Good morning, Philly.
Today, we’re digging into Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new executive order restricting data center development in Pennsylvania. We also cover why a wave of longtime Philadelphia-area restaurateurs are calling it quits.
Read more Inside a couple’s ‘peaceful retreat’ of a home | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, someone in a Chucky-style mask is harassing pedestrians near City Hall, and more news of the day.
Finally, a housekeeping note: I’m officially taking the helm of this newsletter most weekdays. My inbox is open if you ever feel moved to chat about something I write!
— Laura Benshoff ([email protected])
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
Data center retreat
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a sweeping executive order imposing new regulations on data centers on Tuesday.
The restrictions stop short of a full-blown moratorium, but they could effectively halt developments by requiring local approval before state permits are issued.
The move represented a major pivot for Shapiro, who is up for reelection this year and long-rumored to be a Democratic presidential contender in 2028.
Just last year, he touted helping Pennsylvania land a major Amazon project to build data centers in Bucks and Luzerne Counties.
Since then, such developments have grown increasingly unpopular. In one recent poll by Quinnipiac University, 76% of registered Pennsylvania voters said they would oppose a data center in their communities.
Reporter Gillian McGoldrick has the full story.
A ‘gray wave’ for restaurants
The Pub in Pennsauken. Kelly’s Seafood in Northeast Philly. Cherry Street Tavern in Logan Square. Around the region, a spate of decades-old bars and restaurants are either for sale or closing their doors for good.
📊 The numbers: These high-profile changes don’t spell doom for the local food scene. The Inquirer counted 86 Philadelphia-area restaurant closings in 2025. A hundred are expected to open in 2026. Some churn is normal.
🧑🍳 The reality: Often, generational turnover is driving the decision to sell or close up shop. “The parents retire and the children don’t want to get into the business — because it’s a hard business,” said one longtime liquor-licensing attorney.
Food writer Mike Klein covers what’s next for these institutions.
What you should know today
-
A former Penn State student accused of trafficking cocaine out of fraternity houses has turned himself in.
-
Police are looking for leads on a man in a horror-movie mask who’s been harassing — and chasing — pedestrians near City Hall. Stay safe out there.
-
A 129-unit affordable-apartment building is slated for development near Temple University.
Read more 78-year-old man killed in North Philly triple shooting
-
Lower Merion school officials voted to scale back the use of screens in classrooms, particularly for early grades.
-
Kennett Square is cracking down on Airbnbs, passing a local ordinance to cap the total number at fewer than two dozen.
-
Poe’s Sandwich Joint is out as the food vendor at Human Robot Brewing in Olde Kensington. Cantina La Martina is stepping in.
Quote of the day
Michella Crosby, a West Philly block captain, noticed that the kids on her street seemed hungry during summer break. So, she and her neighbors took matters into their own hands.
Reporter Ximena Conde profiled community leaders providing an estimated one million free summer meals in Philadelphia this year.
🧠Trivia time
What’s the name of Comcast’s new AI home security system?
A) Comcast Guardian
B) Xfinity Shield
C) SpectacorAI
D) Xfinity Defend
Think you know? Check your answer.
What (or who) we’re …
🎨 Watching: This video following a new mural celebrating Black dance pioneers as it takes shape in Grays Ferry.
🍽️ Eating: Corned beef, smoked fish, and rye bread from Steve Stein’s Famous Deli, before it closes for good.
💊 Researching: Whether GLP-1’s help with alcohol use disorder.
✍️ Congratulating: Mark Tatulli, the South Jersey cartoonist who just won the highest award in his field.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: This South Philly taqueria is adding a second location.
OAT RACHET
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Carol Basile, who correctly guessed Tuesday’s answer: Phanatic Smoothie. This new Wawa menu item tastes like a “World Series win with a sprinkling of Mets’ tears,” according to one customer.
Photo of the day
Thank you for hanging with The Inquirer this morning. I’m off tomorrow but will be back in your inboxes on Friday. Cheers!
A clarification: Yesterday’s newsletter unclearly characterized the affiliations of those accused in an alleged Penn State drug ring. All but one were students at the time the suspected ring was active.
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.
Read more The Cheltenham school board has appointed Chris McGinley as interim superintendent