⚽ Where’s the World Cup surge we were promised?

Staying Safe at the Jersey Shore

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to hit the beach. To keep residents and tourists safe, several shore towns have released updated policies on curfews, backpacks, and rowdy behavior. [WHYY]

• Related: Keep these new curfews in mind when you’re deciding which shore town to spend your summer at. We share our top recommendations that are perfect for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Will the World Cup Be a Moneymaker or a Flop?

That’s depending on who you ask. While New York is attracting big spenders, other host cities like Philadelphia aren’t seeing the promised surge of bookings for swanky hotel and hospitality packages. The cost for a ticket to the games — Brazil’s match against Haiti in Philly starts at $2,280 — may be pricing out and turning off interested soccer fans. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]

Proposed LNG Plant in Port Richmond on Hold

The Philadelphia Gas Commission rejected Philadelphia Gas Works’ request to replace and expand a natural gas liquifier. The utility is concerned about a plant failure that could drive up costs, hence the replacement, while critics question the cost and potential health effects. [Metro Philadelphia]

• Related: This is another win for environmentalists in Port Richmond, a neighborhood with a history of sites polluting the area. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

A Tale of Two Lawmakers

State Rep. Chris Rabb and State Sen. Sharif Street have served in Harrisburg for nearly a decade. While the congressional candidates have aligned on almost every policy, they have distinctly different methods of pushing legislation forward that could affect their time in Washington – if one of them win the seat. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Need a cheat-sheet for this election? Here’s our last-minute voters’ guide. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

It’s warming up in Philly! Rising temps may have you eager to grab a swimsuit and head down to the Jersey Shore, but there are plenty of opportunities to splash around this spring and summer in the city itself. As we wait for the city to reopen our pools and spraygrounds (help them open quicker by becoming a lifeguard), here’s where to relax by the water.

FDR Park

1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad St.

Discovery Pathways offers free community boating on Saturdays now through Oct. 17. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for 30-minute rides. Instruction is provided, so beginners are welcome! No signup required. The organization also hosts free family fishing every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum, hosts community paddle boating at FDR Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Upcoming activities are on May 16, June 6, July 18, and Aug. 15.

Glen Foerd

5001 Grant Ave.

Over in Torresdale, you can boat along the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis on select days through September.

Kleinheinz Pond

41 Tookany Creek Pkwy, Cheltenham, PA

Just outside of Philadelphia and a short walk from the Regional Rail’s Cheltenham Station, you can learn to fish. The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, which covers both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, teaches fishing lessons on Tuesday evenings from now through Sept. 15. Rods, tackle, bait, and instruction are provided. Visit the site’s calendar two weeks before your preferred event date to register.

Penn’s Landing

211 S. Columbus Blvd.

The Independence Seaport Museum leads several kayak excursions along the Delaware River. This includes an introductory lesson ($25), a 2-3 mile excursion ($65), and a 6-mile excursion ($75). The museum also offers special events such as an ecotour, teaching about the river’s ecosystem and how to better the environment, and a morning paddle paired with coffee.

You can also head to Penn’s Landing Marina and rent a swan boat during the day or night, taking in the views of the harbor.

📣 Emily M. has another pasta recommendation for Philly: “I'd have to recommend Murph's Bar in Fishtown for pasta. It's an Irish bar but they have an Italian chef that makes some of the best pasta and other Italian specialties in the city. You can't go wrong with any of the pastas, and don't sleep on the arancini if they're on the menu. Also, it's cash only!”

Thanks, Emily! For other food recommendations, check out our list of the latest openings in the city.