye all! Have a good one!

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

  • đŸ¶ The art of finding lost dogs | Morning Newsletter

    Rise and shine, Philly. We’re promised mostly sunny skies with a high near 85.

    Our Sunday read is about a Delco woman who spends her free time locating stubbornly lost dogs in the Philly area.

    And a local business got its start by making dinners for doctors. Now it’s selling thousands of meals a week.

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

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

    Closing in on canines

    They call her the Delco Dog Detective, but her real name is Colleen Bell, and she has a true passion for tracking down pups in distress in the Philadelphia region.

    By Bell’s estimates, she has recovered nearly 1,000 dogs over the last 14 years, using her own unique methods to accomplish the mission.

    Two years ago, Bell created the nonprofit GoodBoy Dog Recovery to facilitate the growing costs of the operation. But she’s not in it for the money or fame, reports The Inquirer’s Dana Munro.

    “She does it purely for a love of the game, the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of capturing a petrified pup, and the fulfillment of reuniting it with a frenzied family,” Munro writes.

    In Bell’s own words: “We never stop until we catch the dog.”

    Read the full story here.

    ‘Bursting at the seams’

    Home Appétit traces its humble beginnings to a Center City apartment in 2013. This year, the meal delivery company is on track to rake in $10 million in revenue.

    🛒 What it does: Brings roughly 16,000 to 20,000 fully prepared meals a week within a 50-mile radius, according to founder and CEO Lee Wallach.

    🛒 Next up: A move to a former catering facility in East Falls in September. It’s currently operating out of a space off City Avenue in West Philly.

    Business reporter Ariana Perez-Castells has the story on why Home Appétit grew as some competitors fizzled.

    What you should know today

    This week in history

    đŸŽ€ Here’s Tommy Rowan with a look back at the legalization of bingo in Pennsylvania.

    Despite its proliferation across charitable events and senior centers, bingo is considered gambling.

    And it wasn’t always legal.

    But on July 10, 1981, Republican Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh signed the Bingo Law.

    It was time to crack down on the ping-pong-ball pullers. Read on for the full story.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Despite the blowout loss, the USMNT-Belgium World Cup game drew more than:

    A) 65 million viewers

    B) 100 million viewers

    C) 50 million viewers

    D) None of the above

    Think you know? Check your answer.

    What we’re …

    🧅 Mesmerized by: Kibbeh nayyeh at Suraya, among the best things we ate this week.

    ☕ Loving: How the World Cup provided a sense of community at a University City coffee shop.

    🧳 Packing for: The perfect Jersey Shore weekend in Sea Isle and Strathmere.

    🏰 Admiring: The distinctly Philadelphia Victoriana architecture of an 1891 building that looks like a castle, a cathedral, and a factory.

    🌉 Learning: Before the Ben Franklin Bridge opened 100 years ago, Pennsylvania wanted to make it toll-free.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: French soccer star

    INKY MAPPABLE

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

    Cheers to Jimi Ogunneye, who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Patti LaBelle. “The Godmother of Soul” will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the MLB All-Star Game. But she won’t be the only local performer.

    One more All-Star story: We looked into how baseball’s midsummer celebration has transformed into a major-league merchandising machine.

    Photo of the day

    Amanda Caroccio (right) thought owning a home was out of reach for her as a single mom to 8-year-old Guiliana. She’s proud of her home in Haddonfield. “Purchasing this home has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life,” said Caroccio.Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    đŸŽ¶ Today’s song goes like this: “Nothing I can say / A total eclipse of the heart.” Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star Bonnie Tyler died last week. She was 75.

    One more musical thing: An old-fashioned Battle of the Bands is coming to Philly.

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ That’s it for now. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    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.

  • 🩅 My neighbor, the Eagle | Morning Newsletter

    Happy Saturday, Philly. Showers are possible today.

    A starstruck reader asked us for tips on how to calmly live next door to Super Bowl royalty.

    Plus, we have an update on El Niño, a look at who is behind the Trump-promoted stations selling cheap gas in the region, and our report card for this week in Philly news.

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

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

    What you should know today

    The Bird next door

    This week’s question is: A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. I have to pass by his house every time I drop off or pick up my son from daycare. And every time I inevitably stare at his house, and then tell myself “be cool, be cool.” I did one time throw a “Go Birds!” at him when he stopped his car to let me cross the sidewalk. How many more “Go Birds” do I get? Should we, as his new neighbors, pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    To tackle the situation, Inquirer reporters Earl Hopkins and Stephanie Farr first addressed the most important aspect: “One ‘Go Birds’ is enough,” said Hopkins. “(All right, maybe two.)”

    Overall, they suggested our dazzled reader lead with casual, friendly interactions, and strongly advised against fanatic behavior. For instance, don’t swarm the guy with jerseys at a neighborhood block party that he may or may not attend.

    Relative distance is also key. “It matters how close this person lives to the Eagles player,” Farr said.

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

    One viewpoint

    The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is examining a video from Phillies star Bryce Harper that FanDuel sent to a VIP with a gambling addiction.

    In this week’s Shackamaxon, Inquirer columnist Daniel Pearson unpacks Pennsylvania’s gambling dependence.

