Breaking down the race to replace Mary Jo Daley | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, a high school football merger is in the works.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
Four candidates are vying for a chance to represent local residents in the state House in Tuesday’s primary. Here’s what to know about each and what else you can expect on your ballot. Also this week, the school district has taken its first step toward merging its high school football programs, a man who died protecting his mother from armed burglars was given a posthumous award for heroism, plus, how a popular bagel shop plans to rebuild after a second gas explosion.
Inquirer Lower Merion
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The primary election is Tuesday and voters will be casting a ballot for who will likely next represent them in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Four candidates are vying to replace State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, who will retire at the end of her current term. With no Republicans running for office in the Democratic stronghold, Tuesday’s victor has a clear path to representing the 148th state House district.
The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner and Fallon Roth break down what you need to know about each hopeful.
🗳️ Here’s everything else you need to know before heading to the polls.
Lower Merion and Harriton High Schools are one step closer to merging their football programs after parents have pushed for months for them to join forces. Among the concerns that led them to advocate for the move are smaller rosters that often mean more playing time — and more potential injuries.
On Monday, the school board voted to approve a cooperative between the two teams for the 2026-27 school year, which must be approved by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to move forward.
While many details remain up in the air, here’s what we know so far.
💡 Community News
Andrew Gaudio, the man who died trying to protect his mother during an armed break-in of their Wynnewood home in December 2024, was honored posthumously yesterday for his sacrifice, The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella reports. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele awarded him a civilian commendation for heroism, a rare accolade given to those who have “acted in extraordinary ways to help stop crime and catch criminals,” Steele said.
Lower Merion commissioners voted last week on their intent to adopt an ordinance increasing future members’ compensation from the decades-long rate of $4,000 annually to $6,000. The pay increase would begin for those elected to serve starting in January 2028. The goal is to support board diversity and offset incurred expenses, such as childcare or transportation.
Narberth police are warning residents about increased vehicle thefts, particularly of cars with push-to-start or keyless entry systems. The department suggests using visible deterrents or signal-blocking pouches for key fobs.
The township was among the recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, earning recognition in the Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices category for Ardmore House II. The senior affordable housing project, which broke ground in September, will have 48 apartments for people 62 and older who earn anywhere from 20% to 60% of the area median income or lower. It’s expected to open late this year.
Bryn Mawr Hospital and Lankenau Medical Center both received an “A” in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report, which was released last week. The organization assesses a hospital’s ability to protect patients from medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections.
🏫 Schools Briefing
In case you missed it, on Monday, Lower Merion’s school board said it would consider imposing limits on screen time in school after parents have pushed back against technology use in the classroom. Parents won’t be able to opt their kids out of school-issued devices, though, The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna reports.
Keystone and International Baccalaureate testing continues for select students. Today is the fourth grade Junior Olympics, and tonight is Lower Merion High School’s senior showcase concert. There are school board committee meetings today and tomorrow and a school board meeting Monday night. Saturday is Lower Merion High School’s senior prom and Monday is Black Rock’s eighth grade student promotion party. There’s no school Tuesday for professional development. See LMSD’s full calendar here.
The current school year may not be over yet, but LMSD is already gearing up for fall sports. Fall athletes must have a physical dated after May 1 with documents submitted no later than Aug. 1. Students can sign up to have one at Harriton High School next Thursday. Learn more here.
🍽️ On our Plate
Kosher bagel bakery New York Bagels near City Avenue was rocked by its second gas explosion in as many months on Sunday, the same day it was slated to reopen. The latest explosion damaged most of the shop and is currently being investigated by the fire department. Despite the setback, owner Rayyan Kayyali is determined to reopen the business.
GET Cafe, an inclusive organization that provides opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, is expanding to a bigger space at 301 Haverford Ave., just down the block from its current location. The new space will have a full commercial kitchen and expand the organization’s workforce development support and therapeutic staffing. A timeline for its opening hasn’t been announced yet.
Several months after relocating from Manayunk to Bryn Mawr, gluten-free bakery Flakely is hosting a grand opening tomorrow at 10 a.m., complete with free pop-tarts for the first 100 people.
🎳 Things to Do
🍿 Sabine Park Family Movie Night: Catch an outdoor screening of the beloved 2009 animated film Up. ⏰ Friday, May 15, 7:30 p.m. (Rain date: May 16) 💵 Free 📍 Sabine Park
🍀 Clover Market: Browse goods from over 90 vendors, listen to music, and grab a bite from on-site food trucks. ⏰ Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
🍷 Wine and Wander: Sample four wines while wandering Stoneleigh’s grounds after hours. ⏰ Tuesday, May 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 $65 for members, $75 for non-members 📍 Stoneleigh
🎸 Bob Dylan Birthday Bash: Forty performers will perform 40 songs ahead of the music icon’s birthday. ⏰ Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m. 💵 $26.91 📍 Ardmore Music Hall
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1929 and recently updated, this five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom stone Colonial blends past and present. Some of the home’s features include a modern kitchen with a large island, high-end appliances, and an eye-catching backsplash; a primary suite with dual closets and a shower with a rain head; and two outdoor living spaces, including a covered side porch. There are open houses today from 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $1.775M | Size: 4,929 SF | Acreage: 0.41
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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