    “The more lawmakers in the Keystone State rely on gambling to pay our bills, the more complicit we are in the industry’s misdeeds,” Pearson writes.

    Read on for Pearson’s take, along with his perspectives on property tax assessments and state budget negotiations.

    📍 Find the location

    To celebrate the Benjamin Franklin Bridge turning 100, this week is all about bridges. We’ll show you a photo 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!TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

    Think you know where you can get this view? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Philly places and streets to the test. Check your answer.

    đŸ§© Unscramble the anagram

    Hint: “The Godmother of Soul”

    ALBEIT PALLET

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

    Cheers to Stacy Stone, who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: Rothman Orthopaedics. The large physician-owned group plans to open three new surgery centers over the next year and keep adding doctors in its Philadelphia-area market.

    We were there

    Staff photographer Monica Herndon captured Philly artist Paul Carpenter in his element, painting “a love letter to Philadelphia.”

    Carpenter went from painting Phillies murals in his bedroom to designing limited-edition aluminum bottles. Trending sports reporter Ariel Simpson has the story of how Carpenter is scaling up his artwork in South Philly.

    Somewhere on the internet in Philly

    🏈 A young Eagles fan asked Saquon Barkley a funny question during youth camp.

    ⛱ @bobbyfiler comically plays out motherly shenanigans down the Shore.

    🔬 Fairmount Water Works shows us the microscopic creatures living in one “scoop” of the Schuylkill.

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll catch up with you 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.

  • 🌊 Where flood risks rise | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    How are we doing, Outdoorsy friends?

    The atmosphere has been quite in flux, with dangerous steaminess and sogginess over the July Fourth weekend. Just over the bridge, Camden experienced what local officials called the worst flooding they have ever seen in the city.

    On the heels of yet another flood watch for parts of our region, we’re taking a look at the Philadelphia area’s most flood-prone waterways.

    Plus:

    • Rowing abroad: A team of local breast cancer survivors are taking their oars across seas.
    • It’s getting hotter: Climate change is pushing summers in July to new heights.
    • Your outdoorsy experience: We missed a good farmers market! A reader tells us about her favorite.

    ☂ Saturday showers are possible, but we should be otherwise dry, though our soils need more moisture.

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

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

    Flood zones

    Flooding is a perennial threat in the Philadelphia region, so we set out to pinpoint where they happen most often, and therefore are most likely to happen.

    According to an Inquirer analysis, the top two in the last 20 years are:

    🌊 The East Branch Brandywine Creek below Downingtown, which registered 33 major and moderate floods.

    🌊 The Delaware River at Burlington, which saw seven major and 19 moderate floods.

    Explore our map to see more of our area’s most flood-prone waterways, and learn how funding plays a role in monitoring and operating the tools that track this information.

    News worth knowing

    🌳 Your outdoorsy experience

    We recently talked about the area’s best farmers markets. Clare Cosenza wrote in to tell us about one that we missed:

    In your list of best farmers markets, I didn’t see any Bucks County markets represented. I would like to introduce you to one that many consider a gem.

    It’s Wrightstown Farmer’s Market, located at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds in Wrightstown. Supported by the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, these dedicated volunteers organize not only vendors but music entertainment, activities for the kids, and donations for local food banks.

    Thanks, Clare!

    đŸ“„ I want to hear from the rest of you: What are you doing outside this summer? Is there a fun trail we should check out? Do you have a favorite swimming spot? Tell me about it. You may see your memories and stories featured here. (Pictures, if you have them, are always welcome.)

    Rowing ‘like an athlete’

    đŸŽ€ Now we’re passing the microphone to sports editor Isabella DiAmore.

    It was Valentine’s Day 2022 when Shannan McConnell found a rash near her neck that felt like a lump. Then, everything went awry. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly began her treatment.

    There wasn’t much time to process what was happening to her, she says.

    McConnell is no longer in active treatment, and even though her doctors have told her, “you’re cancer free — you can put this behind you,” she can’t. Many cancer survivors can’t, she says. However, for the past three years, McConnell has found an outlet that has given her strength and community. It’s paddling in a boat with a group of women.

    WeCanRow-Philadelphia is a rowing program through Whitemarsh Boat Club for breast cancer survivors. The Philly chapter is supported through the Survivor Rowing Network, which has more than 30 participating programs around the nation. It came to Philly in 2018 and currently has 46 members. — Isabella DiAmore

    Go, WeCanRow! They’re traveling to the United Kingdom for a competition this weekend. Keep reading their story here.

    Paola’s picks

    đŸ„” A song: “Too Hot” by Kool & The Gang.

    💡 A set of tips: Know the symptoms and treatment for dehydration and heat exhaustion.

    đŸ“± A text service: The Shore Line is a fun bite-size dispatch from down the Shore.

    👟 An inspiration: This Philly man’s record-setting run across Pennsylvania.

    đŸ« An activity: Blueberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards (Saturday, $11), and visit Calder Gardens (Philly residents get free admission through July).

    A flowing view

    Breathe in…and breathe out. I caught this small pond at the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing.Paola PĂ©rez

    đŸ‘‹đŸœ Stay safe out there, and I’ll catch up with you again 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.